Prescription Drug Abuse

Drug Abuse Drug overdoses have killed over 112,000 Americans from May 2022 to May 2023. Addiction is a condition where people have a strong need for a substance, this could be alcohol, or drugs. Addiction is considered a disability or disease. Addiction came around in the early 20th century. Adolescence is a sensitive period for substance use. The use of drugs by adolescents has been associated with overestimating normal standards of drug use, specific motivations for drug use, and negative life events, all have been linked to more problematic patterns. There are two categories of drugs, over the counter drugs and prescription drugs. Over the counter drugs can be purchased in stores without a prescription. Over the counter drugs are mostly …show more content…
However, it is important to remember that over the counter drugs can be used just like prescription drugs. Prescription drugs are purchased at a pharmacy and require a medical prescription written for that patient. The doctor must examine the patient and conclude that a certain drug will help the patient's condition before writing the prescription. When the drug is prescribed, it is up to the patient to follow directions and take the medicine correctly. Federal and state laws control prescription drugs. These laws dictate how the drugs are prescribed, sold, and used. A drug's potential to be abused or to cause addiction is one reason why it may be available only by prescription. Drugs that have a high potential for abuse are under special regulation by the government. Which are called controlled substances, the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) states the law for all different drugs. The law places rugs on five different lists, called schedules. They are categorized based on their medical usefulness and potential for abuse. The schedules rank drugs from one to …show more content…
Schedule 2 drugs do have medical uses, but can still be easily abused. This category includes opium, morphine, fentanyl, and methadone. Once prescribed, these drugs can be refilled without going to the doctor and getting a new prescription. Drugs in Schedules 3, 4, and 5 have better medical uses and are less addictive. Some drugs in this schedule are codeine and ketamine. Presidents have been paying attention to the drug policy since the 1970s. With Richard Nixon declaring a “war on drugs” and creating the DEA or the Drug Enforcement Administration. Ronald Reagan established the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. Nancy Reagean made drug awareness a priority. The legalization of medical and recreational marijuana by state has complicated drug policy. By lifting the ban on illegal drugs will increase substance abuse and addiction rates, moving us to lost productivity, public health problems, and an increase in crime rates. The war on drugs has cost more than billions. Proposals to improve the US drug policy include harsher penalties, legalizing recreational drugs, and decriminalizing small amounts of

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