Understanding How Prescription Drug Addiction Occurs
Did you know that according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in 2015 over 18 million people who were 12 years and older had abused prescription medication? These numbers are staggering and further show the fact that, when a person taking a prescription drug is not closely monitored, this consumption could spiral out of control into addiction very quickly.
It’s important to remember that prescription medication is initially prescribed with the best intentions. Often, doctors will prescribe it to a patient who has recently gone through surgery or experienced an injury. Unfortunately, instances occur when doctors aren’t able to keep accurate track of the dosage of this medication for a patient or the patient is able to manipulate different doctors into unknowingly feeding into their addiction.
Stimulants
If you suffer from a condition such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy, it’s not out of the ordinary for a doctor to prescribe certain stimulants to help you better manage your condition. Medications such as Adderall or Ritalin can help a person with this type of diagnosis to focus and feel more alert. However, there are several signs that this consumption may have crossed into a potentially dangerous category such as:
- Extreme increase in alertness or energy
- Fast breathing
- Increase in body temperature
- Increase in blood pressure
Opioids
Opioids are prescribed when a patient is suffering from pain. Examples of opioids can include:
- Fentanyl
- Meperidine (also known as Demerol)
- Codeine
- Oxycodone
The premise behind opioids is that the drug produces a feeling of euphoria which can help to block out the pain that the patient is feeling. However, these types of drugs are highly addictive. If you see any one of the following symptoms in a loved one or you find yourself consuming an opioid so you can experience them, you should seriously consider working through a recovery program:
- Constant headaches
- Nausea
- Changes in vision
- Confusion
- Stomach issues
- Problems breathing
Central Nervous System Depressants
Central Nervous System depressants fall into the category of barbiturates and benzodiazepines which can trigger a calming effect on your body. Examples of central nervous system depressants include:
- Klonopin
- Diazepam
- Xanax
Unfortunately, there are certain scary symptoms associated with an addiction to central nervous system depressants including:
- Paranoia
- Constipation
- Hallucinations
Withdrawing from central nervous system depressants can be particularly difficult due to the extreme cravings that you may feel. Similar to alcohol withdrawal or other drug withdrawals, we strongly encourage you not to attempt to go through this process without medical supervision.
Prescription Drug Detox and Rehab at Pacific Manor
One of the reasons why clients feel so comfortable coming to Pacific Manor is due to the fact that we do everything that we can to provide you with the tools that you need to work through your prescription drug addiction. We will recommend that you begin your treatment journey in detox so that you can remove the psychological and physical effects of your drug of choice. From there, we will help you to formulate a treatment plan that helps you to establish and maintain your sobriety.
The Pacific Manor team has helped countless clients over the years to overcome their addiction to prescription medication. Regardless of the genesis of your addiction, we can help you to address the various issues associated with the condition so that you can go on to live a healthier life. Do you want to learn more about our treatment options? Perhaps you’re a concerned family member and you would like more information about prescription drug abuse? Get in touch with us today at (888) 300-4370.
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