Before taking prescription drugs, it is essential to understand how they work and why they’re prescribed. Although these drugs can help you feel better, they can also cause adverse side effects if you’re not taking them properly or mixing them with other drugs or alcohol.
In general, prescriptions from doctors are safe as long as they’re taken in the correct dose and for the recommended period. Taking them outside their prescribed use can have adverse effects and even be dangerous.
There are four basic classes of commonly dispensed prescription drugs.
Each has the potential for misuse, including opioids, central nervous system depressants, and stimulants. Opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants are among the most commonly abused prescription drugs. While many are safe to take as directed by your doctor, they can be highly addictive.
If you are addicted to prescription drugs, we are here to help you. Haven Detox is one of the top facilities in South Florida near West Palm Beach. We offer multiple addiction treatment services and therapy programs to addicts.
Prescription Addiction Is On the Rise
Prescription addiction is becoming a bigger and bigger problem in our society. More and more people are becoming addicted to prescription drugs daily, and many don’t even realize it. If you or someone you know is addicted to pills, getting help immediately is crucial.
Prescription drugs come in many forms and are designed to treat pain or discomfort. Many are also used to combat depression, prevent panic attacks, or help people get a good night’s sleep. People are getting addicted to it despite seeing the dangers of their stress and addiction. Painkillers are usually not harmful in small doses but can cause severe problems if taken in higher doses.
Misuse of Prescription Pain Relievers Statistics
Although misuse of prescription pain relievers is common, most people do not do so. According to a National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), approximately 12.5 million people misused prescription pain relievers in the past year. Of this population, 4.4 percent were recent initiates, while 4.1 percent were no recent initiates.
In addition, about 0.6 percent of no recent initiates misused prescription pain relievers regularly. A new study has shown that misuse of prescription pain relievers is declining. The number of people who misused these drugs dropped by 30% from 2015 to 2020.
The reduction may be due to fewer prescriptions and the increased availability of other illicit drugs. According to the study, 3.3% of Americans reported misuse of prescription pain relievers in 2020.
Common Types of Pain Reliever Medications
The most common pain relievers misused were hydrocodone, oxycodone, codeine, and tramadol. More than half of those who misused these drugs did so because they wanted to relieve their physical pain. The remaining 11.3% used the drugs as a way to get high.
Although prescription pain relievers are one of the most common types of abuse, many Americans also misuse other kinds of prescription drugs. In 2015, 5.7 million adults admitted to misusing muscle relaxers and benzodiazepines (such as Xanax), which are depressants. Often, this drug misuse is related to a desire to relieve stress or feel good.
The Dangers of Prescription Drug Abuse
If you are going to start taking prescription medicine, you must understand the dangers of prescription drug abuse. These drugs can increase the risks of accidental overdose and should be kept out of the reach of children. It is also vital to keep unused medications in a locked medicine cabinet.
In addition, you should be aware of websites that sell fake and unlicensed drugs. Also, it would help if you asked your pharmacist how to safely dispose of your child’s unused medications. Prescription drug abuse is typically diagnosed based on a patient’s medical history and answers to other questions. But, there are some warning signs you can look for in your child that could help you spot the problem early.
How to Use Prescription Drugs?
Prescription drugs are a necessary part of the healthcare process. They are available in different forms but most commonly come in pills, tablets, and oral suspensions. Some may also be applied to the skin. Each prescription has its dosage and administration.
The pharmacist will attach a label to each pill that outlines its use. The label will also provide warnings about possible side effects. You should read the instructions on the prescription medications and then intake them.
Opioid Prescription Drugs and Its Side Effects
An opioid is a substance used to treat severe pain. There are many side effects associated with the use of opioid prescription drugs. These drugs can alter the brain’s chemistry and cause dependence. They should be used only as prescribed and only when necessary.
Prescription opioids can also have dangerous effects when used by pregnant women. They can cause miscarriage or low birth weight. Opioids can also lower the body’s immune system, making it vulnerable to infection. This is why it is important to use opioids responsibly and discontinue them when symptoms become severe.
Long-Term Use of Opioids
Long-term use of opioids can cause tolerance, meaning that the user needs higher doses or more frequent dosages to experience the same effects. In addition, long-term use can lead to drug dependence, which occurs when the body begins to adapt to the drug.
As a result, people risk suffering withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking opioids suddenly. Patients should immediately talk to their doctor if they experience any side effects. The CDC has published guidelines for primary care providers and specialty physicians outside cancer and palliative care. Understanding these guidelines can help improve your communication with patients.
What Happens When You Take a Narcotic Drug?
While taking a narcotic drug for pain relief may be tempting, the dangers associated with overdose are high. These drugs are not recreational and can be misused and manufactured illegally. They can also result in addiction, which can be fatal. If you suffer from pain, talk to your doctor about your pain management plan before starting a new narcotic treatment.
CNS Depressants and Their Side Effects
Psychiatrists often prescribe CNS Depressants to treat depression, anxiety, and other disorders. They increase the level of GABA, which limits brain activity. The effects of these drugs can vary widely, with some substances being safer and less addictive than others. In general, however, all CNS depressants are potentially addictive and should be used only with the supervision of a healthcare provider.
CNS depressants have many benefits, but it is essential to know their side effects to avoid them. If you are taking CNS Depressants for long periods, it may be necessary to increase your dose to get therapeutic effects. This can cause dependence and withdrawal, and stopping the medication too suddenly can cause serious side effects like seizures.
