Medical addiction is when the person becomes addicted to a prescription drug. There are over-the-counter drugs that can also be addictive, such as caffeine and nicotine. Prescription drug addiction is becoming more prevalent than ever before due to the easy access people have to them. For example, it has been shown that one in five teens who visit their doctor’s office for an exam will receive at least one prescription for medication to treat anxiety or depression. This blog post will discuss what medical addiction is and how it can be treated effectively, so you don’t become another statistic of this growing epidemic.
What is prescription drug addiction?
Prescription drug addiction is when someone becomes overly reliant on prescription medication. Addiction can be defined as “a physical and/or psychological need for a habit-forming substance”. In terms of treatments, take the time to explore online sources, where you may come across a website dedicated to prescription drug addiction therapy. Visit this link for you to have a good idea of your options to help you or your loved one manage this challenge. Rest assured that with the right program, this kind of addiction can be overcome safely and securely.
How can prescription drug addiction be treated?
Some people think they can quit cold turkey, but it’s not that simple, especially when you’re hooked on painkillers or any other highly addictive drugs such as Adderall or Oxycontin which are often used to control health conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or severe chronic pain. Different options help to treat prescription drug addiction, and they include prescription substitution which is replacing one opioid with another, such as methadone for heroin, or buprenorphine for morphine for instance. You can also consider methadone maintenance treatment, wherein patients take a daily dose of methadone, which blocks the effects of heroin and lessens withdrawal symptoms.
Contingency management is another type of treatment, wherein patients are rewarded when they submit clean urine samples with vouchers or small cash rewards. There is also the option for you to try Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which helps patients to explore their thoughts and feelings as well as identify ways in which they interact with drug use or learn how to avoid or cope with triggers. This includes 12-Step Programs which can be in the form of group meetings and one on one counseling, as well as sponsorship from a more experienced member of the support group.
How to tell if you or someone you know has a problem with drugs
For you to be able to figure out if someone has a problem with drugs, you need to consider the following signs:
- If they use more than is prescribed or for longer periods.
- They take it in larger doses or by using other methods such as crushing and snorting.
- Drug-seeking behavior includes anxiety when wanting medication, not being able to cut down usage, spending more money on it than they can afford, and giving up social activities.
- They may show physical signs of withdrawal when trying to stop using the drug, including chills, nausea or vomiting, muscle pain, shaking, or sweating. Their skin may also be extremely dry, which is a side effect of many drugs that are stimulants.
- They may show symptoms of irritability and mood swings, as well as depression and insomnia, which can both be side effects of withdrawal from some medications.
What you need to know when looking for a treatment center
If this is an issue that touches your life and if it’s time you took action, make sure to do thorough research to find the right rehab program because not all of them may offer what you’re looking for or provide therapy based on sound scientific research and evidence. Make sure to look for a center that is licensed by the state and following federal standards such as having staff who are certified, experienced, or accredited because licensing means they can provide you treatment that has been proven effective through scientific research. Also, make sure the rehab facility offers services such as detoxification, individual therapy sessions, and group therapy sessions.
Addiction is not something that will go away on its own. It can be a lifelong struggle and without help, it may get worse over time. Don’t let addiction take control of your life. Seek treatment today! The sooner you or your loved one seeks help for prescription drug addiction, the better off they will be in the long run, and all of your efforts will prove to be worth it.