Since the late 1990s, prescription use has increased in the U.S-----and with it, misuse and addiction (AARP). However, the elderly have become vulnerable amongst the overuse of opiates. Taking part in the opium war has made them a part of the common whom currently abuse opiates every year. There are ways to prevent the misuse of opiates and treatments to help the victims that suffer from addiction. However, millennials believe that this opium war can alter future society and continue to increase if prevention awareness does not arise. First of all, one must define the word ‘opiate’ before grasping the understanding of opiate addiction. “Opioids resemble chemical like substances in ones brain that attach to tiny parts on the nerves cells---opioid…show more content… “ It is a drug that is prescribed to treat acute pain in an individual's body. “Opioids are particularly effective for treating acute moderate-to-severe pain after surgery or trauma, and they are quintessential drugs in a physician's pharmacological toolbox for managing chronic pain” (NIH). Chronic pain has been one of the most common illness that has been affecting young adults. Because of the use of opiates, chronic pain has become sustainable, thus creating a advantage for the individuals who suffer from chronic pain every year. The common consumption of opioids can cause some negative effects in the future of one’s…show more content… Family, caregivers, and other whom are in an adicts life play a role to help prevent addiction. These individuals as well as the addicts need to take head upon the particular behaviors that may seem unusual to oneself. Some tips to prevent addiction are the following: be honest, get regular medical care, if anything seems unusual (such as behavior) tell a physician, and do not self-medicate (DrugRehab). To get treated there are many options available out there, but before deciding to get treated one must be screened for substance abuse. There are natural treatments that are right beneath one’s nose if medication use is last on the list. Family support and Behavioral therapy are two excellent options especially aimed for the elderly because some treatments can either be overwhelming due to the existing drugs already in use or treatment that is just not appropriate. Doctors and pharmisits should pay closer attention to the patients and the amount of refills that they are providing. “Doctors don’t seem to have any intention of curbing their prescriptions, especially since the elderly seem to suffer from so many chronic conditions. Pharmacists are also terribly lenient about the medication they dispense, despite the laws requiring them to turn away anyone who might be abusing prescription drugs” (Narconon). This situation can affect today's society due to the baby boomer
