According to a research updated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, prescription drug abuse is a serious emerging problem in the United States. In 2006, they have found approximately 7.0 million persons used psychotherapeutic drugs non-medically which is 2.8 percent of the U.S. Population. They also found that 5.2 million persons used pain relievers, 1.8 million persons used tranquilizers, 1.2 million persons used stimulants and 0.4 million people used sedatives. Abuse of prescription drugs is more among adolescents.
The prescription drugs are broadly available in the medicine cabinet, on Internet, and physicians. The misunderstanding about the safety of prescription medications makes them more prone to abuse. It is also reported that people who abuse prescription drugs are also prone to high degree of other risky behaviors like abuse of other drugs and alcohol. So, prevention of prescription drug abuse is an important aspect.
Prescription drug abuse by adolescents is acquiring the attention of parents, educators, and community officials. There are many good approaches for parents, schools, medical professionals, and law enforcement agencies to oppose the abuse.
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