Prescription Drug abuse can be defined as compulsive use of mood-altering Prescription Drugs that have not been authorized by a medical practitioner. These drugs that are easily available through doctor’s prescriptions are abused by any people who grow addicted to them after the disease has been cured.
The symptoms of addiction are a constant physical craving for the medicines and withdrawal symptoms when not in use. In such a condition, the person uses all means, legal or illegal, to obtain these drugs. This addiction, which afflicts millions of Americans, is as serious as illegal drug and alcohol addiction. It should be treated carefully under medical supervision by medics or Rehab centers.
To free yourself from Prescription Drug addiction, you need treatment, counseling and Rehabilitation. The patients must be referred to Rehabs that treat drug, alcohol and substance abuse, where they will receive a thorough treatment and counseling therapy to make an effective recovery.
Prescription Drugs are as potent as street drugs. They start out as prescriptions for genuine pain or sleep complaints, but later become addictive. There are three main classes of Prescription Drugs that can be abused: Opioids (used for pain treatment), CNS depressants (used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders) and Stimulants (used for sleep disorders, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorders).
Opioids are narcotics and commonly prescribed pain relievers such as Morphine and Codeine, used for symptoms from surgery pains to cough disorders. The drug attaches itself to opioid receptors and stops pain messages to the brain. Addiction is common after a stipulated dosage and results in legal and illegal activities to procure this drug.
CNS, or central nervous system depressants, are used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. They are used to slow down brain activity. CNS medicines include Barbiturates (Mebaral) and Benzodiazepines (Valium and Pro Som). Continued use of these drugs can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms when usage is stopped. Since CNS depressants work by slowing brain activity, stopping them will lead to the brain’s racing out of control, or even seizures. Using these drugs with alcohol can lead to death.
Stimulants enhance brain activity. Stimulants such as Ritalin or Dexedrine increase the amount of stimulating chemicals like dopamine in the brain. Short-term abuse can lead to paranoia. It may also cause high body temperature and irregular heart beat. This may lead to a fatal cardiovascular failure or seizure.
Research reveals that Prescription Drug abuse is most common among the elderly, adolescents, women and health care professionals. The misuse of Prescription Drugs is the most common form of drug abuse among the elderly. Adolescent use of drugs like Ritalin has increased in recent years. Studies also show that women are more likely than men to get prescriptions for drugs that can be abused, like narcotics and anti-depressants. They are also more likely to get addicted than men.
Rehab for Prescription Drug abuse consists of two methods--behavioral and pharmacological treatment. Behavioral treatment teaches the patient how to cope without the drug, how to handle cravings, how to avoid situations that encourage drug use, and how to prevent and handle relapse. It consists of counseling, group therapy, family therapy and occupational therapy intended to totally Rehabilitate the patient.
Pharmacological Rehab includes use of medications such as Methadone and LAAM, which is especially useful for treating Opioid addiction. This can be administered at the stage of detoxification. Detoxification relieves withdrawal symptoms while the patient learns to be drug-free. This may be followed by behavioral therapy, where the patient learns to alter his thinking and handle stress factors that led to the addiction.
The ultimate aim is to lead the patient away from harmful addiction to Prescription Drugs and regain a normal and healthy life without suffering any relapse.
Rehab provides detailed information about rehab, alcohol rehab, cardiac rehab, drug rehab and more. Rehab is the sister site of Medical Alert Bracelets.
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