When a doctor prescribes a drug to a patient, it is meant to make them feel better and improve their health. It’s hopeful that the drug will relieve symptoms to the point where the patient no longer needs to take it.
But in some instances, it doesn’t work out that way.
Sometimes, people begin taking more of a drug hoping it will provide increased relief. In time an addiction will form, and the person will incur health problems that may be worse than those they were initially treated for.
Being addicted to prescription drugs can be debilitating. Addiction is a disease that can rob you of your ability to enjoy life. Yet so many people suffer with addiction including those who became dependent on medications prescribed under a doctor’s care.
Read on to find out more about the signs of being addicted to prescription drugs and what you can do to get help.
What Are Prescription Drugs?
Prescription drugs are drugs that require a medical prescription before they can be dispensed. They are made to treat specific health symptoms and conditions.
What Are the Most Common Prescription Drugs?
There are many types of prescription drugs on the market but Vicodin is the most frequently prescribed. Vicodin is a pain killer that belongs to the opioid family. Opioids are responsible for a good amount of prescription drug addiction in America.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 21% to 29% of patients who are prescribed opioid drugs end up misusing them. 8% to 12% of those people develop an addiction.
What Are the Signs of Being Addicted to Prescription Drugs?
Here are some signs of being addicted to prescription drugs:
Needing More of the Drug to Get the Same Effect: Addiction usually begins when people start taking doses of the drug that exceed the prescription. This causes the body to build up a tolerance. This means the person will need to continue increasing their dosage to get the same effect.
They Experience Withdrawal Symptoms: In time, the user will begin to experience withdrawal symptoms if they don’t have the drug in their system. Symptoms include nausea, chills, fever, vomiting and confusion. They will need to take the drug just to feel normal.
They Go to the Streets: Once users become addicted to a drug, they may begin asking their doctor for a higher dosage. It is unlikely the doctor will increase the prescription so the user may begin sourcing their drugs from the street. They run the risk of taking substances that are mixed with toxic ingredients. Many opioid users use heroin if they can’t find the drug they are dependent on.
Additionally, addiction can cause behavioral, mental and physical issues such as mood swings, cardiovascular conditions, malnutrition, legal problems and more.
Getting Treatment for Prescription Drug Addiction
Addiction is not easy to deal with, but fortunately, there are recovery options. Refine Recovery is one of the best in the nation.
Refine Recovery offers a three-part treatment that begins with an assisted detox process. Patients are supervised throughout this phase to ensure relapse doesn’t happen and that they are kept as comfortable as possible.
Next patients are assessed for a customized therapy program. They will learn healthy coping mechanisms that replace the urge to use.
The final stage is aftercare. The clinic continues to offer therapy after patients graduate the program, so they get the support they need as they adjust back to the ‘real world’.
All treatment takes place in a luxury facility located in Beverly Hills, CA.
Prescription drugs can help patients overcome medical issues, but it is not uncommon for an addiction to form. If you become dependent on prescription drugs, reach out to Refine Recovery. We will give you the care you need to make it through.
