Prescription drugs are medicines given to people to address physical or mental issues. These drugs, when taken as prescribed, can help people feel better. On the other hand, misusing prescription medicines can have a range of negative consequences, including addiction, physical or mental health complications, and overdose.
Prescription medication can be quite beneficial in the treatment of a variety of ailments. Some medicines, however, are more prone to be abused than others. When a person takes a medication in a way that is not prescribed, it is referred to as prescription drug abuse. This could mean increasing the dose, taking someone else’s medicine, or abusing the prescription to get high.
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Prescription medicines most prone to abuse are opioids, CNS depressants (such as sedatives), and stimulants.
Doctors may prescribe opioids, generally known as painkillers, to treat severe or persistent pain. Opioids attach to specific receptors in the brain and block pain signals sent between the body and the brain, making painful stimuli less noticeable. Opioids also boost dopamine activity, a brain signalling chemical involved in rewarding and reinforcing actions.
Prescription medications can have the following side effects:
Doctors and healthcare professionals prescribe CNS depressants to treat anxiety, sleep difficulties, seizures, and muscular spasms. Sedative-hypnotic medicines like barbiturates and benzodiazepines, as well as the so-called “Z-drugs,” used to treat insomnia, are all CNS depressants. Most antidepressants work by interacting with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors or boosting GABA transmission in some way. GABA is a neurotransmitter that signals the brain and body to increase inhibition and reduce excitement. As a result, anxiety can be reduced, and sleep and sedation can be improved.
In the initial few days after taking CNS depressants, people may feel tiredness and incoordination. Other potential negative effects of use and misuse include:
Stimulants are prescribed to treat ADHD, narcolepsy, and obesity by doctors. Stimulants influence the degree of activity in a few different neurotransmitter systems, including norepinephrine and dopamine, which alters certain forms of brain signals. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in physiological functions like heart rate and respiration and modulates the body’s “fight-or-flight” response. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter linked to reward, motivation, and behaviour reinforcement.
The following are some of the possible side effects of taking prescription stimulants:
When a person becomes physically or psychologically dependent on the drugs they are taking, they are diagnosed with prescription drug addiction. Making such a diagnosis, however, can be difficult. Prescription drugs do not all create physical and psychological dependence. Dependence can be purely psychological at times.
We search for certain indications and symptoms to evaluate whether an addiction is present. Doctors, social workers, family members and friends, and even addicts themselves can recognise the following symptoms and signs:
Please remember that this list of signs and symptoms is far from complete. It should also be noted that not all prescription drug addicts exhibit all of these. Just as addiction manifests itself in different ways in different people’s lives, so will the symptoms and indicators they exhibit.
Opioids, depressants, and stimulants are examples of prescription medicines that can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Even at therapeutic doses, dependence can develop. However, when used as directed, they are all generally safe. This includes adhering to the doctor’s dosage, frequency, and duration recommendations. Furthermore, the medications should be consumed or delivered in their natural state, rather than being crushed and then snorted, injected, or used in any other way that is not recommended. When prescription prescriptions are used with other drugs or alcohol, significant side effects can occur, and in extreme cases, death can also result from these abusive actions. As a result, talking to your doctor, healthcare provider, or pharmacist about possible harmful interactions is critical.
According to research, the following factors may enhance a person’s chance of becoming addicted to prescription drugs:
According to studies, women are more likely than males to misuse prescription medicines, such as using them to self-treat other issues or taking larger quantities to relieve pain.
The greater the risk of misuse, the larger the dose.
People who suffer from persistent weariness and headaches are more likely to abuse pharmaceutical drugs.
People suffering from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental illnesses are more likely to abuse prescription medications.
According to studies, people who suffer from chronic pain are more prone to take prescription medicines in higher quantities or for extended periods than recommended.
People with heightened physiological reactions, such as exhilaration, are more vulnerable.
Studies show a correlation between abusing prescription pharmaceuticals and having previously struggled with substance abuse.
Younger persons (those 18-25) and older adults (those 65 and above who may take multiple medications) are equally at risk of abusing prescription drugs.
Long-term use of prescription opioids and benzodiazepines increases the chance of developing dependency, which can lead to addiction.
It may be a good idea to seek treatment if you are unable to stop using prescription drugs, have experienced adverse consequences to your physical, mental, or social functioning, experience withdrawal symptoms if you try to stop, or find that a significant portion of your time is spent on prescription drugs.
Most health insurance plans cover treatment for SUD (substance use disorder) to some extent. However, depending on the insurance plan, the coverage varies greatly.
Help is available in various ways if you or a loved one is battling prescription drug abuse. Effective treatment takes into account the type of substance used as well as the individual’s specific needs and may include a range of elements, such as:
A variety of screening techniques and assessment resources are available to determine the level of substance abuse. These examinations are centred on drug dependency for people addicted to prescription drugs. They figure out how much of a person’s life revolves around prescription medicines at the expense of happiness, health, and relationships. Questioning and evidence-based analysis of the replies generate the results. They are the initial step in the healing process and help to determine the best course of action regarding treatment.
