Prescription Drug Addiction
Prescription drug addiction is one of the less talked about addictions due to its legal nature but that doesn’t mean it isn’t life-destroying. If you feel your addiction is causing you great distress physically and mentally or know any loved ones who have changed due to prescription drugs, reach out to our team to get help today.
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Prescription drug addiction is more common than people think. Prescribed by doctors and medical professionals, prescription drugs are first given for a legitimate reason that could help benefit someone. Although these drugs are made to better someone, people can become addicted easily.
Similar to other drugs, prescription drugs have addictive qualities, which is why people end up becoming reliant on them. Prescription drug misuse can happen by accident, with many people being unaware that their bodies are building a tolerance to them. Just like harsh, class-A drugs such as heroin, ketamine and cocaine, prescription drugs are incredibly dangerous when you become addicted and have a number of negative effects both physically and mentally.
It can be a big problem when you realise you’re addicted to prescription drugs, and although they were originally given to better your health, they can end up making it worse. Medications are given out by doctors with the aim of helping you – when your intake takes a turn for the worse and you become dependent on what you’ve been prescribed, issues arise.
If you’ve been given prescription drugs and found that you’re misusing them daily, now is the time to get the right help. Overcoming drug addiction is never easy, at AnorMed, we understand that. With an array of services available, we use specialist methods, programmes and drug addiction treatment to help you. Continue reading to find out more about what we offer.
Signs Of Prescription Drug Addiction
Antidepressants, painkillers and fat-loss tablets are three of the most common prescription drugs that get misused. Prescription drug abuse can have serious consequences, with an increase in emergency room visits and overdose deaths – all of which were prescription drug-related.
When you’re prescribed drugs, becoming addicted to them is the last thing on your mind. At AnorMed, we understand the difficulties people face and have a no judgement policy – all our patients are encouraged to speak openly about their drug misuse and addiction.
With an array of prescription drugs being given out by hospitals and general practices daily, it’s hard to know which ones end up turning into an addiction. Some of the most common prescription drugs are:
- Co-Codamol
- Amphetamine
- Oxycodone
- Diazepam
- Codeine
- Opioid (Buprenorphine)
- Alprazolam
- Hydrocodone
Behavioural changes can be a clear indicator of whether someone is becoming addicted to prescription drugs. Taking a higher dosage of medication than what you were originally prescribed, finding ways to get the same drug illegally, frequently switching doctors and trying to get prescription refills earlier than usual are all major signs that you’re dependent on prescription drugs.
When you’re addicted to prescription drugs, it can be hard to decipher the signs that show addiction. If you or a loved one are having any of these physical or mental effects, it could be that they’re being caused by prescription drug misuse.
- High blood pressure
- Impulsivity
- Lacking eye-coordination
- Breathing issues
- Slurred speech
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Memory issues
- Bad sleeping habits
- Mood swings
Prescription Drug Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawing from drugs is never an easy process, but with the right treatment and support for prescription drug addiction, you’ll be able to detox safely. Similar to an alcoholic, prescription drug addicts crave the feeling they get from taking these substances, and although it can feel impossible to wean off them, it is possible with the right addiction treatment at our AnorMed clinic.
Depending on the drug that you’ve been prescribed, symptoms of withdrawal can differ. Stimulant drugs, nervous system depressants and opioids all give different withdrawal symptoms. The severity of withdrawal symptoms all depends on how much you’ve been taking per day.
With many prescription drug addicts getting their prescriptions from a hospital, it’s hard to see them end up back there suffering from withdrawal symptoms from the same drug they were given to help them. Withdrawal symptoms can vary, but the typical ones are:
- Excessive yawning
- Shaking uncontrollably
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Goosebumps
- Increased heart rate
- Muscle and joint aches
- Sweating more than usual
- Vomiting
- Dilated pupils
- Fatigue
Treatment For Prescription Drug Addiction
When it comes to overcoming prescription drug addiction, rehab is the best solution. Research shows that prescription drug rehab and treatment programmes work best to get patients medically treated. With both inpatient and outpatient rehab available at AnorMed, it’s easier than ever to get your life back on track.
Rehab works by undergoing detox to remove any substances from your body completely. Once the drugs are removed, you’ll work alongside our team of professionals who will treat you with a friendly, welcoming approach. Going cold turkey without any help from professionals could lead to seriously damaging injuries.
Going through the cold turkey phase alone without the right help could lead to seizures, and in the worst-case scenario – death. Withdrawing your body from something it’s been used to for so long can have effects on your body that you didn’t even consider. Getting the right treatment is crucial at this stage of your recovery journey.
Our team knows first-hand the importance of getting better and overcoming addiction, regardless of the drug. By contacting your local rehab centre, you’ll be taking the first initial step that you need to take in order to better yourself. Having reviewed the outcome of past patients, we can guarantee that our expert methods work.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that there are a few questions that arise in regard to prescription drugs and addiction. If you or a loved one is experiencing addiction or withdrawal symptoms and need any additional information, read our most commonly asked questions. Alternatively, call a member of our team or email us to find out more.
What is prescription drug addiction, and how does it happen?
Prescription drug addiction occurs when individuals misuse or take medications not as prescribed, leading to physical and psychological dependence. These effects can happen due to prolonged use of prescription drugs, increasing tolerance, and the drugs’ addictive nature.
What are common signs of prescription drug addiction?
Common signs include taking higher doses than prescribed, frequent requests for refills, mood swings, secretive behavior, neglecting responsibilities, and using prescriptions from multiple doctors.
Can prescription drug addiction be treated, and what are the options?
Yes, prescription drug addiction can be treated. Treatment options include medical detox, behavioral therapies, counseling, support groups, and sometimes medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to aid recovery.
Are all prescription medications addictive?
Not all prescription medications are addictive, but some can be habit-forming if misused or taken for non-medical purposes. It is essential to follow prescribed dosages and consult with healthcare professionals to reduce the risk of addiction.
Helpful Prescription Drug Addiction Resources
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – https://www.drugabuse.gov/
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – https://www.samhsa.gov/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/index.html
- Partnership to End Addiction – https://drugfree.org/
- American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) – https://www.asam.org/
- Mayo Clinic – https://www.mayoclinic.org/
- MedlinePlus – https://medlineplus.gov/
- WebMD – https://www.webmd.com/
- Addiction Center – https://www.addictioncenter.com/
- DrugAbuse.com – https://drugabuse.com/
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