Prescription Drug Misuse: Understanding the Hidden Epidemic

Millions of people are alive today because of the advancement in prescribed medications. Prescription drug rehab can become necessary for those misusing these medications.

Diabetes, epilepsy, cancer, asthma ,chronic pain: There are hundreds of chronic and life-threatening conditions that can now be controlled, even cured, because of the advances of modern medicine. Prescription drug misuse, however, can lead to the necessity for rehab to counteract these issues.

Life expectancy now in 2026 is decades ahead of what it was at the end of World War 2. Addiction to prescription drugs, however, can shorten this expectancy and indicates the need for rehab.

Advances in science

Whereas, before, chronic conditions would be a life sentence, now they can be managed. HIV is a prime example. Where as, before, someone with HIV would succumb to AIDS very quickly, treatments were developed. Now, a single tablet a day can render the virus completely safe. The world has benefitted from these advances. However, prescription drug misuse can counteract these benefits, necessitating rehab for recovery.

How do these medications get onto the market?

For medications to be licenced in the UK, many hurdles have to be overcome. The problem is that when medications are first licenced, their potential for addiction is not known, often leading people to need rehab programs for prescription misuse.

One of the most famous examples of where prescription medication became problematic are benzodiazepines. Prescription drug misuse of benzodiazepines eventually demanded rehab options to aid recovery.

Introduced in the 1960s as “mothers’ little helper,” no one could have foreseen the difficulties that arose, ultimately requiring prescription drug rehab.

Benzodiazepines continue to be a useful tool in the management of conditions but also continue to be abused, calling for rehabilitation programs geared towards prescription drug misuse.

Why Are Prescription Medications Problematic?

When medications are licenced for use, their abuse potential is not known, sometimes leading to a need for rehab.

It can take years before a worrying trend is noticed. Engaging in prescription drug rehab can be a necessary step to mitigate long-term misuse.

The problem is that, by the time the problem is recognised, it is too late, highlighting the importance of rehabilitation.

Very often, patients are managed on repeat prescriptions making it more difficult to manage these situations without rehab.

Why Are Prescription Medications Addictive?

Prescription medication is designed to make changes in the body. That is why you are taking them, but misuse can lead to needing rehab for recovery.

Some will, after a time, alter the way your brain responds to the medication. In some instances, brain chemistry will alter. This produces a phenomena known as tolerance, requiring careful management, sometimes through rehab for prescription drug misuse.

When tolerance occurs, you will need to take more of the medication to have the same effect as the amount you started with, which can increase the risk of needing rehabilitation.

If you stop taking the medication the brain simply won’t be able to cope with the immediate change, possibly leading to prescription drug misuse rehab to manage withdrawal symptoms.

Why Is Withdrawal Dangerous?

Withdrawing from certain prescription medications can be incredibly dangerous. Sometimes, sadly, it can be fatal, strengthening the case for prescription drug misuse rehab to ensure safety.

There is no drug that cannot be withdrawn from, safely. But it can take time. For severe benzodiazepine addiction, prescription drug rehab can extend up to a year.

Often, people are scared to be weened off a particular medication for fear that there is no suitable alternative. Prescription drug misuse rehab can offer guidance in these situations.

What about the NHS?

Your GP will be under pressure from NHS commissioners (who pay for GP services) to reduce prescribing for addictive medication unless there are very clear reasons to allow you to continue. Prescription drug misuse rehab can offer additional support in these scenarios.

Sometimes, people try and avoid these conversations. Eventually, your GP will start to reduce your prescription by default. It’s at this point that rehab becomes crucial.

Buying Medication On-Line

When you buy medication on line you are putting your life on the line: Literally, increasing the risk of needing rehab for prescription drug misuse.

Forget what it says on the label, it could be anything. Fish antibiotics, contraceptive pills, hormones, etc. Seeking prescription drug misuse rehab can help undo potential harm.

If you did not get it on prescription you have no assurance that the item is genuine.

For those who buy from dealers, please remember: There is no such thing as a reputable drug dealer.

Recovery From Prescription Medication Addiction

Recovery is possible, often through dedicated prescription drug misuse rehab programs.

While the route to addiction may have been through a legitimate prescription, the recovery process is the same as if it were an alcohol or heroin addiction, underscored by prescription drug misuse rehab options.

There is, however, one caveat being that it may be possible/necessary to introduce an alternative medication to substitute the one being de-prescribed, often in coordination with rehab for prescription misuse.

A conversation with your GP/hospital consultant may be prudent before you go into rehab to tackle prescription drug misuse.

How Can Rehab Help?

Rehab is a place of healing.

A place of recovery where everything you need to succeed will be waiting for you, if prescription drug misuse rehab is needed.

An addictions clinician will see you, shortly after you arrive, and draw up a treatment plan for your medication reduction, often focusing on prescription drug misuse rehab strategies.

Nurses and trained support staff will monitor you and provide medication. Should any adjustments be made, they will liase with your clinician in conjunction with prescription drug misuse rehab.

Therapy staff will welcome you into groups and conduct individual sessions aimed at recovering from prescription drug misuse.

Staying well

A strong emphasis is put on relapse prevention so you can navigate the world when you go home, emphasizing techniques learned during rehab.

Every center provides a minimum of a year’s aftercare, vital for success. This is usually a weekly support group as well as telephone check-in. Should you be struggling, there will be a number to call for help.

Free Clinician Advice and Referrals

We are addictions clinicians.

Daily, we help people who battle prescription drug addiction.

Our advice is free, confidential, impartial and honest.

It matters not to us where you get help, just that you get the right help at the lowest cost. High end options are available.

Our service is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office.

We only signpost to legally registered centres.

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