Prescription Drug Addiction
A recent survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in 2009 revealed that prescription drug abuse is increasing. Drug abuse is defined as those who take prescription drugs without a doctor’s prescription. Some experts have stated that prescription drug addiction is one of the fastest growing drug problems in the U.S. today.
Many people are able to get these drugs through means other than a drug dealer. Some people will visit several doctor’s offices and lie about their condition to get physicians to prescribe these drugs. Others may steal prescription medications from family members or friends. Amazingly, the Internet is the home to many illegal pharmacies who ship prescription medications to anyone around the world, many times without a valid prescription.
One of the biggest myths about prescription drug addiction is that they are actually safer than some of the illegal drugs available on the street such as cocaine or heroin. The fact is that these prescription drugs are highly toxic when not taken under the direction of a physician. Another commonly held myth about prescription drug addiction is they are not as powerful as some of the illegal street drugs. Actually, many types of prescription medications have higher concentrations of powerful chemicals than some illegal street drugs.
Probably the biggest myth concerning prescription drugs is that some people believe they are not addictive. Powerful prescription drugs like OxyContin or Vicodin are extremely addictive. Recovering addicts have reported that quitting Vicodin or OxyContin was as difficult as quitting heroin. Other common prescription drug addictions include Xanax, Valium, Adderall and other amphetamines.
Treatment options for those addicted to prescription medications are clear. Drug rehabilitation (rehab) is typically comprised of a number of combined treatments including detox, counseling and some type of aftercare program. Most drug rehab centers are very well-equipped to take care of patients and help them with the physical addiction as well as the psychological addiction to prescription drugs. Drug detox is designed to focus on the physical aspects of prescription drug addiction while counseling works on the psychological aspects or addiction. Aftercare programs provide assistance for recovering addicts to handle life in the outside world without the need for prescription drugs.
Signs of prescription drug addiction include depression, anxiety, severe mood swings, sleeplessness and secretive behavior. One of the more obvious signs of addiction is stealing prescription drugs or money to support an addiction. If you see signs like these in your friends or family members, contact an interventionist or local drug rehab center immediately.
Categorised as: Different types of addiction