The Stereotypical Drug Addict Has Changed

Prescription Drug Addiction on the Rise

The Stereotypical Drug Addict Has Changed

The Stereotypical Drug Addict Has Changed

Prescription Drug Addiction on the Rise
Prescription Drug Addiction Among Professionals on the Rise

For many years there has been a stigma that drug addicts are criminals, shady and non-functioning. Maybe they would be homeless, getting kicked out of their homes, and are alienated from their families. While all of this may contribute to who a drug addict is, there has been a shift in our society regarding who and what a drug addict is and looks like.

Stay at home moms, CEO’s of companies, doctors, lawyers, and therapists are all people whom we would seemingly see as not the typical drug addict; yet, they are. Drug addiction through the use of painkillers has become a popular alternative to the types of drugs that debilitate more quickly. People are able to function as addicts longer and therefore not have immediate consequences of their drug abuse.

It is disturbing to think that drug addiction has become so common that it is not uncommon to find out that your neighbor, spouse, relative, or co-worker has a drug problem. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has found that 48% of Americans use at least one prescription drug. I am sure that some of these people are not narcotic users, but some may be and that is an interesting statistic. The increase of admissions to prescription drug rehab for painkiller addiction is on the rise as a result.