Prescription Drug Rehab
Prescription drug addiction is dramatically on the rise in this nation across all segments of the population. In 2005, a government report estimated that twenty percent of all Americans had been using prescribed medication for nonmedical reasons!
Prescription drugs are the second most abused substances in the United States after marijuana. Most commonly abused prescription drugs fall into three categories: opioids (such as OxyContin, Vicodin, and Percocet), depressants (such as Xanax and Valium), and stimulants (such as Adderall and Ritalin). Slang terms for prescription drugs used illegally are kiddie dope, pharmies, PKs, and sprinkles.
Often individuals who begin taking prescription drugs for justified medical reasons begin abusing the drugs and addictions develop. Many believe that, since these drugs are regulated, they are safer than illegal drugs. This is not the case; prescription drugs can cause great physical and mental harm to an individual.
Like all addictions, the need to acquire more drugs will take over and the hunt for reliable sources begins. Patients may go from doctor to doctor in search of more prescriptions, forge prescriptions, steal medication from family members, friends, or pharmacies, or fake pain or illness to get a prescription for the medication. Patients will spend rent money, mortgage payments, food money, and car payments to buy enough drugs. The tolerance level continues to rise and the addict’s dependence increases. Behavioral changes may lead to the destruction of personal relationships and dismissal from employment.
Signs and Symptoms of Addiction
Opioids
Opioids are generally prescribed as pain relievers, anesthetics, cough suppressants, or anti-anxiety medications. These drugs block the neuroreceptors that transmit pain signals to the body. Ingesting opioids produces a euphoric feeling. Slang terms for opioids include blues, hillbilly heroin, OCs, oxys, percs, blue, candy, dex, dillies, endo, footballs, itchers, kicker, pixie, skittles, tuss, and velvet. Common opioids are Endocet, hydrocodone, methadone, OxyContin, Percocet, and Ultram.
Side-effects can include:
- Itching
- Vomiting
- Disorientation
- Hallucinations
- Irritability
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dramatic changes in mood
Complications Due to Chronic Opiate Abuse
- Stomach bleeding
- Kidney damage
- Liver damage
- Nervous system damage
- Circulatory collapse
- Decreased libido or impotence
- Contraction of HIV/AIDS or other blood-borne illness if drugs are injected
- Respiratory arrest or death
Depressants
Depressants slow normal brain function. They are prescribed to treat insomnia, anxiety, seizures, and moderate to severe stress. They are also used as analgesics and anesthetics. Depressants create a sense of euphoria, vivid visuals, full-body highs, and relaxation. Combined with other drugs, depressants can be used to enhance a high or lessen the negative side effects of other drugs. Ambien, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium, and Xanax are the most commonly abused depressants. Slang terms for depressants include bars, downers, roofies, zannies, ambos, barbs, blue heavens, reds, relaxers, pinks, valley girl, vals, yellow jackets, and zombie pills.
Signs and Symptoms of Depressant Addiction
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- Poor coordination
- Change in appetite
- Twitching
- Loss of inhibition
- Headache
- Rashes
- Short-term memory loss
- Irritability
- Sleep disturbances
- Drowsiness
- Fainting
Some central nervous system depressants can cause amnesia (often called “blacking out”).
Complications due to Chronic Depressant Abuse
- Insomnia
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
- Circulatory problems
- Respiratory problems
- Cardiac problems
- Memory loss
- Shock
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Coma and possible death
Stimulants
Stimulants speed up the functions of an individual’s brain and body. They are generally prescribed to treat ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder), narcolepsy, and chronic fatigue syndrome. These drugs can increase energy, cause wakefulness, decrease appetite, or induce euphoria.
Stimulants are popular among students as a “study and test-taking aid” because they allow the user to maintain energy and concentration over an extended period of time.
The most commonly abused stimulants are Adderall and Ritalin. Street names include: dex, speed, A, amp, black cadillacs, brain ticklers, crank, eye openers, go, horse heads, and wake ups.
Signs and Symptoms of Addiction
- Increased energy
- Increased activity
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Irritability
- Paranoia
- Hostility
- Hallucinations
- Anxiety
- Convulsions and fainting
Complications Due to Chronic Abuse
- Malnutrition
- Weight loss
- Stunted growth (in younger users)
- Cardiovascular problems
- Problems regulating body temperature
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Impotence
- Seizures
- Stroke and possible death
Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment
More Information About Lakeview's Rehabilitation Programs:
If you have any questions about prescription drug rehab, or if you need help or advice about prescription drug addiction rehab, call our free Addiction Helpline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-800-884-1727. To get help for a family member, an employee, or yourself, call us, chat with us live, or fill out our Contact Us form.