It may be a good idea to seek treatment if you are unable to stop using prescription drugs, have experienced adverse consequences to your physical, mental, or social functioning, experience withdrawal symptoms if you try to stop, or find that a significant portion of your time is spent on prescription drugs.
Most health insurance plans cover treatment for SUD (substance use disorder) to some extent. However, depending on the insurance plan, the coverage varies greatly.
Help is available in various ways if you or a loved one is battling prescription drug abuse. Effective treatment takes into account the type of substance used as well as the individual’s specific needs and may include a range of elements, such as:
A variety of screening techniques and assessment resources are available to determine the level of substance abuse. These examinations are centred on drug dependency for people addicted to prescription drugs. They figure out how much of a person’s life revolves around prescription medicines at the expense of happiness, health, and relationships. Questioning and evidence-based analysis of the replies generate the results. They are the initial step in the healing process and help to determine the best course of action regarding treatment.
A drug detox removes damaging compounds from your body. Detoxification is usually done over a 7-to-10-day period to rid the body of toxins and is generally included in all treatment approaches. The goal of any detox is to bring your mind and body back into equilibrium, both physically and mentally.
Specialist help and medical assistance are essential to make detox as safe and effective as possible. When you’re going through the process, you’ll also get help if you’re having withdrawal symptoms.
Only individuals who are dependent on alcohol receive medical detoxification. It’s not a primary treatment for substances like cocaine, cannabis, or amphetamines, and it would never be used for them. This is because detoxing with medical assistance is both safer and more effective. More research is needed since certain drug withdrawals do not cause depression; instead, the addiction is more likely to have disguised symptoms. As a result, the individual is best off going through withdrawals in a secure setting. Treatment may also include gradually weaning off a drug to reduce symptoms, so it’s crucial to keep track of your intake.
The type of prescribed medication determines the specific treatment for withdrawal symptoms. Doctors may prescribe painkillers or safer opioids to treat opioid addiction. Only some substances require medical/medically aided detoxification using maintenance medication. Maintenance medicines include buprenorphine, methadone, and clonidine. Other treatments for people with psychotic symptoms from stimulants include anti-craving drugs, antidepressants, and neuroleptics. Because some withdrawal symptoms (alcohol, benzos, and opiates) can be fatal, weaning off drugs is generally a solution, depending on the severity of the addiction.
A consistent level of care and support accompanies an addict through detox and therapy. The rehab’s intensity may be just what they need to change their addictive habits in the real world. You can stay in a rehab centre for up to 12 weeks for inpatient treatment. However, it requires you to disrupt your daily schedule for up to three months. It may make returning to regular life much more difficult for some, depending on the length of the stay.
Those not physically dependent on prescription medicines are often sent to outpatient treatment. Sometimes, treatment is adequate to recognise the source of addiction and change behavioural habits by focusing on the mind rather than the body. It is a less expensive option that does not disrupt your daily routine because you can continue working or studying while receiving ongoing help. It does not, however, provide the same level of intensive medicated care as inpatient rehab.
Medication can be an important aspect of prescription drug misuse treatment. It’s frequently combined with behavioural therapy. While counselling is always helpful, pharmaceutical alternatives vary depending on the type of drug addiction. However, medicine can help with withdrawal symptoms, dual diagnosis illnesses, and relapse prevention in general.
Anti-craving drugs may be utilised in treating addiction. Methadone, an analgesic, may be used as a maintenance treatment for opioid or painkiller addiction. It can assist in alleviating withdrawal symptoms and lessen cravings. Antipsychotics can help those with psychosis, which is occasionally brought on by stimulant misuse. Antidepressants may also be used to treat depression.
Sedative addicts are frequently weaned off the drug as withdrawal symptoms can be severe and even lethal. As a result, regulated medication of the substance or another sedative may be employed during treatment. Prescription drug addiction treatment might reveal mental health concerns that require medication, such as depression, schizophrenia, or anxiety.
Medication can help to make rehab less traumatic and risky, as well as more bearable. Mood stabilisers can help with the mental disorders that result from rehab stress. They also begin to address the underlying mental issues frequently linked to addiction. Medicated treatment may be required to protect the patient’s life because of the severe withdrawal symptoms associated with sedative addiction. Small relief features can have a significant impact.
Even though medication may make the detox process easier, it is still possible to detox without it. Nutritional supplements, rather than pharmacological medications, are used in natural detox. Large doses of these supplements can occasionally replace what certain prescription medications have taken away. Most forms of prescription medication addiction have also been shown to respond well to behavioural therapy. However, medication is not always an option, such as in the case of amphetamine misuse.
Patients with both a mental disease and a substance addiction are referred to as having a dual diagnosis. The link between these conditions has been well investigated in the medical community. It’s well established that a primary psychotic disorder can develop into addictive behaviour, such as prescription drug addiction. Prescription medication addiction, on the other hand, could exacerbate mental health problems. In a predisposed person, one problem may set off the next.
Numerous factors link mental illness to prescription drug usage. Self-medication is when people use the effects of substances to deal with the symptoms of their mental condition. The need to treat both the psychological and physical aspects of prescription drug addiction is highlighted by dual diagnosis. Even if the body cleanses during detox, mental concerns may persist, triggering more addictive behaviours.
