Understanding Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription drug addiction is a condition that makes one consume medication without being prescribed to do so. One can become addicted to the prescribed drugs if continued long enough. Swallowing pills without reason or snorting or injecting the drug into your body are all kinds of prescription drug addiction.

Prescription medicines without any apparent reason are known as prescription drug abuse. You may notice relief from pain or any other physical difficulty initially. Still, even after the course of the prescription drug addiction treatment center is over, you may come to be addicted to the medicine. It is sure to influence your body and mind. Widespread drug abuse comprises the consumption of sedatives, pain medication, and stimulants. Determining the source of the problem as early as feasible can help the person to avoid getting addicted. You need to visit an experienced physician for help.

Symptoms of Prescription Drug Addiction

The symptoms of prescription drug addiction can differ widely and depend upon several facets, including the kind of prescription drug that a person has been consuming and how regularly they have been using this. Nonetheless, the following are all common symptoms that may suggest that a person has a problem with prescription drug abuse:

Physical symptoms of prescription drug addiction:

• Disorientation 
• Headaches
• Impaired coordination
• Slurred speech
• Irregular heartbeat and slowed breathing
• Dramatically increased or reduced energy
• Discovering that you have built a tolerance to the drug means that you have to take more of it to achieve the desirable effects
• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia
• High body temperature
• Nausea and vomiting
• Reduced or increased appetite and weight fluctuations
• Constipation
• Intense cravings for the drug
• The appearance of prescription drug withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking the drug or are unable to obtain it

Psychological symptoms of prescription drug addiction:

• Depression
• Impaired ability to focus
• Anxiety 
• Exacerbation of any existing mental health condition
• Enhanced ability to focus or concentrate 
• Feelings of euphoria
• Mood swings
• Poor judgment
• Memory problems 
• Taking prescription drugs to relieve stress
• Paranoia and confusion
• Irritability
• Chronic low mood
• Reduced self-esteem

Behavioral and social prescription drug addiction symptoms and affects are:

• Using prescription drugs after the legitimate signs that they were dealing with have subsided
• Stealing or borrowing prescription medications
• Attempting to obtain multiple prescriptions by visiting numerous different doctors
• Ordering prescription drugs on the internet
• Dedicating a large amount of time to getting, using, and recovering from the abuse of prescription medications
• Prioritizing obtaining and using prescription medications over activities that were once vital to you
• Feeling as though you want to quit taking prescription drugs but discovering that you are unable to
• Being secretive and defensive out your prescription drug misuse
• Proceeding with to take prescription drugs even after suffering adverse consequences as a result of this
• Using prescription medications when it is hazardous to do so, such as instantly before driving or when also consuming alcohol

What Are The Long-Term Consequences Of Prescription Drug Addiction?

Prolonged misuse of prescription medications can lead to an entire host of long-term adverse effects and outcomes. These may include:

• Heart problems
• Damage to virtually all organs
• Respiratory problems
• Job loss and unemployment
• Family conflict
• Social isolation 
• Short and long-term cognitive impairments
• Relationship breakdowns
• Poor performance or attendance at work 
• Homelessness
• Financial problems 
• Pervasive feelings of hopelessness and despair
• Problems with the law resulting in arrest and imprisonment
• Suicidal thoughts and impulses

What Is The Treatment For Prescription Drug Addiction?

Prescription drug addiction treatment varies from patient to patient. It relies on the kind of drug you’re addicted to, your age, and your physical situation. The doctor will advise several treatment options that include:

Counseling Or Psychotherapy

The person will be counseled by a psychotherapist or counselor individually or as part of a group. One will learn more about themselves and pick up skills to:-

• Resist the craving
• Identify activities that don’t depend on drug consumption 
• Formulate determination to stay optimistic and form healthy connections with friends and family members 
• Be determined to get rid of the difficulty if you relapse

Preventing Withdrawal Symptoms  

• A reduction in the dosage of Opioids until it is no longer important
• You will be asked to take a low dose of anti-anxiety pills to overcome the withdrawal symptoms until the body is prepared to sleep naturally.
• The doctor will advise you to stop taking stimulants for prescription drug addiction withdrawal symptoms. Difficulties of insomnia, depression, and fatigue will get dealt with separately.

Support

One may need to depend on the near and dear ones to help the person quit the addiction for good. It is a lengthy procedure with numerous challenges to overcome. You may ask the doctor for references about firms that assist patients who have difficulty with prescription drug abuse.

Conclusion 

Prescription drug addiction is a severe problem that may influence people of all age groups. You need to identify the problem early to get rid of it. Talking with a doctor will help the person to comprehend the situation and receive prescription drug treatment.