The primary drug threats in the US
Every year, the DEA publishes their annual report regarding the distribution, importation, and trafficking of illegal substances into and throughout the US. Up until the past several years, the primary drug threats revealed in their annual reports were:
- amphetamines or methamphetamines
- cocaine in crack or powder form
- heroin
- marijuana
- MDMA’s (more commonly known as “club” or “date rape” drugs – e.g. Ecstasy, GHB, or Rohypnol)
Within recent years, a new group has been added to the DEA’s list of primary drug threats, namely prescription drugs. Over the past several years, prescription drug abuse has become more popular and prevalent in society which has lead to the implementation of rehab programs that deal specifically with these specific medications.
Prescription drug abuse is defined as the use of a prescription medication when it has not been prescribed for you or taking it in doses that is more than what was prescribed. In other words, it means taking prescription drugs recreationally. This can lead to addiction and some very serious physical and psychological health consequences. The most commonly abused prescription medications include:
- Opioid-based analgesics (painkillers) – hydrocodone and oxycodone
- Central nervous system depressants – barbiturates and benzodiazepines
- Stimulants – amphetamines and appetite depressants
All of these prescription drugs are powerfully addictive and the prolonged abuse of them will eventually lead to addiction and the need to enter an addiction treatment and recovery center.
There are numerous prescription drug abuse programs to consider such as the out-patient format or the long-term or short-term in-patient or residential format. So what is the difference between all of these? An out-patient program allows the individual to return home in the evenings and is ideal for anyone whose abuse issues involve one or more of the following elements:
- they do not have the financial means to pay for an in-patient program
- they are the sole guardian or parent of children living in the home
- they are pursuing their education or are working a full-time job
Conversely, the in-patient prescription drug abuse or addiction program requires that you move into the facility and live there until you have overcome your condition and are cleared to leave and return to society or continue recovering in a sober living facility.
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