Therapy comes after detox because it focuses on the mental aspects of addiction behaviour. It usually lasts three to twelve weeks. However, therapy is also adapted to the individual’s needs. The psychotherapeutic method supports exploring your connection with prescription drugs and identifying the underlying causes. It also helps you progress since you can learn to recognise and avoid triggering behaviours and situations.
Therapists have a wide range of treatments at their disposal to assist customers. One-on-one therapy between the counsellor and the patient is the first. This can take various forms, the most popular of which is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
One-on-one counselling has the significant benefit of allowing the patient and therapist to work together to unearth deeply buried thoughts and feelings. It enables patients to make the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours and their particular connection to addiction.
Another alternative offered to therapists is group counselling. One is dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), which is a type of CBT that is more specialised. It can also come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Counselling sessions in the DBT approach are split between one-on-one and group counselling. In a group context, therapists can also use 12-step therapy.
There are two advantages to group counselling. First, patients learn from one another through group exercises and general talk. There is a lot to be learned from other people’s experiences. Second, the group environment encourages members to be accountable to one another. They can both encourage and push each other to achieve success.
Outside of counselling, therapy options might involve a variety of things. A good example is art therapy. Through the use of art, this treatment allows patients to explore their own thoughts and emotions. Making art also will enable patients to convey feelings and thoughts that they might not be able to voice in a counselling session.
Mindfulness is a therapeutic practice involving focusing on the present moment while peacefully accepting emotions and thoughts and without judgement. It’s a mental condition supported by techniques such as meditation. According to research, mindfulness-based therapy can help people recover from addiction. Patients gradually change their behaviour patterns by learning to halt and check their intentions before engaging in harmful activities. A future without prescription drugs becomes more reachable by savouring healthier and life-affirming experiences.
Therapy can sometimes include recreational activities in addition to counselling. It is a sort of therapy in and of itself, in which leisure and activity are used to address individual needs on the path to recovery and well-being. Such techniques can also help to recover a healthy and autonomous ability to participate in everyday activities in order to prepare for a normal everyday existence. Art therapy, for example, allows you to freely and creatively express your thoughts and emotions via artwork.
Behavioural therapy is a collection of therapies that focus on the mental attitudes that underpin addictive behaviour. It’s a broad word encompassing cognitive behavioural therapy, family therapy, contingency management, and other approaches. Individuals can recognise the roots and triggers of addiction by becoming aware of and analysing their behavioural patterns and then adapting their behaviours to fit a healthier and happier addiction-free existence.
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Group therapy is based on the idea of universality, or the recognition that others are dealing with similar addiction concerns and struggles. This can be a crucial stage in determining whether or not change is achievable. Individuals provide and receive help, which can broaden their horizons. Group therapy employs a variety of formats and programmes, and seeing them work for others emphasises the possibility of a life free of prescription medicines.
As part of a recovery approach, one-on-one counselling is frequently offered alongside other treatments. Focusing on your personal concerns can help you get to the bottom of your addiction. When you examine your thoughts and feelings, you can understand how they relate to prescription drug addiction. You can learn how to move forward and avoid destructive patterns in the future by recognising your past behaviours.
Aftercare is a group of services that continue rehabilitation after official therapy programmes have ended. In light of this, it’s also worth mentioning the importance of aftercare in preventing relapse. Data reveals that recovered drug users participating in a high-quality aftercare programme have a lower chance of relapsing after a year.
In addition to lowering the risk of relapse, aftercare benefits recovered addicts and their families in numerous ways. Aftercare, for example, encourages patients to stay in touch with their own recovery communities even after they have completed formal treatment. Patients from the same neighbourhood, for example, may all join the same local support group.
Another advantage of aftercare is that it promotes the reintegration of recovered addicts into society. This is accomplished through support groups, ongoing counselling, and extras such as job skills training. The goal of these programmes is to teach patients how to live their lives without the use of drugs.
The 12-step method can be used to treat a variety of addictions, including those caused by prescription drugs. It is based on the premise that addiction should be treated holistically, taking into account a person’s body, mind, and soul. Although it is frequently used in conjunction with other plans like medicated treatment and behavioural therapy, the 12-step programme can have good long-term results and lower the risk of relapse.
The 12-step concept is done in a group and is based on interaction rather than independence. Members encourage and support one another on the road to recovery and a life free of addiction. Admitting an inability to control addiction, acknowledging a higher power, and adopting a new code of behaviour are among the six essential beliefs in the programme. Individuals take responsibility for their past, present and future actions as they go through the 12 stages.
You may receive assistance immediately if you suspect you might have a prescription drug addiction. Perhaps you’ve noticed a growing dependence on prescribed medications, such as mood swings or anger due to interrupted sleep or a tendency to visit the doctor regularly. Perhaps you’re catching a glimpse of their symptoms in someone else. Help is available right now in the form of support and treatment. Call Compare Rehab UK on 0800 999 1083 for confidential help and to discuss treatment options.
No matter where you live, there are drug and alcohol rehab options for you to discover. Treatment providers are waiting to answer your questions. Get started today.
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