PRESCRITION
DETOX
Persons who are prescribed medications which fall into
three drug categories are most at risk for prescription drug addiction. These
drugs, as identified by the NIDA, are opioids, central nervous system depressants
(CNS), and stimulants.
Opioids are commonly used to treat pain. They can
produce a feeling of euphoria or "high." Commonly abused prescription opioids
include morphine, codeine, Vicodin, and Demerol.
CNS depressants are used
to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. CNS drugs produce a feeling of sleepiness
or calm. Abuse occurs when a patient begins taking them to escape from the reality
of his/her life. Commonly abused CNS drugs include Nembutal, Valium, and Xanax.
Stimulants, which are often prescribed to treat the sleep disorder narcolepsy
and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, produce feelings of alertness and
increased energy. Stimulant drugs include Ritalin and Dexedrine.
Symptoms
of prescription medication abuse
Prescription medications such as
pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants, and sedatives are very useful treatment
tools but sometimes people do not take them as directed and may become addicted.
Pain relievers make surgery possible, and enable many individuals with chronic
pain to lead productive lives. Most people who take prescription medications use
them responsibly. However, the inappropriate or nonmedical use of prescription
medications is a serious public health concern. Nonmedical use of prescription
medications like opioids, central nervous system (CNS) depressants, and stimulants
can lead to addiction, characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use.
Common
symptoms of prescription medication withdrawal
Prescription drug
withdrawal is an important factor for treatment because successful prescription
drug withdrawal is critical for successful recovery. Prescription drug withdrawal
symptoms are normally the single greatest cause for relapse and continuous use.
Even individuals who really want to stop taking prescription drugs find that they
cannot get through the pain of prescription drug withdrawal. Prescription drug
withdrawal symptoms for opioids like OxyContin, Vicodin, Dilaudid and other morphine
derived prescriptions include cold shakes, bone pain, insomnia, vomiting and diarrhea.
Sometimes people will take too many pills to "get well" and counter these withdrawal
symptoms. