Illicit substances like cocaine and heroin are often associated with drug misuse. Prescription drugs like sleeping pills and tranquilizers are significantly more likely to lead to addiction. An overwhelming need to experience the drug's euphoric effects or avoid withdrawal is a drug dependency.
As an epidemic in the United States, prescription drug misuse refers to taking medication contrary to what your doctor has prescribed. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, sixteen million Americans over 12 misuse prescription drugs yearly (6%), and 12% depend on them.
An essential factor in prescription drug addiction is the strength of new drugs. A growing number of prescription drugs are becoming more potent, enhancing the danger of dependency and addiction even when recommended for genuine medical reasons. Patients may get addicted to medications if medical professionals do not adequately monitor them.
Types of Prescription Drugs Misused
Prescription stimulants are often used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. They boost alertness, focus, and energy levels. Some of the possible adverse effects are enhanced heart rate, blood pressure and metabolism, exhilarating feelings, increased mental attention, anxiety, insomnia, seizures, heart attack, and stroke. Some types of stimulants include dexmethylphenidate (Focalin), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Adderall), lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), and methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin).
It is possible to get opioid medication in various forms, such as tablets and capsules, skin patches, and powders. Euphoria, sedation, weakness, disorientation, nausea, and vomiting are just a few of the side effects that might occur in the body from opioid misuse. The risk of death rises when paired with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants. Some opioids include heroin, morphine, codeine, methadone, and oxycodone.
Depressants are mostly known as sleep aids, anxiety relievers, and seizure prevention drugs. Low blood pressure, slower breathing, an increased risk of respiratory distress, and mortality may occur when alcohol is paired with these drugs or other substances. Depressants include three types: benzodiazepines (such as Xanax, Valium, and Librium), barbiturates (Amytal and Nembutal), and non-benzodiazepine sleep medications.
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Symptoms of Prescription Drug Misuse
It is possible to develop a substance use disorder if you depend on prescription drugs. A person may feel powerless, embarrassed, and isolated because of their drug usage, whether using prescription medication or something else.
Some physical symptoms include changes in eating and sleeping, changes in weight, bloodshot eyes, larger-than-usual pupils, and a lack of interest in one's appearance.
Mood swings, impatience, concern, dread, and paranoia for no apparent reason are all examples of psychological symptoms, as is a noticeable shift in attitude and personality.
Secretiveness, absence from school or work often, and a significant change in social activities are some of the behavioral signs.
How to Properly Take Prescription Drugs
If you're taking a medicine that's often abused, here are some ways to reduce your risk of drug misuse or to develop a substance use disorder:
It would be best to tell your doctor about everything you're taking. That includes other prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, and nutritional supplements. Inquire with your doctor whether there is a lower-risk alternative medication available.
You should make sure that you are taking the proper medication. Make sure your doctor understands your illness and its symptoms before using the medicine.
Consult a medical professional. You should contact your doctor often to verify that your medication is working and that you are taking the proper dosage.
Don't rely on someone else's medication. Every individual is one-of-a-kind. The drug or dose may not suit you even if you have a similar medical condition.
Only trusted online pharmacies should be used to obtain prescription drugs. Several websites are selling dangerously counterfeit prescription and non-prescription drugs online.
Be aware of the side effects of your medicine. Make sure you ask your doctor or pharmacist about the potential side effects of your medication to be prepared. Inquire whether or not this prescription is contraindicated using other medicines, over-the-counter drugs, or alcohol.
Observe the directions to the letter. Follow the directions on the prescription drug label. If a medicine doesn't work, talk to your doctor about changing the dose or quitting it. If the pain medication you're taking isn't working, don't take it anymore.
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Treatment for Substance Use Disorders
Addiction to prescription medicines may be treated in a variety of ways. Treatments for drug addiction differ since many individuals use drugs for legitimate and authorized reasons.
According to the situation, a treatment facility may aid in designing a specialized treatment plan. As a result, people who have been injured will be handled differently from those who consume opioids for recreational purposes. Regardless of the conditions, all programs begin with removing the substance from the body (detox), followed by treatment of the psychological dependence that develops as a consequence of drug usage.
Behavioral therapy helps individuals stop drugs by changing unhealthy thinking and behavior habits. Opioid addiction therapy is typically accompanied by psychological support or behavioral therapies. Drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms may be alleviated using methadone, a synthetic opioid agonist. Naltrexone, buprenorphine, methadone, and buprenorphine are anti-opioid medications. Although medications are the standard therapy for opioid use disorder, fewer people get them than would benefit from doing so.
According to the most recent admissions data, just 21% of patients treated for an opioid use problem have a medication-based treatment plan. It's because of the limited availability of methadone and buprenorphine programs and a legal limit on the number of patients that physicians may treat.
When patients rely on CNS depressants like tranquilizers and sedatives, they should not attempt to stop taking them without the help of a medical professional. Some drugs may cause severe and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms when taken away from the body.
CNS depressants, like alcohol and opioids, are often misused with other drugs (polydrug use). As a result, various addictions should be addressed in the treatment plan.
Prescription drug abuse may be tough to overcome. Help from addiction experts like those you find at a luxury drug treatment center like Wish Recovery helps many individuals overcome their drug addiction, even though it may be difficult. Contact us today for a free consultation with a specialist.
