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Most Commonly Abused Prescriptions

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The Growing Problem of Prescription Drug Addictions

More and more people across the United States are becoming addicted to prescription drugs. Increased access to online pharmacies and a growing number of young people obtaining the drugs through their parents’ medicine cabinets have made prescription drug addiction a source of serious concern among the rehab community.

The following are some of the most common prescription drug addictions, and how they impact the addicted individual.

Vicodin Addiction

vicodin pillsVicodin dependence is still considered one of the most common prescription drug addictions in the United States. Vicodin, or Hydrocodone as it is known by its generic name, is a powerful opiate-based painkiller that is prescribed to help individuals suffering with high levels of pain due to illness or injury. The drug is abused, however, because of the opiate effects that accompany taking it.

Vicodin users will become very agitated when they are not taking the drug. A variety of powerful withdrawal symptoms usually occur once an individual becomes addicted, including: depression, sweats chills, anxiety, sleeplessness, and other symptoms. Like many prescription drugs, individuals who are suffering from Vicodin addiction will do anything to obtain it, including: doctor shopping, forging or stealing prescriptions, robbery, and other illegal acts.

OxyContin Addiction

oxycontinOxyContin is a time-release painkiller designed to do the work of several doses of other painkillers. An individual who take OxyContin will have the active ingredients released into their system over time, replacing 3 or 4 painkiller doses with a single pill.

Problems with OxyContin began to arise when individuals starting abusing the drug by crushing and snorting it, or mixing it with a base liquid and injecting it directly into their bloodstream. This caused them to ingest ALL of the drug’s ingredients at once, which led to intense highs and a significant number of overdoses. OxyContin, dubbed the “hillbilly Heroin” because its effects resemble that dangerous drug, has become a problem across the country because it is so addictive, and individuals who abuse it are unaware of just how powerful it can be.

Stimulant Addiction

Students, truck drivers, office workers, and other individuals who press the limits of their capabilities are all susceptible to stimulant addiction. Commonly used stimulants such as Dexedrine and Ritalin enhance brain functioning and increase alertness and energy levels. But these drugs also carry dangerous side effects including high blood pressure, increased heart rate, and respiratory problems.

Depressants and Sleeping Pill Addiction

sleeping pill addictionMany individuals who find it difficult to cope with their lives become addicted to depressants and sleeping pills. Valium, Xanax and other drugs are often taken alone, or mixed with alcohol to create a more intense depressive state. Accidental overdoses are common with depressant abuse, especially among the older, predominantly female demographic that makes up a large percentage of users.

Michael’s House helps individuals with prescription drug addictions change their lives for the better. The individualized care and cutting-edge treatment methods at Michael’s House get results, even when other treatment programs have failed to deliver any real change.

Contact Michael’s House today at 760.548.4032 for more information.

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