Drug abuse continues to be on the rise in the United States. There is no single known reason that contributes to this unfortunate trend, but there are many cultural factors. Here we will look at why drug abuse is so popular in American society and how to get help if it’s affecting you.
Why is Drug Abuse So Common?
Unfortunately, drug and alcohol use has always been more common than people realize in the United States. However, in recent years, it seems to be on the rise again due to the popularity of certain drugs. Prescription drug abuse is at an all-time high, and extremely addictive drugs such as heroin and meth continue to plague our country. No two people struggling with addiction are the same, so there is no one reason why addiction is common, but there are common reasons for drug abuse among users. Some of the reasons people use drugs include:
- The desire for self-acceptance
- Social acceptance
- Stress relief
- Underlying mental illness
- Coping with past trauma
- Self-medication for a health problem
- Ease of access
Why is Prescription Drug Abuse So Common?
Lately, it seems like it’s difficult to watch the news and not hear about prescription drug abuse. An alarming number of people abuse the pills prescribed to them by medical professionals and develop unwanted dependencies on the addictive drugs.
Prescription drug abuse continues to rise in popularity for a number of reasons. Perhaps the most important reason prescription drug abuse is common is because doctors continue to prescribe medications that people abuse. Some of the most commonly prescribed and abused prescription drugs include:
- Oxycontin
- Oxycodone
- Hydrocodone
- Percocet
- Vicodin
- Suboxone
- Xanax
- Valium
While some people who abuse these drugs have always obtained the pills from illegal sources, such as street dealers, the vast majority of users were prescribed the medication at one time or another. Once the drugs are taken and the desirable effects are experienced, people are more likely to use the drugs beyond what is prescribed. As individuals continue to use the prescribed drugs, they may need to take more to feel the desirable effects as time goes on. From here, addiction can develop.
How to Get Help for Drug Abuse
If you or a loved one needs help for drug abuse, professional help is recommended. Withdrawal and detox can be unpleasant, difficult processes no one should have to experience alone. If you’re ready to get help for drug addiction, trust professionals with the experience and knowledge to make a long-lasting impact on your life. Professional intervention is found to prevent relapse more than transitioning into sobriety on your own.
Addiction Treatment at 12 Keys
At 12 Keys Rehab, we understand everyone struggling with addiction has a unique story. We don’t believe addiction is one-size-fits-all and therefore don’t plan treatment that way, either.
Our treatment center focuses on you as a whole individual and combines traditional treatment methods with modern techniques for the ultimate therapeutic experience. To understand where each client is in his or her own journey, we provide more individual counseling than almost every other treatment center in the United States. Our team includes medical staff and mental health professionals for the most comprehensive treatment available.
If you or a loved one are ready to seek help for addiction, contact us today. If you’d like to learn more about our unique approach to addiction treatment and personalized recovery plans, visit our website for further information.