Abstract

Prescription drug abuse in America is responsible for over 70,000 deaths a year in the U.S. in 2017 and 2018. This issue is the result of Americans misusing prescribed drugs and medicine for personal use and illegal distribution. If started as a teenager prescription drug abuse can become an uphill battle for their later years. This study tackles the issues that are causing these numbers and found that there is a relationship between drug dealers and doctors who write illegal prescriptions and how Americans are getting their hands on these medications. This study also found that depression, lack of work/low income, to aid in scholastic success, influence in the music and entertainment culture and socioeconomic status are the biggest reasons many feel the need to misuse prescribed medications. Young adults (age 18 to 25) are the biggest abusers of prescription (Rx) opioid pain relievers, ADHD stimulants, and anti-anxiety drugs. Because of the steady rise of prescription drug abuse, physicians and pharmacist must require a stricter system when it comes prescribing patients medicine in order to stop the illegal distribution of these drugs throughout communities.

Year Manuscript Completed

Fall 2019

Senior Project Advisor

George Barton

Degree Awarded

Bachelor of Integrated Studies Degree

Field of Study

Agricultural Studies

Document Type

Thesis

Download

Share

COinS