Drug Intervention information: Prescription drugs
About 3 billion prescriptions were filled in U.S. pharmacies last year, 6.3 million of them for nonmedical purpose. Prescription drug abuse encompasses pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants and sedatives. The most abused prescription drugs are: Oxycontin, Vicodin and Xanax. However, myriad prescription drugs are used and abused each year. The most abused drugs fall into one of three categories: opiods (Oxycontin and Vicodin), depressants (Xanax and Valium) and stimulants (Adderall and Ritalin).
Abuse
Prescription drug addiction poses a special challenge because the prescription may have first been used to treat a certain condition. It was only through time and continuous use that the prescription drug was abused. Therefore, the treatment may need to include solutions for an existing underlying problem that was present prior to the abuse. Others may take these drugs for recreational use and have no medical problem that warrants their use. Many people take prescription addiction more lightly than they would with illegal drugs; don’t be fooled by the legal status, these drugs can be deadly.
Treatment starts with detoxification and withdrawal symptom management. Most prescription drugs have moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms, especially opiates. With this in mind, it is highly recommended that detoxification take place at a structured treatment facility.
Addiction and Dependency
Prescription drug dependency is when the body develops both a physical and psychological need for Prescription drugs. Other symptoms often present are increased tolerance as well as withdrawal. The addict often times wants to rid him or herself of their addiction, but without professional help, a premature death is more probable.
Intervention,
Just by reading this, you are closer to finding help for a loved one. The next step is to call for assistance from a professional interventionist. Calls are confidential and anonymous. Please call Intervention Authority at 1 (877) 627-0384 (toll-free) or 1 (949) 636-1268 (outside the United States). You can also email us at info@interventionauthority.com. |
