What Is Crack Cocaine
It Can Be Easier For People To Hide Or Lie About Prescription Drug Addiction
Prescription drugs are different to illicit drugs in that they are legal and more accessible. It is easier for prescription medication abuse to hide in plain sight compared to illicit drug abuse. Therefore, people who are suffering from prescription drug addiction may try to dismiss your concerns about their abuse. For example, they may explain away any mood swings or missing prescriptions as normal behaviour. However, if you see a troubling pattern in their behaviour, you can always offer your support in finding treatment.
Signs And Symptoms Of Prescription Drug Addiction
The symptoms of prescription drug abuse will vary depending upon the substance abused, frequency of abuse, other drug abuse, and length of addiction. The symptoms have been broken down into general symptoms and those specific to the drug of abuse.
Common symptoms of prescription drug abuse include:
- Drug-seeking behaviors
- Taking higher doses than prescribed
- Appearing to be intoxicated, overly energetic, or lethargic
- Changes in sleeping and eating patterns
- Increased usage of alcohol
- Mood swings relating to availability of prescription medications
- Irritability when medication is not available
- Withdrawal symptoms when prescription drug is not available
- Doctor shopping, or visiting multiple doctors to obtain more prescriptions
- Borrowing prescription medications from others
- Using prescriptions at a much faster rate than prescribed
- Losing multiple prescriptions for prescription medications
- Crushing or breaking pills
- Lying about amount of medication used
- Stashing medication in multiple places around the house
- Ordering prescriptions from internet pharmacies
- Stealing or forging prescriptions
Symptoms of Anti-Anxiety Agents/Sedatives Abuse:
- Drowsiness and excessive sleepiness
- Confusion about time, date, and place
- Appearing intoxicated
Symptoms of Prescription Painkiller Abuse:
Effects
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The Science Of Addiction: A Chronic Disease That Deserves Treatment
How does addiction happen?
Addiction is a chronic brain disease that causes compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful effects to the individual and others.
- Drug dependence is a complex disease process and the drug abuser cannot voluntarily stop their use of illicit or prescription drugs.
- People who become addicted to drugs are not necessarily immoral or lacking in character in fact, drug addiction occurs throughout the mainstream of society.
- Brain circuit changes may challenge an addicted persons self-control and hamper his or her ability to resist intense impulses to take drugs. Environmental and social signals can also trigger further misuse of drugs.
While someone who becomes addicted to drugs is always at risk for relapse, there are effective treatments for drug detoxification and maintenance.
Prescription Drug Addiction Signs And Symptoms
Prescription drugs have undoubtedly improved the lives of millions of people throughout the UK and around the world. When used as directed, under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional, prescription drugs can have a wide range of positive effects.
However, due to the recreational high that prescription drugs can produce when they are abused, this can lead individuals to develop a harmful addiction to substances that were originally prescribed to them for a legitimate medical reason. As well as producing a range of common effects, addiction to these substances can also result in a range of serious and unpleasant prescription drug addiction symptoms.
Some of the most common immediate effects following prescription drug abuse include:
- Opioid painkillers when abused can cause strong feelings of euphoria and relaxation
- Stimulants when abused can induce feelings of pleasure, euphoria, and excessive energy
- Benzodiazepines when abused can cause the user to feel relaxation and pleasure
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What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Substance Use Disorder
According to the American Psychiatric Associations Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the signs of substance use disorder include:
- Taking the substance in larger amounts and for a longer amount of time than youre meant to if its a prescription.
- Having a strong desire or urge to use the substance.
- Having unsuccessful efforts to cut down on or control substance use.
- Spending a lot of time obtaining or using the substance or recovering from its effects.
- Having issues fulfilling responsibilities at work, school or home due to substance use.
- Continuing to use the substance, even when it causes problems in relationships.
- Giving up social, occupational or recreational activities because of substance use.
- Using substances again and again, even when it puts you in danger.
- Continuing substance use despite an ongoing physical or psychological problem thats likely caused or worsened by the substance.
- Developing tolerance .
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, which can be relieved by taking more of the substance.
Seeking medical care as soon as you have signs of substance use disorder is essential.
Other symptoms and behaviors of substance use may include:
Brain chemistry
Substances affect your brain, especially the reward center of your brain.
This can create an unhealthy drive to seek more pleasure from the substance and less from more healthy experiences.
Genetics
Mental health conditions
Access and exposure
Highly Addictive Prescription Drugs
According to the National Institute On Drug Use, the most commonly used classes of prescription drugs are opioids, central nervous system depressants and stimulants. The increasing rate at which these drugs are being prescribed is partially to blame for their spike in popularity in recent years. While America accounts for around 5 percent of the worlds population, they consume about 75 percent prescription drugs. The number of prescriptions being written makes these highly addictive drugs easily accessible in medicine cabinets across the country- and the consequences of this are starting to make themselves clear. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, over 50 percent of Americans get their prescription drugs for free from a family member or friend. Another 17 percent of people buy prescription medications off of a family member or friend. As prescription drug use rates continue to rise, its essential to know the risks associated with the most addictive behind-the-counter drugs.
