Prescription Drug Addiction

Although prescription drugs may be perceived as harmless, they have highly addictive tendencies. From painkillers and sleeping pills, to anti-depressants, drugs, prescribed by medical professionals are usually consumed innocently. Most are used to reduce mild to chronic pain, or to control the side effects of a medical condition.

However, as tolerances advance and effects reduce, individuals are known to increase dosage to experience full effects. This is where an addiction is likely, increasing both physical and psychological cravings.

Although the likes of painkillers are usually prescribed for individuals, illegal consumption is also rising, influencing greater addictions. They are favoured by many drug abusers for their cheap price tag and accessibility, fuelling fixations even more.

Prescription drugs are harmless at first when comparing with highly dangerous illicit drugs. However, long-term consumption of prescription drugs can have significant long-lasting, life-threatening effects. If you are abusing prescription drugs, or believe that you’re becoming dependent on them, seeking help before greater damage is done should be your next step.

The signs and symptoms of prescription drug addiction

Drug abuse is usually stereotyped to young adults, either looking for attention or a way of coping. However, drug addiction can affect anyone, and even more so when considering prescription drug abuse.

For some individuals using prescription drugs innocently, spotting the signs and symptoms of a potential addiction can be difficult. Side effects of prescription opioid drugs may be less noticeable when comparing to the consumption of harder drugs, making the tell-tale signs difficult to recognise.

Common signs and symptoms of an addiction include the desire to visit the doctors more frequently, defensive behaviour towards mentioning prescription drugs and a disinterest in progressing in life. Additional physical signs include insomnia, increase use of alcohol, irritability and drowsiness.

If you are living with any of the above withdrawal symptoms, and are abusing prescribed drugs consistently, an addiction may have already developed. If you believe a loved one is becoming addicted to painkillers, reaching out to a rehab referral centre should be your next step. Here at Action Rehab, we are addiction and mental health recovery specialists, working with reputable, partnering alcohol and drug rehab centres across the UK. Get in touch with our team if you are experiencing any negative side effects before greater damage is caused.

The dangers of a prescription drug addiction

As prescription drugs are perceived as harmless, individuals believe that little dangers lie with consumption. However, like any other drug addiction, significant dangers are common when long-term consumption occurs.

Firstly, misuse of prescription drugs will affect an individual’s physical health, causing many connected medical conditions. Depending on the contents of the drug, differing effects will take place. However, damage to internal organs, including the liver and brain are common, influencing life-threatening medical issues.

Secondly, high use of prescription drugs will influence cognitive impairment. Psychological changes are likely, influencing a dual diagnosis of a mental health condition. From paranoia and schizophrenia, to depression and anxiety, those consuming high doses are likely to develop psychoses.

Thirdly, the most concerning danger is the blurred line between doses. As symptoms are harder to spot, individuals are less likely to understand consumption limits. In order to achieve that desired effects, individuals consuming prescription drugs are also known to develop further addictions to alcohol and illegal substances.

Misuse of prescription drugs can be life-altering. From physical and mental health impairment, to the inability to maintain family relationships, without seeking support through addiction treatment, a reduced quality of life is likely.

Available addiction treatment

If you are living with an addiction to prescribed drugs, seeking expert support through addiction treatment should be your next step. Without reaching out and acknowledging harm is being made, the above dangers are likely to be experienced.

Once you have come to terms with your addiction, our team here at Action Rehab will understand the severity of your fixation greater to recommend the most suitable referral. We work with reputable rehab centres specialising in long-term recovery. Once a recommendation has been made, a personalised treatment plan will be created with your needs in mind.

We understand how every addiction is different. The type of medication you are consuming, the length of consumption and the side effects you’re experiencing can all influence treatment option selection. However, common treatments experienced for a prescription drug addiction include medically supervised detoxes, cognitive behavioural therapy, family therapy, group sessions and motivational sessions. Each will work on reducing your consumption, while improving your mindset on drug use. We will aim to disconnect both your body and mind from the drug, ensuring recovery probability is highly likely.

The effectiveness of addiction treatment

By completing a detox and a full treatment plan, success rates are high with our partnering rehab centres. By experiencing industry leading addiction treatments, specialised support and the care of a residential programme, full recovery is likely for our clients.

To increase effectiveness of our addiction treatments, our team further offer outpatient aftercare services. These are in place to ensure your recovery is maintained. They will usually include regular support groups and motivational sessions, along with our expert guidance.

Although treatment programmes can take some time, by fully focusing on your addiction, likelihood of future relapses are minimal. Quick fixes sadly do not work with drug addiction. Small steps will be required to release the physical and psychological connection you have. Please be aware that timeframes for all clients will vary depending on their progression. We will do our utmost to observe your progression and ensure you are on the right road to recovery.

Contact our specialised team today

To increase your likelihood of recovery, reach out to our specialised team today. We will arrange the whole process for you, with comfort in mind throughout. We understand that this step is difficult. Therefore, we will listen to your needs and ensure that the rehabilitation can be eased.

Before greater damage from prescription drug abuse continues, get in touch. Seeking expert support will help you through your addiction. Taking the first steps will start your process quicker, releasing you from the negative side effects.