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The generosity of the staff and peacefulness of the surroundings has given me a serenity and safety I had never experienced before." - Don

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Click here to read "Addressing the Complexities of Chronic Pain," by Dr. James Gagne, an internist at The Canyon. The article was published in Marin Medicine Magazine. (This link is provided solely for educational purposes.)

 

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Prescription Drug Addiction Phases

Prescription drug addiction doesn't happen all at once and it doesn't happen at the same pace for everyone. For some, it comes quickly, within just a few days of beginning a prescription. For others, it comes after long-term use, and for still others, it may never fully develop. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV), there are different phases that lead to prescription drug addiction and they include nonmedical use, misuse of prescription drugs, abuse and then addiction.

If you or someone you love is addicted to prescription drugs, determining the stage of addiction is a big part of deciding whether or not you need prescription drug rehab like the one provided by The Canyon.

Prescription Drug Addiction Phase One: Nonmedical Use

Nonmedical use of prescription drugs is the first action of someone on the road to prescription drug addiction. Quite simply, this term describes any use of a prescription drug that is not medical. This includes taking your prescription more often than advised, taking pills that are not prescribed to you or taking more than your recommended dose. For example, if you're taking your painkillers to get high as opposed to treat pain, then this is a nonmedical use of a prescription drug.

Prescription Drug Addiction Phase Two: Misuse

Misuse of a prescription drug includes nonmedical use but at a chronic level. If you take too much of your prescribed drug or take it too often a couple of times, it is termed nonmedical use. If you do so more often than not, then it becomes misuse. You may be physically addicted to your prescription drug, especially if it is an opiate like Vicodin, OxyContin, Percocet, Lortab, Fentanyl or other opiate painkiller.

Prescription Drug Addiction Phase Three: Prescription Drug Abuse

After occasional nonmedical use turns into frequent misuse, the next step is prescription drug abuse. A chronic pattern of abusing your prescription for purposes other than its original medical one is termed prescription drug abuse. It will be clear through missed work, problems with personal relationships, and missing other personal responsibilities

You will likely experience physical dependence upon the drug here. Chronic use even without misuse of an addictive prescription drug will mean physical dependence in time. Your tolerance for the drug increases and with it the amount of your dose in order to keep experiencing the same pain relief. Unfortunately, along with this physical dependence comes withdrawal symptoms should you suddenly stop taking your prescription for any reason. If you are abusing your prescription, these withdrawal symptoms can be much more severe.

Prescription Drug Addiction Phase Four: Prescription Drug Addiction

When you add psychological dependence to physical dependence, you end up with prescription drug addiction. Psychological dependence comes in the form of cravings for the drug, a mental obsession with obtaining more of it and the timing of your next dose as well as ensuring that you never miss a dose. You may find yourself 'drug seeking' or trying to get a larger dose from your doctor, buying illicit pills off the street or 'doctor shopping' in an effort to obtain more prescriptions for the same drug.

Prescription Drug Addiction Rehab at The Canyon

At The Canyon, we provide men and women with an idyllic prescription drug addiction rehab tucked away in the Santa Monica Mountains. If you have any questions about our philosophy or the amenities we offer, contact us at The Canyon today.

Call 877.714.1319
If The Canyon isn't right for you, we'll find the place that is.

Articles on Prescription Drug Rehab