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Which Prescription Painkillers Have A Risk Of Addiction
Any opioid-based painkiller can lead to addiction.
Opioid derivatives — or narcotics — are commonly used in prescription painkillers. Some names of opiate prescription medications at the center of the U.S. addiction epidemic include:
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What Are The Long
Prolonged misuse of prescription drugs can lead to a whole host of long-term negative effects and outcomes. These may include:
- Watery eyes and runny nose
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
At Manor Clinic, we offer a comprehensive detox programme, which is the process by which all traces of harmful substances are removed from your body in a controlled and medically supported setting. This process enables prescription drug withdrawal symptoms to be managed effectively, thus addressing the physical aspects of your addiction, and equipping you with the ability to commence with rigorous prescription drug addiction therapy when you are physically stable.
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Why Is Prescription Drug Abuse On The Rise
One of the main reasons the U.S. is facing a rise in prescription drug abuse is the misconception that these drugs are completely safe or at least less dangerous than street drugs.
These drugs are also more accessible. Throughout the years, drug prescriptions have increased dramatically. For example, from 19912010, opioid prescriptions rose from 76210 million, and stimulant prescriptions rose from 445 million. This trend continues to move upward.
Many prescription drugs that are abused can lead to addiction. Therefore, people should learn the dangers of misusing these medications. This is particularly important for adolescents and teenagers.
Therapy For Prescription Drug Addiction
Therapy is an effective tool in treating any drug addiction because it focuses on the underlying issues that lead to drug misuse and helps develop skills that help the individual stay sober after treatment. For therapy treatment to be effective, you need to be open with yourself and your therapist to find a solution that works for you.
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Prescription Drug Addiction Statistics
In 2010, about 7.0 million people self-reported non-medical usage of prescription medications. The breakdown of types of prescription medication usage is staggering. 5.1 million individuals reported using prescription painkillers. 2.2 million self-reported using tranquilizers , while 0.4 million reported using sedatives. Stimulants were self-reported as being abused by 1.1 million people. Nearly 1 in every 12 high school seniors self-reported using prescription painkillers for nonmedical purposes.
Causes and Risk Factors
Most Addictive Drugs: List Of Commonly Abused Substances
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health said that there are 19.7 million American adults who battled substance use disorder in 2017. The latest count states that the number of Americans with at least one addiction has risen to 21 million, but only 10% of them get treatment.
Drug addiction is not something to be taken lightly. Millions have died of overdose and abuse of harmful substances. If you fear that a loved one may be suffering from addiction, it will pay to know more about the most addictive drugs, the symptoms of use, and the consequences of getting addicted to them.
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Physical Symptoms Of Prescription Drug Addiction:
- Impaired co-ordination
- Irregular heartbeat and slowed breathing
- High body temperature
- Reduced or increased appetite and weight fluctuations
- Dramatically increased or reduced energy
- Intense cravings for the drug
- Finding that you have built a tolerance to the drug meaning that you need to take more of it to achieve the desired effects
- The appearance of withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking the drug or are unable to obtain it
To discuss how the Manor Clinic team can help to support individuals and families dealing with an addiction issue or for further information on treatment and rehabilitation programmes, please call: 023 8046 4721 or click here to book a FREE ADDICTION ASSESSMENT.
Why Choose A Structured Living Program At Shoreline Sober Living
The structured living program at Shoreline Sober Living has been shown to increase the chances of recovery due to the daily plan firmly kept in place for all residents. It enables individuals to reintegrate with everyday life while providing help and support with job seeking. The team at Shoreline Sober Living will encourage its residents to build relationships with peers and re-establish relationships with loved ones while abstaining from drugs. Shoreline has the experience and technologies to provide a solid foundation on your road to recovery.
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Reducing The Risk Of Addiction To Prescription Medication
Did you know that in 2019 the value of prescriptions issued to the British population was £9.08 billion? That amounted to a rise of 2.81 per cent from £8.83 billion in 2018!
Those who take prescription drugs for medicinal purposes might find they like these drugs effects and start to take them more. If you are taking a medication that is sometimes abused, make these choices to reduce the likelihood of addiction.
You should be extremely cautious to start taking these prescription drugs if you or a family member have ever had an addiction or a mental health issue.
However, that being said, after you start taking them, you cannot quit cold turkey or take an extra dose without first talking to your doctor.
If you suspect or need information on your prescription medication dependency or misuse, contact us for confidential and free advice.
Contact Rehab Guide today on 02072052845.
