Getting Help for Prescription Drugs Addiction: How to Recover

Key Takeaways

• Prescription drug addiction is a serious problem affected by genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors, with commonly abused drugs including opioids, depressants, and stimulants.
• Symptoms of prescription drug abuse range from behavioral changes, such as mood swings and prescription forgery, to physical withdrawal symptoms, which can be severe and life-threatening without professional assistance.
• Professional help is essential for recovery and can vary from medical detox and counseling to support groups, with services like Topsail offering personalized programs and alternatives like online therapy available.

Understanding Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription drug addiction, a form of substance abuse, is an indiscriminate predator, lurking in the shadows of society and ready to pounce on any age group. This insidious beast manifests as an uncontrolled urge to use prescription medications, even when they lead to harmful repercussions. The foundations of this addiction often lie in abusing prescription drugs, which occurs when they are used in a manner not intended by the prescriber.

However, not everyone who misuses prescription drugs ends up in the jaws of addiction. Certain factors increase the likelihood of this transition. For instance, genetic predispositions and environmental influences play significant roles in the development of addiction. Additionally, the brain’s reward center may be activated through the misuse of commonly abused prescription drugs, leading to physical dependence and addiction.

It’s essential to note that teens and adults may be abusing drugs for various reasons, including fear of addiction to medications prescribed for legitimate medical conditions.

Risk Factors

Certain individuals are more vulnerable to prescription drug addiction than others, including opioid addiction. For instance, those with a personal or family history of substance abuse are at a higher risk. This risk is amplified if they are grappling with mental health issues and resort to self-medication as a coping mechanism.

The social environment also plays a crucial role in shaping this risk. Exposure to peer pressure or settings where drug use is common can significantly contribute to prescription drug addiction. Furthermore, older adults juggling multiple health problems and medications can face an increased risk of drug misuse or addiction.

Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs

While any prescription drug can be abused, certain categories are more frequently misused. These include opioid painkillers, which can lead to opioid use disorder, central nervous system (CNS) depressants, and stimulants.

Some commonly misused drugs include:

• Opioid painkillers
• Over the counter drugs
• Anti-anxiety medications
• Sedatives
• Stimulants prescribed for conditions like ADHD and certain sleep disorders

Recognizing Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse

Recognizing the signs of prescription drug abuse is the first step towards seeking help. Behavioral indications may include:

• Forging prescriptions
• Increased hostility
• Mood swings
• Seeking prescriptions from multiple providers

Unexplained physical signs may also hint at drug misuse, such as the new or increased presence of drug paraphernalia. If you approach a loved one about their possible prescription drug abuse, be prepared for common reactions such as denial and anger. Keep in mind that unauthorized consumption of medication, such as taking someone else’s prescription or snorting pills, is a clear sign of abuse.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Physical dependence on prescription drugs can lead to withdrawal symptoms when the medication is abruptly stopped. These symptoms can be physical, such as:

• Muscle aches
• Nausea
• Increased body temperature
• Seizures

For instance, abruptly stopping anti-anxiety medications and sedatives can result in an overactive nervous system and seizures.

Withdrawal symptoms can also be psychological. They may present as anxiety, confusion, and severe depression. For example, withdrawal from stimulants can lead to hallucinations, paranoia, and aggressiveness. The severity of these symptoms can vary based on the type of drug, dosage, duration of use, and whether a medically assisted detox is utilized.

Opiates and benzodiazepines pose a particular challenge during withdrawal due to the intensity of withdrawal symptoms.

Impact on Work Performance and Relationships

Prescription drug addiction can wreak havoc on an individual’s work performance, leading to serious professional consequences. This impairment may stem from diminished judgment and risky behaviors.

The ripple effects of addiction extend beyond the individual, disrupting work environments and damaging the fabric of family and social relationships. Family and friends of those addicted to prescription drugs experience profound mental and emotional strain, which can lead to stress, financial strain, and negative emotions such as guilt, shame, and sadness.