Prescription medication or “pharmaceutical” addiction is rising at an alarming rate. In fact, the Los Angeles Times reports that accidental pharmaceutical overdoses now outpace auto accidents as a cause of death. Why is pharmaceutical addiction so insidious? Leaving aside the fact that many prescribed drugs are incredibly addictive, those who take such medications often erroneously believe that these drugs are safe because they are prescribed by a physician and regulated by the FDA. It is true that medications such as Xanax, Oxycontin, Klonopin and Vicodin have valid medical uses. However, they are highly addictive and prone to abuse by those who take them, particularly those who take them long term for pain conditions. They can be deadly when mixed with other medications, including over the counter drugs or alcohol.