Further Reading
What Makes Therapy Beneficial
Some of the most significant factors of substance abuse include trauma and stress. These conditions can often be difficult to cope with, leading many people to rely on drug use to carry them through the day. Fortunately, there are therapy methods targeted to these risk factors, including:
- Identifying bad habits and potential triggers
- Implementing mindfulness techniques
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Whats The Difference Between Substance Use/misuse And Substance Use Disorder
Substance use/misuse refers to occasional episodes of substance use rather than chronic, habitual or patterned use.
People can use substances occasionally without developing SUD, but even a few episodes of taking certain substances can lead to tolerance and dependence. Tobacco, heroin, cocaine, alcohol, cannabis and benzodiazepines are all substances that you can develop tolerance and dependence to.
Why Do People Abuse Prescription Drugs
Some people abuse prescription drugs because they think they will help them have more fun, lose weight, fit in, and even study more effectively. Prescription drugs can be easier to get than street drugs: Family members or friends may have them. But prescription drugs are also sometimes sold on the street like other illegal drugs. In 2017, 1 in 7 teens surveyed said they have taken a prescription drug without a doctor’s prescription.
But prescription drugs are only safe for the people who have prescriptions for them. That’s because a doctor has examined these people and prescribed the right dose of medicine for their medical condition. The doctor has also told them exactly how they should take the medicine, including things to avoid while taking the drug. They also are aware of side effects and can watch patients closely for these.
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What Is The Difference Between Substance Use Disorder And Addiction
Substance use disorder can be mild, moderate or severe. Addiction is the most severe form of SUD. It involves continued substance use despite negative consequences. Addiction to substances happens when the reward system in your brain takes over and amplifies compulsive substance-seeking.
Both involve the development of physical dependence and psychological dependence.
People are psychologically dependent when a drug is so central to their thoughts, emotions and activities that the need to continue its use becomes a craving or compulsion despite negative consequences.
With physical dependence, your body has adapted to the presence of the substance, and withdrawal symptoms happen if you suddenly stop taking the drug or you take a reduced dosage.
In the past, healthcare providers, organizations and members of the public often used the terms addiction/addict, abuse/abuser and dependence when referring to substance use.
Mental health condition classification systems, including the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , have become more sophisticated over time. The term substance use disorder allows for more clarity in diagnosis. SUD also recognizes a spectrum of problematic substance use, not just physiologic addiction.
Why Prescription Drugs Are So Addictive
The 10 most addictive prescription medications prescribed by physicians increase levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain that promote tolerance, dependence, and in many cases, addiction.
Specifically, drugs meant to reduce pain or anxiety are more likely to induce dependency simply because the brain grows accustomed to the feel-good effects produced by elevated amounts of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, GABA and norepinephrine.
In addition, opioid receptors in the brain are overstimulated by addictive prescription drugs as well, an action that directly enhances the sensation of euphoria and artificial well-being provided by these powerful medications.
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Overcoming Prescription Drug Addiction
If you are concerned that you may be addicted to prescription drugs, there is help there to aid you in the recovery process. We would recommend doing so at a professional facility, where you will be surrounded by a team of skilled staff trained to help you remain as safe and comfortable during the process.
Opiate, stimulant, and sedative withdrawal are far from euphoric, and it is common for many addicts to relapse during this time, even if they are determined to overcome their addictions. This is not because of weak will or lack of determination but is simply due to the severity of physical symptoms. Some of these symptoms can be dangerous and in the case of certain drugs fatal. Some of the withdrawal symptoms experienced with prescription medication include, but are not limited to:
- Nausea and vomiting
For this reason, we at Primrose Lodge would like to urge you to seek support if you wish to stop using prescription medication rather than coming off them on your own.
When Does Regular Use Turn Into Addiction
This dependence on a drug happens because the brain and body adapt to having that drug in its system for awhile. A person may need larger doses of the drug to get the same effects initially experienced. This is known as tolerance. When drug use is stopped, uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms can occur. When people continue to use a drug despite numerous negative consequences, addiction is established.
Carefully following a doctors instructions for taking a prescribed medication helps make dependence or addiction less likely, since the medication is prescribed in amounts and forms considered appropriate for that specific individual. However, dependence and addiction are still potential risks when taking certain types of prescription drugs. Patients must always carefully weigh the risks against the benefits of any prescribed medication, and patients should communicate any issues or concerns to their doctor.1
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Effects Of Prescription Drug Addiction
The effects of prescription drug abuse are far-reaching and depend upon a number of variables. The most common long-term effects of prescription drug abuse include the following:
- Social isolation
- Withdrawing from previously enjoyable activities
- Worsening of physical and mental illnesses
- Inability to fulfill responsibilities at work or home
Effects of Prescription Painkiller Abuse:
- Respiratory depression
- Increased risk for HIV/AIDS and other bloodborne pathogens
Effects of Stimulant Abuse:
