Prescription Drug Addiction
Prescription painkillers and sleeping aids were created to help people. And the majority of individuals DO take these drugs as prescribed by a doctor. A large number, however, also abuse prescription drugs, often with serious consequences. Drugs such as Vicodin, OxyContin, Xanax and others are highly addictive medications. Many who experience their opiate effects, are unable to give them up and become addicted.
Symptoms of Prescription Drug Addiction
There are several behaviors and conditions common to the majority of those who become addicted to prescription drugs. These symptoms include: irritability, mood swings, poor performance at work or school, stealing, lying and other negative behaviors.
The Most Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs
Certain prescription medications are abused more than others. These highly addictive drugs include:
Opiods: Vicodin, OxyContin, Dilaudid, Darvon
Central Nervous System Depressants: Valium, Librium, Xanax
Stimulants Dexedrine, Biphetamine
These drugs are abused for different reasons, but all have the potential to become highly addictive.
Dependence on Prescription Drugs
When an individual becomes addicted to prescription drugs, they develop a dependence. Dependence is characterized by one of several factors including: building a tolerance to the drug, withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not taken, an inability to stop using the drug, or other related symptoms of dependence.
How Does an Addict Get Their Prescription Drugs?
Those individuals who become addicted to prescription drugs will use any means necessary to obtain them. These methods are often illegal and may include: doctor shopping to find different physicians who will prescribe the medications, forgery of the doctor's signature on prescription requests, theft from other people's medicine cabinets, or stealing from loved ones. Because the individual is under the control of the drug, they will often act in a self-destructive manner, which many time will lead them into trouble with the law.
Helping Those Addicted to Prescription Drugs
A prominent symptom of drug addiction is denial. Those who are addicted to drugs, including prescription medication, are either unwilling to even admit that they have a problem, or hesitant to speak to anyone about it. This creates a snow-ball effect, as the individual falls deeper and deeper into addiction without anyone else knowing. All that friends and family members can do is be aware of the symptoms and signs of drug addiction, and the moment they suspect something is not right, intervene in the situation. This may include performing a professionally-supervised intervention, or just talking in a non-threatening, non-confrontational way with the individual about his or her drug abuse. Whichever path is taken, it is imperative the addicted individual find a drug rehab program to help them break the cycle of addiction, and change their mind and body so that the drugs no longer control their lives.
Located in Palm Springs, California, Michael's House is a residential rehab facility that works with all types of prescription drug addictions. For treatment with the physical and psychological symptoms associated with prescription drug addiction, Michael's House is one the finest facilities in the country. The staff treats every patient with respect and great care - and the treatment program makes recovery a reality, even when things seem like they will never get better. Contact Michael's House today at 1-877-345-8494 for more information.
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