Every year there are millions of people in the United States who abuse prescription drugs. According to the Internet site Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States, everyday there are 44 people who die from an overdose of prescription painkillers (1). Over the past few years, ER visits and drug facilitation admissions have increased exceptionally from prescription drug abuse. Prescription drugs are drugs prescribed by a doctor for a patient, and most often are purchased from a pharmacy. Pharmacists prescribe these medications for patients with specific medical conditions. They take serious consideration when determining the types of medication to give. Prescription drugs have many benefits and when used properly by a patient can help …show more content…
The most commonly abused are the following types of medications: opioids, central nervous system (CNS) depressants, and stimulants. Opioids are high dosage pain relieving drugs such as hydrocodone and oxycodone. CNS depressants, such as Xanax or Valium, are often used to treat patients with anxiety or sleep disorders. Drugs used to treat deficit disorders and also narcolepsy are Stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin. Each type of prescription drug can cause different side effects especially depending on the person. Due to the different effects the drugs can have, many celebrities are examples what can happen when taking prescription drugs in the wrong way. While some can live to tell their stories, there are others who unfortunately cannot. Celebrities such as Kelly Osbourne and Jamie Lee Curtis openly speak about their battles with prescription drugs and how they have affected their lives. The following celebrities: Anna Nicole Smith, Heath Ledger, and Marilyn Monroe, are examples of those who partook in the dangers of prescription drugs without realizing the consequences. These drugs can cause devastating, life altering effects most people do not