Why Prescription Drugs Are Worse

The dangers in drugs do not always lie in the illicit ones. Any kinds of drug medication, whether it is over-the-counter or prescription come with a safety hazard. Non-medical use of prescription is on the rise and so is the number of overdose. In fact, in the seven year period from 1999 to 2006, there was a 65 percent increase in the number of overdoses caused by prescription pain medications, specifically opioids, sedatives, and tranquilizers(Promises). And, in 2006, painkillers such as methadone and morphine claimed more lives than illicit drugs such as heroin and cocaine combined. Furthermore, studies have also shown a decrease in death and hospital visits from illegal drugs (CSS Firm). While there is legal and health consequence in consuming street drugs, there is no legal consequence as to how much one can consume prescription medicine which makes prescription drugs even more harmful.
Prescription medicine has the perception that it is safer to consume because it is prescribed by a doctor. Prescription drugs do not share the negative stigma as illegal drugs and is therefore more widely acceptable. In reality, it can just as addicting and dangerous (Promises). Prescription drugs are far more easily obtained. According to an article in USA Today, a survey was conducted that teens among 12 through 17 can easily obtain prescription medicine, mostly powerful painkillers such as Vicodin, OxyCotin and Ritalin (Kornblum). The survey also found that prescription medicine much more easily obtainable than beer, cigarettes and marijuana. While the source of obtaining the drugs is not mentioned, it is safe to say that prescription medicine earned its name as a “safe drug” therefore excluding the negative factor that could easily contribute to a potential addiction and health problem.
In the same article, USA Today also reports that the survey comes at a time where the use of non-medical use of prescription medicine rises, the use of illicit drugs is at an all-time... [continues]

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