It can even happen right under your nose. Your children, your parents, yourself – none of you are immune. Addiction to prescription pain medications is on the rise nationally and right here in Garrett County. It could already be lurking inside your home. Have you seriously considered how devastating addiction could be to those you hold most dear?
The fact is, most pain medication misusers and abusers steal drugs from people close to them. Others just take much higher doses more often of medications prescribed to them. These folks might not ever consider themselves an addict before it’s too late. The fact is, many young people in our community have already experimented with taking prescription medications when they don’t need them. This could quickly turn into a fast track leading to addiction. The fact is, many of you are already dealing with addicts or addiction. The fact is, we’re stronger together than we are alone.
What specific drugs are we talking about? Opioids refer to a family of drugs that are traditionally used to treat pain, depression and other conditions. They are common prescriptions found in many households. They go by complicated-sounding names like Vicodin, Oxycodone, Darvon, Dilaudid, Demorol and Fentanyl. Effects of their misuse aren’t complicated at all. Abuse of these drugs can be fatal.
If you suspect a friend or love one is quickly approaching the point of no return with prescription drugs, educating yourself is the best way to help them. If your family is experiencing the ravages of addiction, you don’t have to suffer alone.
