When it comes to addiction, there are no boundaries between alcohol and drug abuse. Pill addiction rates have been rapidly increasing over the last few years. Before becoming addicted, the majority of drug users pass through numerous stages. Drug addiction is a chronic neurological condition for which you need help.
Substance abuse may lead to the development of addiction, but pills used for medical treatment can also lead to health issues. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, almost 32 million people were actively using drugs in 2021.
Using these drugs can put you at a higher risk of severe health problems in the future like organ failure and cancer.
Abuse of Prescription Drugs
Drug addiction is classified as a chronic condition. Brain abnormalities and health issues caused by addiction can be permanent, so seeking treatment as soon as possible is essential to prevent further problems or even death.
Below are some of the most common drugs people become dependent on:
- Opioid-based painkillers include heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine.
- Prescription and nonprescription cold medications
- Anti-anxiety drugs, hypnotics, and sedatives (anti-anxiety medications)
- Steroids (anabolic)
- Prescription stimulants
- Artificial cannabinoids (K2 or Spice)
- Construction of cathinone (bath salts)
Pills Addiction and Withdrawal
The dosage of opioids can decrease until they are no longer required. Doctors may prescribe buprenorphine (Suboxone) or methadone to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms in certain legally regulated and monitored situations. Once-monthly medicine injections by a physician may assist individuals receiving therapy.
These medications aid in preventing relapse as they can reduce cravings significantly. Vivitrol and Sublocade are two examples of formulations containing naltrexone and buprenorphine. Naloxone can be administered in severe cases and comes in two forms: injectable and nasal spray for emergency use. These are opioid receptors that help to eliminate the side effects of other drugs from the central nervous system.
Below are a few signs of drug misuse:
- Stealing another person’s medication
- Consuming too much of a medicine or taking it too often
- Using an unsafe and unapproved method of consumption administration like crushing, snorting, or injecting
Taking Pills for a “Feel-Good” Effect
People diagnosed with a mental health disorder have a higher chance of developing an addiction. Most of the time, mental health difficulties exist before the commencement of drug abuse. The euphoria these medications provide makes them so easy to become addicted to.
Prescription drugs like opioids are incredibly addictive, and it only takes one dosage for most people to become dependent. Unfortunately, most patients recovering from an injury or healing from surgery using prescription opioids do not realize they are dangerously addicted until the prescription runs out.
Oxycodone Overuse
Under the brand names OxyContin and Percocet, oxycodone is a regularly administered painkiller with significant addiction potential. Long-term pain sufferers typically have no intention of abusing their prescribed medications.
Once a substance has taken hold, addiction becomes a vicious cycle. It can only end with the assistance of a medical practitioner. Moreover, it is known as “cheaper heroin for the poor.
Painkillers Overdose
Drugs intended for legitimate medical use are commonly used recreationally, often resulting in overdoses. People can do so because the drug is so easily accessible in the United States since people can make so much selling it on the streets.
In excess, Pregabalin and other analgesics can be harmful. Every organ in the body feels the effects of drug addiction. There is a vast number of adverse medical outcomes associated with drug addiction.
Here are several examples of possible health issues as a result of abusing drugs:
- Heart rate fluctuations and heart attack
- Respiratory issues,
- Lung cancer,
- Emphysema
- Breathing difficulties.
- An upset stomach
- Diarrhea and vomiting.
- Renal and hepatic disease
- Alterations in eating, sleeping
- Body temperature
- Epilepsy and other forms of brain damage.
- Stroke and gastrointestinal pancreatitis complications
- Malnutrition
Safe Medicine Storage
When teens were asked about their drug or pill use, they reported getting it from their family members. It is crucial to store medicine in places that aren’t reachable by teens and children to protect adolescents against developing a pill addiction that is tough to break.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when you are addicted to pills?
The addiction to pills starts to occur when the way your brain processes pleasure is altered, and you need to take higher doses to get the same effect as before. This process brings physical changes to your brain’s neurotransmitters, and you feel severe withdrawal during extended breaks from taking the pill.
How do I know if I have a pill problem?
The pill problem starts when you keep taking the drug even when the medication is not necessary for a health problem. You develop a tolerance and need more of that chemical to feel the pleasure. After the drug wears off, you feel extreme withdrawal with painful symptoms.
How do people recover from pain pill addiction?
The best way to recover is to understand and admit that you have been addicted to a substance. When you are aware of your addiction’s harm and are ready to make the change, you can recover by reaching out to a treatment facility.
How to deal with a prescription pill addiction as a minor?
If a minor is dealing with a pill addiction, they will also need to receive treatment for their treatment. Getting this person into a rehab center as soon as possible is crucial to prevent a lifelong pill addiction or early death. Drug addictions in minors are a massive problem in the US.
Can caffeine pills be addictive?
While incredibly accessible and normalized, caffeine is also highly addictive. A person can become addicted to caffeine even after just a few uses. Your body can become dependent on the extra boost of energy, leaving you feeling groggy and exhausted without it.
Haven Detox Will Guide You Toward Recovery
Pill addiction has become one of the biggest problems in the United States over the last few years. Fortunately, the Haven is here to help. Our premium facility has everything you need for a successful long-term recovery from addiction. We have helped hundreds of patients with our proven detox methods and practical therapy sessions.
The Haven offers residential treatment as well as outpatient programs best to meet the specific needs of each and every patient. We will also connect you with the best aftercare peer groups for continued support long after treatment.
When you are ready to start, give us a call at (561) 328-8627 to learn more about our services.
