Prescription Drug Addiction Rehab
What is a Prescription Drug?
A prescription drug is any medicine that requires a doctor’s prescription before its purchase. Usually, prescription drugs work by either restraining or endorsing chemical reactions in the brain. There are three distinct classes of prescription drugs that may cause addiction and require prescription drug rehab:
Stimulants: mainly prescribed for the disorder known as attention deficit hyperactivity
Opiates: mainly prescribed for the treatment of severe or chronic pain
Tranquilizers/Sedatives: mainly prescribed for the treatment of anxiety or sleep disorders
All of these prescription drugs can cause the person who is taking them to become addicted. These drugs can only be prescribed by a licensed medical doctor, optometrist, dentist or veterinarian. The doctor prescribes these drugs and the manner in which they need to be taken. Some people are predisposed to become addicted to these types of drugs, regardless of the reason for the prescription: injury, chronic pain, or depression.
However, most of the people who actually become addicted to prescription drugs do not begin taking these drugs with the intention to become addicted to them. Most of the individuals take these drugs as medication to help them with their condition. But these drugs also have the ability to provide a pleasurable feeling.
These drugs may also cause a gradual tolerance so that more drugs are needed in order to produce the required effect. This is why many prescription drugs can become physically or psychologically addictive, leading to prescription drug addiction.
The Dangers of Prescription Drug Addiction
As with any other drug abuse, this one also is dangerous. The risks may differ depending on the type and quantity of drug abused. Most of the effects include:
- Sedation
- Altered states of consciousness
- Lack of coordination
- Gastrointestinal complaints, which may include nausea, diarrhea, and constipation
- Changes in appetite
- Depressed respiration
- Changes in blood pressure or heart rate
Prescription Drug Addiction Rehab
The good news is prescription drug addiction can be treated. However, the abrupt discontinuation of prescription drugs can lead to serious medical complications, such as convulsions or seizures. The withdrawal from these drugs needs to be attempted only under close medical supervision, as it can be dangerous otherwise. Withdrawal from drugs without appropriate medical monitoring can be life-threatening.
The team at Rockland Treatment Centers has helped countless clients nationwide with our residential and outpatient programs using custom-built treatment plans to help you achieve and maintain sobriety.
Your path to recovery and wellness starts with the first step. Contact us for a free assessment, and allow us to show you how our program can help you lead the life you want, unshackled by addiction, and surrounded with love.
