The Impact of Prescription Drug Abuse and How to Seek Help

Prescription drug addiction treatment can be achieved , with the right professional help and support. While, initially, prescribed with good intentions, certain prescription medications are commonly misused and can lead to addiction: Opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants and gabapentinoids (pregabalin/gabapentin).

Here at Find Me a Rehab, we have experienced addictions clinicians who have spent decades treating clients with addiction from prescription drugs. We can help you choose a Residential Rehab Centre UK with Free 24 Hour Addiction Advice.  

While the person taking them may not have to go to the same lengths as those who are using Heroin or Cocaine, the same physical and behavioral problems will ensue such as mood swings, social withdrawal and erratic behavior. When the amount they are getting on prescription is not enough, they may have to start sourcing illegal supplies which poses additional problems.  

Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment

No one has medication prescribed with the intention to become dependent, but certain factors can pre-dispose addiction: 

• Mental health conditions 

• Genetics 

• High levels of stress 

• Easy access to medication  

Dependence on, and addiction to, prescription drugs is a growing problem affecting millions across the world. A bout of pack pain, for example, may lead to a short course of pain killers from the GP but can go on for years. As GPs are now being scrutinized over opioid prescribing a reduction plan may be put in place at which point the user feels they cannot cope so start sourcing illicit supplies.  

Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment

Understanding Prescription Drug Addiction 

Because it is more hidden than illegal drug dependency, prescription drug addiction can be overlooked and misunderstood, which amplifies the difficulties in getting help. The aim, when initiating a prescription, is for the doctor to alleviate the persons suffering.

Addiction was never the intention. It is t just opioids that fall into this category, but also Benzodiazepines, Gabapentinoids and antidepressants. Dependency on these can be as dangerous as Heroin and Crack. Sadly, overdose and death are not uncommon.  

Opioids: Fentanyl, Morphine, Hydrocodone, Oxycodone and Opioid like agents such as Tramadol bind to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. They act by reducing pain and producing a euphoric sensation. The difficulty becomes that these medications alter brain chemistry, and you will, eventually, need more to have the same effect as the dose you first took.  

Benzodiazepines: Introduced decades ago, as “mothers’ little helper” they are widely used to help with anxiety and panic. To a lesser degree: insomnia and seizures.

They work on the Gaba receptors in the brain and enhance the effects of naturally occurring chemicals to promote calmness and relaxation.

As with most pharmaceutical drugs that have turned out to be problematic, the addictive properties were not known when they were first introduced. Withdrawal from Benzodiazepines needs very careful medical management. Sudden cessation can be incredibly problematic and, indeed, fatal.  

Gabapentinoids: As with Benzodiazepines, they also work on Gaba receptors. While it is possible to detox from Gabapentinoids in a shorter period than Benzodiazepines, such a process must be done under close medical supervision to prevent an acute medical emergency and/or fatality.  

Here at Find Me a Rehab, we have experienced addictions clinicians who have spent decades treating clients with addiction from prescription drugs. We can help you choose a Residential Rehab Centre UK with Free 24 Hour Addiction Advice.

Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment

What are the signs and symptoms?  

By understanding and being able to recognize the signs and symptoms of addiction to prescription medication you may be able to support someone into getting help. Symptoms can be both physical and behavioral. Addiction can affect all aspects of someone’s life.  

Behavioral:  

Changes in behavior can often be seen in a change in persons usual habits, such as:  

• Poor work performance 

• Giving up hobbies 

• Not taking care of appearance 

• Relationship difficulties 

• Thinking about getting supplies of medication 24/7  

• Risky behaviors such as driving under the influence of the drug 

Physical symptoms 

Dependence on prescribed medication can significantly affect general health and memory as well as:  

• Poor physical health: weight loss, poor personal hygiene 

• Mood swings: From agitation to euphoria, depression to agitation 

• Nausea, headaches, pain 

• Extreme cravings for the drug  

Addiction can happen to anyone: It is a serious illness that cares not for the status, class, income, sex or race of the person experiencing it. No one sets out to be an addict but there are some risk factors which, when combined, may make people prone to addiction:  

• Mental health conditions: Those with depression, anxiety, etc. are more likely, than others, to self-medicate. 

• Genetics: If someone has a family member in addiction it is likely that they have similar brain chemistry which can pre-dispose them to addiction.  

• History of alcohol/drug dependency: When someone is in recovery from alcohol and/or drug addiction they are more susceptible to addiction to prescription drugs.  

• Exposure to addiction at home 

• Psychological trauma 

• Easy access to drugs (leftovers at home from family members, working in a hospital, nursing home)  

Treatment options 

Recovery from prescription medicine addiction needs specialist input: You simply can’t just stop taking the drug as this could leave to very serious consequences, even a fatality. While, in essence, a treatment plan may include a reduction plan which could, technically, be done at home, this approach rarely succeeds.  

Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment

All the research and evidence point to residential rehab being the optimal way of springboarding to recovery and abstinence. A detox, while essential, is, in essence, only a very small part of the process. Addiction is addiction: It matters not if the problem started with a prescription from a GP or a bag of heroin from a dealer in a dark alley at 3AM.

Thus, the mainstay of all addiction treatment is group therapy. Using a 12 step or SMART approach, or even an eclectic mix, those in recovery will learn new ways of thinking to overcome cravings, how to deal with temptation and understand the power addiction has over the individual.  

Home treatment is an option, but the rates of success are minimal compared to residential treatment. If having family and friends around you was sufficient, then you would not be reading this. It is a nice idea that you can simply sit at home, take pills and recover, the reality is completely different. Someone’s home can never replace the structure, professional input or support that a rehab center can provide.  

Here at Find Me a Rehab, we have experienced addictions clinicians who have spent decades treating clients with addiction from prescription drugs. We can help you choose a Residential Rehab Centre UK with Free 24 Hour Addiction Advice.  

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