It can lead to severe mental health effects from both the physical changes to the brain and also the disconnect from meaningful relationships and activities. Opioids can cause respiratory depression, which may be fatal in the event of an overdose. Long-term misuse of benzodiazepines can lead to memory issues, cognitive decline, and an increased risk of accidents due to impaired coordination. Stimulant abuse, especially in high doses, can result in cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. People who abuse opioid prescriptions are not only prescription drug abuse at risk for addiction, but for accidental overdose as well. If you or a loved one are engaging in nonmedical use of any of these medications, you’re abusing them and it’s a warning sign that you need to seek professional treatment.
Best Treatment Centers
The same report also found that the only substances that are abused more frequently are alcohol and marijuana. It can be life-altering when you consider the effects of prescription drug abuse and how it can affect you. This is why there are many treatment approaches out there to help better a person’s overall success in helping them overcome addiction. Unfortunately, some healthcare professionals don’t consider someone’s past medical mental health history when prescribing these drugs. However, people can still misuse prescription medicine to alleviate their chronic pain and as a result can lead to an addiction. In the fight against prescription drug abuse, prevention and early intervention strategies are of utmost importance.
Increased Anxiety or Depression
People may develop symptoms of prescription drug abuse, even if they do not have risk factors for substance use disorder (SUD). People who develop prescription drug addiction may obtain more than one prescription for a medication from multiple doctors. This is known as “doctor-shopping.” Doctor-shopping is a sign that someone is struggling with prescription drug addiction.
Addiction Helpline Blog
As opiate narcotics do offer the user a degree of mild euphoria and happiness, these are common drugs of abuse. Certain people who have been legally prescribed opiates for pain disorders may seek out painkillers in order to achieve the high or as a means of psychological relief. Opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants all carry serious risks when misused, including overdose, organ damage, and severe mental health consequences. Although common lore often says that addicts have to hit rock bottom before they can start to get better, this can be a dangerous position to take.
Some find that their pills allow for amphetamine addiction treatment easier and more fluid social connections because their inhibitions are lowered and their confidence is artificially inflated. If someone is trying prescription drugs among a group of people taking them recreationally, they may be succumbing to the pressure of fitting in. A person who deals with chronic pain, constant panic attacks, or any other debilitating physical or mental health issue may find themselves taking more pills to cope.
For Loved Ones
- Prescription drug abuse is a serious issue that requires prompt attention and action.
- Always be sure to talk to your pharmacist and ask to hear the accessibility notice.
- The dual diagnosis approach treats both addiction and any co-occurring mental health disorders simultaneously.
- One of the most significant side effects of prescription drug abuse is the impact on physical health.
The user experiences increased alertness, attention, mood, and energy. Why do some people become addicted while others are able to quit taking prescription pills? While the full answer to this question is complex, http://www.giteguichen.info/?p=15369 there are certain life factors that predispose someone toward abuse of drugs.
Non-12 Step Rehab & Recovery
People who abuse prescription medications may have trouble remembering things or struggle to maintain focus. When we think about drug addiction, we usually assume that the drugs involved are illegal substances. However, more and more people in the UK and around the world are developing a prescription drug addiction. If you are reading this page, you may be concerned that you or a loved one may be currently struggling with prescription medication addiction. DetoxLA comprises compassionate, professional, and experienced medical staff willing to listen and help clients with prescription drug problems.