Prescription painkiller abuse has become a significant problem in America in recent years due to the rising use of opioid-based medications for chronic health conditions. Many people working in the addiction field believe that the fact opiate medications are initially prescribed by physicians has made the problem somehow “acceptable”.

Many adults struggling with substance use disorder have been dealing with the illness since a young age. This is an increasing problem in America that is leading more and more people into rehab than ever before. But why are teens becoming more susceptible to using drugs these days?

Dependency can be reliance on a substance, activity or person where an individual treats something or someone as more important than themselves.

Dependency can be reliance on a substance, activity or person where an individual treats something or someone as more important than themselves.

Dependency can be reliance on a substance, activity or person where an individual treats something or someone as more important than themselves.

Addiction and mental illness often go hand-in-hand. However, it is not always clear which condition preceded the other and each individual patient is different in this respect. Nevertheless, the fact remains that the majority of people with drug or alcohol addiction disease are also suffering with another mental disorder such as depression or anxiety. These cases are known as ‘dual-diagnosis’ and it is absolutely crucial to identify both conditions and treat them separately in order to heal them.

Opioids and heroin have specific effects on the brain that can make them particularly difficult drugs to detox naturally. According to research, there are a few natural opioids produced by the body including endorphins that effect specific protein receptors in the brain to give a feeling of wellbeing. This is the reason why physical activity often gives you a buzz or ‘high’ feeling.

Dependency can be reliance on a substance, activity or person where an individual treats something or someone as more important than themselves.

Dependency can be reliance on a substance, activity or person where an individual treats something or someone as more important than themselves.

Addiction to prescription drugs is becoming an increasingly large problem in the US and that’s mainly because what initially starts out as a necessary course of medication for genuine pain management can easily trigger damaging and unhealthy behaviors in people. The issue is further clouded by the fact it is almost an enabled addiction, as these are not street drugs or narcotics but medications that are commonly and legally used in daily life.