When you think about drug addiction, street drugs like heroin and cocaine may come to mind. However, prescription addiction is also a big problem. Many people are unaware of how addictive prescription drugs can be, especially when their doctor prescribed them.
Signs of Misuse and Addiction
Pill addiction always starts with misuse. Misuse is taking medication that is not prescribed to you or taking it in a way other than your doctor prescribed. You may find yourself taking more than you should in a day or spacing out doses so you can take two of them together. Some people snort pills to feel the effects faster.
5 Most Common Addictions
Prescription drug addiction is when you are physically and psychologically dependent on the drug. Physical dependence can occur without addiction. Many prescription drugs cause physical dependence, even when taken correctly. When you find yourself thinking about your next dose of the medicine frequently, craving the drug, or using it to cope with stress or negative emotions, you may have a psychological addiction. There are many addictions, but there are five most common ones.
Opioids
Opioids are the most common prescription addiction. These drugs are potent pain relievers, but they are also highly addictive. They can provide a sense of euphoria and well being. They also offer a sense of relaxation. These effects can cause you to begin using them to relieve stress or cope with emotional pain. The results are more substantial when you aren’t experiencing pain, which makes it tempting to take them for psychological reasons instead of physical ones.
Stimulants
Some doctors prescribe stimulants for ADHD or to treat narcolepsy and depression. Because stimulants increase your wakefulness and ability to concentrate, some people with prescription addiction use these drugs recreationally. More often, people use them for studying or work productivity. They can make you more productive in the short term and ultimately decrease productivity when abused.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are able to relieve severe anxiety and insomnia and to manage or prevent seizures. They are also used in addiction withdrawal and treatment, particularly alcohol withdrawal. When taken at prescribed doses, they should provide a sense of well being and relaxation. You may be drowsy or have impaired coordination.
At higher doses, or when mixed with other depressants like alcohol, you will experience extreme relaxation. It dramatically decreases your inhibitions. You may do things that you would never do when you aren’t under the influence. It can also cause blackouts or memory loss at high doses.
Barbituates
Barbituates are similar to benzodiazepines. They can also treat anxiety, insomnia, headaches, and alcohol withdrawal and are used as anesthesia for surgical procedures. Benzos have replaced barbiturates for most conditions. Both medications can lead to prescription addiction. However, barbiturates lead to faster tolerance and have a greater risk of deadly overdose.
Hypnotics
Benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and opioids are all CNS depressants, which means they slow the nervous system. The dangers of prescription addiction from these drugs are well known. However, there are other types of drugs in this class that can also be addictive.
Sleeping pills might be the last thing that comes to mind when you think of pill addiction. Lunesta, Ambien, and other hypnotic sleep-inducing drugs can be addicting. They can also be less addictive than benzodiazepines for insomnia. However, they have similar effects on the brain and cause similar feelings. They may be less addictive, but they still have addiction risk.
Seek Prescription Addiction Treatment at Midwest Detox
If you are battling one of the common addictions, it is essential to find addiction treatment. You may feel embarrassed at developing a prescription addiction, particularly if it began with a prescription from your doctor. Addiction can happen to anyone, regardless of whether you sought out prescription substances illegally. If you need treatment for prescription drug addiction in Maumee, Ohio, contact us at Midwest Detox today at 833.647.0392, or contact us online.
