Prescriptions
Pharmacies across America filled nearly 3 billion prescriptions last year. Considering those numbers, it’s not surprising that the National Survey on Drug Use found that approximately 6.3 million people had used prescriptions for non-medical purposes. Most prescription drug abuse involves pain relievers, followed by tranquilizers, stimulants and sedatives. You may have already noticed we gave special attention and information pages about certain prescription drugs. Oxycotin, Vicodin and Xanax are three of the most widely abused prescription drugs currently on the market, but there are dozens of others that people abuse and get hooked on. There are three basic categories of prescription medications that are abused: opioids, depressants and stimulants. Oxycotin and Vicodin are opiates, while Xanax and Valium fall in the depressants category. Commonly abused stimulants include Dexedrine and Ritalin.
Prescription Abuse
Abuse and continuous use of prescription drugs often becomes prescription addiction. Like any other addiction, such as alcohol or illegal street drugs, overcoming prescription addiction is much more likely in a structured treatment center. Prescription drug addiction has its own set of challenges because the original problem that the prescription was meant to treat may still exist. If you feel helpless to fight your prescription addiction alone, our treatment experts can help.
Treatment begins with detoxification and managing withdrawal symptoms. Opiates such as codeine, Dilaudid and Demerol can have severe withdrawal symptoms that often keep users from quitting on their own. Insomnia, diarrhea and restlessness are just a few symptoms that should be monitored by qualified associates. Withdrawal symptoms for depressants like ProSom and Valium can include excited thinking to the point of seizures. Withdrawal symptoms are usually the exaggerated reverse of the drug’s intended effect. Another example: the withdrawal symptoms for stimulants include a “crash” period of listlessness and depression along with physical complications.
Prescription Addiction and Dependency
If you, a family member or other loved one suffer from prescription addiction and dependency, there is help. Those suffering from prescription addiction have to spend a great deal of time and money acquiring the drugs while the rest of their life is ignored or destroyed. Thousands of people have changed this self-destructive cycle by seeking treatment.
Prescription Addiction Intervention
If you are reading this, it is NOT too late. Calls are confidential and anonymous. You may only need information – your loved one may need a drug abuse intervention.