Are you abusing prescription drugs? With greater accessibility and attractive price tags, individuals are abusing painkillers, anti-depressants and sleeping tablets, no matter whether they are prescribed or illegally consumed.
Although prescription medications are viewed as unhazardous, especially when comparing to illegal drugs, there are many side effects, resulting in lasting damage.
If you’re developing an addiction to prescription drugs or believe that a dependency is likely, reach out to our team here at Action Rehab for our specialised support. We work with addiction and mental health experts, promoting full recovery. Whether that be through a detox, or additional addiction treatment, we can help you.
The effects of abusing prescription drugs
As touched on above, users believe that prescription drugs will have little damaging effects. When in fact, long-term consistent consumption can lead to many physical and mental health illnesses.
One of the key concerns with a prescription drug addiction is the hidden dependency. When comparing to other drugs, side effects are less visible. Users commonly start consuming the likes of painkillers to reduce pain from an existing medical condition. As a tolerance develops, individuals desire greater effect, resulting in higher doses. As this process begins, the start of an addiction is likely, unless an element of control is present.
Without acknowledging an addiction at this point, long-term damage is likely. Like any other drug fixation, both physical and psychological damage is expected. The type of drug will influence the severity of side effects. However, users commonly experience organ damage, along with anxiety, paranoia, depression and psychosis.
A further concern of a hidden prescription drug addiction is the likelihood of further substance abuse. Living through connected mental health issues is difficult. In this situation, many users will turn to stronger substances or alcohol. Here the possibility of further addictions is common, resulting in greater rehabilitation. This will become a vicious circle of varying side effects, withdrawal symptoms and high doses.
Before your addiction results in the above life-changing effects, reach out for support. A prescription drug addiction can be overcome through detoxification and an effective treatment programme.
What are the effects of prescription drugs on your body?
Prescription drugs are highly useful and effective when it comes to treating a variety of medical problems. However, when these prescription drugs become abused and used incorrectly they can have substantial side effects on a users body and mind.
These include,
- Extreme agitation or irritability
- High blood pressure
- Anxiety and/or paranoia
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart Failure
- Seizures
If you think you have developed an unnatural habit when it comes to taking prescription drugs, it is important you seek the correct help and undergo a prescription drug detox safely.
When is a detox required?
For many of our clients here at Action Rehab a detox programme is required. If your side effects are minimal, where control over your consumption is present, a reduced detox will be recommended.
If you are living with consistent side effects and withdrawal symptoms, influencing greater use, completing a detox programme will be highly effective. If you struggle to go through a period of time without consumption, a medically supervised detox should be your next step.
Although acknowledging a prescription drug addiction can be more difficult when comparing to other dependencies, if any sign or symptoms of a physical or psychological fixation are present, seek expert support through an assessment.
How effective is a detox?
A detox programme is one of the most difficult steps for those suffering through a drug and alcohol addiction. However, they are highly effective. The detox process will reduce consumption, by cleansing the body of any toxins. This will then set the body to an optimal state when considering susceptibility of future addiction treatment.
In most cases, a detox programme will be recommended to individuals living with a prescription drug addiction. Although this will be a distressing time, it will be the first step of diminishing a physical and psychological dependency. Please be aware that detox timeframes will vary from person to person. This will all depend on the severity of the addiction and progression made.
To ensure safety, our medical professionals will oversee your drug detox and ensure that your withdrawal symptoms are controlled. Without this, likelihood of completing the programme will be reduced, resulting in greater consumption.
Alternative addiction treatment
Alongside a detox programme, further treatment options may be required to fully diminish a prescription drug addiction. Here at Action Rehab, our partnering rehab clinics work with industry leading addiction treatments, designed with full recovery as the end goal.
To ensure recovery rates are increased, our team will assess your addiction greater to ensure suitable treatments are recommended. You will then be provided with a personalised treatment programme to work alongside your detox. Common treatment options experienced include support groups, cognitive behavioural therapy, individual counselling and motivational sessions. Each of these treatments will be completed and overseen by our expert addiction specialists. Each are experienced and highly passionate about supporting those with a dependency.
By completing a full detox programme and alternative addiction treatments, long-term recovery is highly probable. To ensure our clients are remaining on a positive road to recovery, we also offer aftercare outpatient services. We believe that the transition time post detox can be very difficult. We understand that relapses can happen if the right support isn’t offered. Therefore, we provide all of our clients with an extended helping hand to ensure this time of change is successful yet promote independency.
Seek support through a residential rehab programme
If you are living with a prescription drug addiction, seeking support through a residential rehab programme should be your next step. Although attending rehab may seem daunting, removing yourself from your daily habits and influences will increase your recovery probability.
Additionally, completing a detox programme can be highly dangerous without expert guidance. Therefore, a medically supervised detox should also be completed. Difficult withdrawal symptoms will make an appearance, motivating greater drug consumption. This is the easy route out, however, will undo all of your previous hard work.
Here at Action Rehab, the complete process can be completed at one of our partnering rehab centres. If you are living with a prescription drug addiction, reach out to our team for an appropriate referral. We will assess your current side effects, followed by a recommendation of the most suitable first steps. This will usually include a detox programme to kick-start your rehabilitation process.
Although you may currently feel lost and trapped through addiction, our evidence-based treatment and rehab programmes have a high success rate. With the right support and treatment, an addiction can be overcome. Take the first step to a positive, drug-free future by reaching out to our team.
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