Do I Have A Prescription Addiction?

Prescription drug abuse is not uncommon. What begins as a physician prescribed pain management solution may quickly lead to a full-blown addiction, impacting relationships, employment, finances and health. In this entry, we will provide you with a few tips to help recognize a prescription pill addiction.

1 – It is important to understand that this type of addiction is not limited to any one type of pill. In fact, recent studies have uncovered that many OTC medications can also lead to addictive problems. When it comes to abuse and dependency, no pill or substance should be underestimated.

2 – One of the main ways to determine a prescription drug addiction is a growing tolerance for the substance they are taking. When a users begins to develop a tolerance, they must use more of the substance in question to achieve the desired effect.

3 – Prescription drug addicts will often exhibit from poor performance at school and/or work. A once well organized individual may begin losing the ability to perform at the same level.

4 – Interest levels in activities or hobbies once held dear may begin to wane. Individuals who once interacted with others on a regular basis may alienate themselves and become withdrawn.

5 – Prolonged drug addiction may ultimately begin to impact healthy legal and relationship statuses.

6 – Wild mood swings. Not just a bad day…

7 – Financial troubles are common in those who are drug dependent… Whether due to habit support or general irresponsibility.

Need Help?

Ready to get sober? Visit AboveItAllTreatment.com today! 

Quitting Pain Pills – A How-To Guide

You, like many people, may have begun taking pain pills to address a knee injury or aching back. Initially, there was no cause for concern. The pain was reduced and your daily activities could commence as per usual. Why worry? After all, the medication you take is prescribed by a licensed physician – How bad could it be? Unfortunately, these substances carry a high risk of dependency with long-term use. If your pain medication use seems to have spiraled out of control, it’s important you seek help as quickly as possible.

Instructions

1 – Discuss your concerns with the doctor. Avoid catering to any feelings of embarrassment of guilt. With your physician’s help, organize a plan of action. The intensity and length of your withdrawal will ultimately depend on the  amount of time you have been taking the medication.

2 – Enroll in a drug addiction detox program. Any attempt to stop taking the medication abruptly – without proper care – could result in a variety of symptoms, including seizures, tremors, anxiety, sleeplessness, depression and suicidal thoughts.

3 – Make a commitment to at least 7 – 10 days of medically monitored detox. Once you’re admitted to the facility, an addiction counselor will guide you through a thorough exam to inspect your vital signs and obtain a basic idea of how long you will need to remove the drugs from your system.

4 – Communication is key. Be sure to keep a log of any symptoms you experience, and provide them to your doctors and counselors. Typical symptoms include mood swings, anxiety, sadness, aches and fatigue. If these symptoms begin to escalate, you must inform your physicians immediately.

5 – Locate a local area Narcotics Anonymous (NA) treatment program and begin attending meetings on a daily basis. Addiction recovery is a life-long struggle, and you’ll need all the support you can get.

6 – Once you’ve detoxed, you may be left with pain from the prior condition. Seek out a pain management specialist who can provide nonnarcotic medication and treatments such as hydrotherapy, acupuncture, acupressure and occupational therapy.

All About Prescription Drug Use

If you’re reading this, it’s likely you’re at the point where you’d wish to stop taking prescription medications. Whether for pain, anxiety or depression, abuse and addiction are common issues. Once control is lost, it can be difficult to regain. In this entry, we will outline a few steps to take on the path towards prescription independence.

1 – As a preventative measure, it’s always important to discuss any new medications with a licensed physician prior to use. Determine whether the substance is addictive, and educate yourself regarding the long-term effects associated with use.

2 – Plan out your medication use. If you do not expect to use an entire prescription, it’s important you know exactly how you will dispose of the leftovers. Search prescription drug donation programs online, or simply allow your local waste management service do its job.

3 – Educate yourself on the symptoms of drug addiction. The quicker you are able to catch a problem, the easier it will be to address it. Knowledge is power! Put it to good use.

4 – If you have indeed gained a tolerance and become dependent on the medication, a quick call to your physician can place you in touch with an addiction treatment facility.  There, a team of addiction specialists can properly address the issue while catering to your physical and mental states to ensure a healthy recovery.

5 – If medication is required to address an issue, try asking your physician for a list of alternative drugs and treatments. Medicine has progressed quite a bit throughout the years. In some cases, you may be able to achieve the same results without the pills. You never know unless you ask!

What Are The Effects of Prescription Drug Addiction?

Prescription drug abuse is the fasted growing drug related issue in the civilized world. Most any drug type can be abused, though the most problematic concerns tend to stem from those that are both highly psychoactive and addictive. Large portions of users find themselves addicted via prescriptions obtained through legitimate means, ultimately becoming reliant on the effects provided by the substance.

In the Beginning

These types of addictions generally stem from use of a legally prescribed substance. In these cases, the individual may start misusing the drug by obtaining it illegally, via doctor manipulation, or through crooked physicians.

Painkillers

Painkillers are perhaps the most commonly misused of the addictive substances prescribed. These drugs are typically provided to patients following surgery or injury, but are often utilized to address chronic pain issues. Common medications in this grouping include Vicodin, OxyContin, Codeine, Percoset and Demerol.

Treatment

Each patient’s Above it All treatment plan will differ according to the type of substance being used, possible mental issues, and the patient’s use history. Above it All prescription drug patients will be enrolled in a medically monitored detoxification program before transitioning to a comprehensive addiction treatment platform.

Psychiatric Drugs

Psychoactive substances are another commonly misused medication type. Abuse of antidepressants like Zoloft, anti-anxiety medications such as Xanax, and anti-hyperactivity drugs like Adderall and Ritalin can often lead to serious addictions. Users will often utilize these substances to experience a quick high, building up a tolerance over time.

Risks

The dangers of prescription drug addiction are quite similar to those associated with illegal street drugs. Individuals that were initially provided the drug legally to address an underlying condition will be forced to take on additional challenges when combating their addictions; mainly, to determine healthy and alternative means of treatment.

Evaluating Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Programs

Making the decision to enter a substance abuse rehabilitation program is a wonderful step towards the quality of life you deserve. When an individual is ready to take the plunge, it’s important to educate oneself in regard to the available options to help make an informed choice. Some programs place an emphasis on physical addiction, while others offer a more holistic approach. There are facilities that cater specifically to adolescents, specific genders, or patients who wish to bring their family members.

Determine what you are able to afford. Contact your insurance company to see if they can help alleviate some of the financial burden. Ask for a list of local treatment centers accepting insurance. If you lack insurance or funding, get in touch with a state official to find out about state funding and programs.

Consider the addict. Younger people may do better in a treatment plan designed for adolescents; an oxycontin addict will likely achieve better success in a prescription drug treatment program. It’s important for the addict to feel comfortable with their surroundings during recovery to help ensure the best possible outcome.

Inquire about different program philosophies. Someone who is more comfortable with traditional treatments may not benefit as much from a program that focuses on massage, yoga and meditation. Educate yourself in regard to the facility’s principals and means of treatment. Determine that best type of treatment for the individual in question.

Can the facility properly address the patient’s addiction? Some patients may require detoxification from prescription medications or heroin, while others may require special attention for a methamphetamine addiction. A treatment program must specifically address each patient’s individual needs.

Each program will have it’s own set of restrictions and rules. Read up to determine whether these guidelines fit your vision of treatment. For example, some facilities will restrict family visits while others encourage them.

Finding your ideal facility may take some time, but the end results are well worth the effort. Stick to your guns and locate a place that is best able to assess and address the needs and goals of the addict to ensure a healthy, positive and educational experience.