These side effects may include drowsiness and coma. These drugs require rehabilitation therapy to get the correct dosage. Some CNS depressants may lead to depression or sleep disorders. They may also result in drowsiness and lowered inhibition. If you think you may have any of these side effects, you must talk to your doctor.
Misuse of Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are widely used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. They are also helpful in reducing the effects of pain. The majority of individuals who misuse them get them from a health professional. But these medications can also be obtained from several sources. This includes friends, family, street dealers, and foreign sources.
While the benefits of benzodiazepines are many, their use can be harmful to the body. In large doses, they can cause physical dependence. This can lead to withdrawal symptoms when the medication is stopped or reduced significantly. It can also lead to social and interpersonal problems.
Misuse of benzodiazepines is a widespread problem, especially among high-risk opioid users. Studies have shown that these drugs have adverse effects on their users. The risk of relapse and harm from these drugs is higher in patients suffering from mental illnesses. In addition, these drugs can be combined with other drugs, which further increases the risk of misuse.
What Is the Rate of Benzodiazepines Abuse?
One study found that 1 in eight adults used benzodiazepines in the past year. This misusing rate is disproportionately higher among younger adults than older adults.
Misuse is defined as using the drug in a manner that a health professional did not direct, using the medicine without a prescription, and using it for longer than intended. In this study, young adults aged 18 to 25 reported the most misusing benzodiazepines.
Prescription Drug Addiction Rehab Treatment
Prescription Drug addiction rehab treatment can be divided into two main types: inpatient and outpatient. However, there are other therapy programs to treat addiction.
Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient rehab is a more extensive program, usually lasting at least 30 days. It involves group and individual therapy as well as medication management. On the other hand, outpatient rehab is a less extensive rehab program requiring a person to report to a treatment facility on a set schedule. Both treatment options have a similar goal: to help people recover from addiction through treatment and ultimately lead a healthy life.
Residential treatment facilities offer life-changing programs designed to minimize the chance of relapse. Inpatient rehab facilities also provide 24-hour medical care, which is necessary to ensure a patient’s safety and recovery. In our residential treatment plan, we also ensure patients are kept away from situations that might drag them back to drug abuse.
Detoxification
One of the first steps in prescription drug addiction rehab is detoxification. The goal of detox is to remove the drugs from the body and focus on recovery. Some patients experience withdrawal symptoms that range from mild discomfort to severe discomfort.
If withdrawal symptoms are too intense, medical supervision is usually required. Inpatient rehab programs typically last 30 to 90 days and include behavioral treatments as well as medical detoxification.
Medical detox is a necessary part of treatment for prescription drug addiction. Withdrawal symptoms can be highly uncomfortable and even life-threatening. Detoxification in a drug rehab center can help people get their lives back on track and overcome their addiction.
Counseling Services
Counseling services are an integral part of recovering from addiction. It combines counseling with a supportive environment and qualified providers. Once a person has a medical diagnosis, doctors and therapists can determine the best treatment plan for them. Depending on the extent of the addiction, an inpatient program is generally recommended.
Behavioral Therapy Program
People suffering from addiction may be embarrassed to seek help from their friends or family members. They may also fear that family members will get angry or distance themselves from them. However, they must be honest with themselves to receive support. People can recover from prescription drug addiction through cognitive behavioral therapy programs and lead healthy, productive lives.
Medication
Prescription drug addiction is a serious disease that requires treatment. Individuals suffering from this disease can benefit from a supportive environment where experts can help them overcome this problem. At Haven Detox, experts specialize in treating people suffering from this disease. Our supportive team helps people recover from prescription drug addiction.
An effective form of medication used to treat drug addiction is methadone and Naltrexone. Methadone bonds tightly to the opioid receptors and decreases cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The medication is used for patients with severe opioid addiction. Patients must attend a methadone clinic daily to continue taking the medication.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How is prescription drug abuse treated?
Many prescription drug misuse treatment choices exist depending on the medicine taken and your needs. But a crucial component of treatment is often counseling or occasionally psychotherapy. Detoxification (withdrawal), addiction medicines, and recovery support may also be necessary during treatment.
What do doctors prescribe for drug addicts?
Some medications, such as naltrexone therapy, can be used as a treatment for addiction. You can ask your family doctor or psychiatrist for this type of treatment. The medications are FDA-approved and can help sustain recovery.
They also reduce the risk of overdose. The medications are usually combined with behavioral and counseling therapies. This comprehensive treatment approach focuses on the whole patient and is a key part of drug rehabilitation.
What is a good way to wean off prescription drugs?
One of the best ways to wean off medications is to reduce the doses gradually. This process can help you avoid serious side effects and help you feel more comfortable. The reduction rate depends on how long you have taken the medication and its prescription. Also, because some medicines can interact with others, the doctor may need to adjust the dosages when you are coming off the drug.
Another good way to wean off prescription drugs is to schedule monthly appointments with your doctor. These visits will help you monitor your symptoms and ensure that you do not have relapses. The amount of time it takes to wean off your depression medication will vary, depending on the type and dose.
Overcome Prescription Medication Addiction by Haven Detox
Are you addicted to prescription drugs? If so, you’re not alone. Prescription pill addiction is on the rise in America, and breaking free from the cycle of abuse can be difficult. At Haven Detox, we specialize in helping people overcome pill addictions and get their lives back on track. We offer a variety of treatment options that can help you achieve lasting sobriety.
If you’re struggling with withdrawal symptoms, it can help to seek medical support. Our medical support can help you cope with your symptoms. Our counseling services can offer you tips and insight that may help you make the transition. Get more information about our therapeutic services by calling us at (561) 328-8627.
