Prescription Addiction
Prescription drugs make the lives of many individuals easier. They relieve pain, control symptoms of illness, and help people lead productive lives. However prescription pills have a high potential for abuse by their users. The prescriptions most widely abused are opioids, central nervous system depressants, and stimulants.
What are Opioids?
Opioids are most commonly prescribed for their analgesic properties. Opioids in this category are more commonly referred to as narcotics. The most popular prescriptions of this class are Morphine, Fentanyl, Vicodin, Darvocet, Percocet, Dilaudid, OxyContin, and Demerol. Even when taking these medications in conjunction with a doctors order these prescriptions are all dangerous and potentially fatal. Opioids work by blocking messages of pain from entering the brain. Opioids also provide a feeling of euphoria for the user shortly after they are taken.
Consequences
Long term use of opioids causes tolerance to the drugs and users must begin to take more and more to achieve the same effect. Opioid users normally develop a physical dependence to the drug. If they don't consistently take opioids they develop flu like symptoms that manifest themselves as restlessness, irritability, cold flashes, vomiting, and muscle pain. A large single dose of opioids can lead to a fatal overdose.
What central nervous system (CNS) depressants?
CNS depressants act on the brain to slow it's normal functions functions. CNS depressants are normally used in the treatment of anxiety and sleep related disorders. The most commonly prescribed CNS depressants are barbiturates and benzodiazepines. Barbituates such as Nembutal and Mebaral are used to relieve tension, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Benzodiazepines or benzo's are very fast acting and used to treat panic disorders, acute stress, and anxiety. The most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines are Valium, Klonopin, Xanax, and Librium. CNS depressants act on the brain by affecting different neurotransmitters. GABA is affected the most by the depressants, it's output is increased causing a drowsy or calming effect for the user.
Consequences
CNS depressant users after a period of time develop dependence to the drug and need more and more as time passes. If use discontinues the user will experience withdrawals from the medication, withdrawing from CNS depressants can be very dangerous unless medically supervised. Many users in withdrawals experience seizures often times having grand mall seizures.
If you know someone who is abusing prescription pills help is available. Intervention Treatment is available to help you and your loved ones find recovery. Please call today for a confidential consultation.
