Abuse of illegal drugs can be risky and even fatal, but abuse of legal drugs is also an extraordinary problem.
More than 21 million Americans have abused prescription drugs, such as painkillers, sleeping pills and tranquilizers, at least once in their lives. Alcohol and tobacco alone claim more lives than all illegal drugs combined. Death from automobile and other accidents as a result of drinking is a particular risk.
Like alcoholics, drug abusers can be hard to treat because they often deny their addiction — even when it threatens to destroy their lives.
What To Do About Drug Problems
Once a person acknowledges his or her drug problem, treatment will depend on the type and severity of the addiction. If you believe you have a drug problem and tried to stop using but could not, call a drug treatment program or professional right away. Remember that it is difficult to overcome drug abuse on your own. Help is available.
If you detect any symptoms of a drug problem in a family member or friend and suspect drug abuse, call your doctor or an established help organization for referrals to professionals or clinics that specialize in drug treatment.
Successful recovery programs aim to establish social support, enhance self-esteem and teach ways to avoid situations that can trigger relapse. Most people who enter such programs recover successfully.
