Myth: All Prescription Drugs Are Safe Drugs

MYTH: All prescription drugs are safe drugs.

FACT: Prescription drugs can be as addictive as illicit drugs. Drug abuse is especially dangerous for young adults, who suffer from almost five deaths per day from a prescription drug overdose. ADHD medications, narcotics, and anti-anxiety medications are among the most commonly abused.

 

Abbey’s Recovery Story

If you or a friend are struggling with substance abuse or other mental health problems, please call 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Abbey began drinking alcohol in high school, and after being prescribed Vicodin by her dentist, became addicted to opioids. By the time she entered college, she had started using heroin regularly. “I pleaded with myself and cried on a daily basis because I wanted to stop using, but my addiction would not allow me to stop,” she said.

However, when she was a freshman in college, Abbey had the choice to enter a rehabilitation center for a month. Although her addiction was telling her not to go, she said yes. The detox process was difficult, but she was able to complete it with the help of supportive, kind counselors. Once she left the center, Abbey was desperate to stay clean and continued to get treatment for her disease. She has been sober since 2013.

Abbey’s message to the world is, “It is possible to recover. Any addict can stop using, lose the desire to use, and find a new way of life.”

Source: https://www.justthinktwice.gov/true-stories/abbey-zorzi-22-heroin