For the most part, people take their prescribed medications exactly as the doctor ordered. However, about 20 percent of Americans have used prescription drugs—their own and those prescribed to others—for nonmedical reasons, an action that is defined as prescription drug abuse and a problem that is growing by leaps and bounds in this country. In fact, prescription drugs are one of the most commonly abused classes of drugs, second only to marijuana.
Perhaps it is due to the increased number of prescription opiates, tranquilizers and sedatives that are dispensed each year. Perhaps it is because the availability of prescriptions means easier access for those who wouldn't ordinarily indulge in illegal drug use. Online pharmacies, too, make it easier for people of all ages to access drugs without a prescription. No matter what the reason, the fact remains that prescription drug abuse leads quickly to prescription drug addiction, an emotionally and physically controlling affliction that can be painful and even deadly if allowed to run rampant without prescription drug treatment.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse's (NIDA) research report Prescription Drugs: Abuse and Addiction, there are three classes of prescription drugs that are most commonly abused. These include:
Taken for long periods of time or in large doses, use of any of these prescription drugs can result in addiction and require intense drug rehab treatment to recuperate.
According to the National Drug Intelligence Center's 2006 National Drug Threat Survey (NDTS), about 50 million Americans over the age of 12 reported using prescription drugs for nonmedical reasons at least once in their lives, amounting to a little more than 20 percent. Three percent of that same age group, or 7 million Americans, reported nonmedical use of prescription drugs in the past month. The class of drugs most often abused are painkillers like OxyContin. The age group most likely to abuse prescription drugs are those between the ages of 18 and 25.
Depending upon the prescription drug or combination of drugs being used, the effects upon the individual will vary. Opiate painkillers, for example, cause respiratory depression to varying degrees, which means that, when severe, slowed or stopped breathing can result. Tranquilizers and sedatives can also cause respiratory depression, but may ultimately result in seizure and decreased heart rate. At the other end of the spectrum, stimulants can cause seizures, an irregular heartbeat, and cardiac arrest. No matter which prescription drug is abused, however, all of them can lead to a life of addiction.
Each class of drug can also be deadly. The Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) collects reports from emergency rooms in hospitals from across the country about admissions due to abuse of legal drugs. Almost 600,000 admissions to the ER occurred due in part to the nonmedical use of prescription drugs. Central nervous system depressants accounted for more than 305,000 ER admissions and opiates and psychotherapeutic agents like antidepressants and antipsychotics were responsible for more than 275,000 visits.
Just like the effects of prescription drugs will vary according to its class, so too will the type of drug affect which is the most appropriate addiction treatment. Opiate addiction, for example, can be treated with medication or a medicated detox to help avoid withdrawal symptoms. A medical detox is a must for those addicted to CNS depressants as trying to stop without a doctor's help can be fatal. The withdrawal symptoms associated with a detox off of stimulants can be treated one by one as they differ in strength and intensity for each individual based on pre-existing psychological disorders and issues. No matter what, a successful prescription drug addiction treatment will include behavioral therapy, support groups and a strong network of peers and counselors to sustain you as you rebuild your life in sobriety.
At The Canyon, we are qualified to treat those who suffer from addiction to any class or combination of prescription drugs. Because many are prescribed antipsychotics, antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs in an attempt to heal their psychological disorders, it is quite common that prescription drug addiction and mental issues go hand in hand. The best way to find stability in recovery is to choose a prescription drug addiction treatment that addresses both issues simultaneously. At The Canyon, we can provide that for you.
If you'd like more information about the nature of prescription drug addiction or would like to find out more about The Canyon, contact us today at .
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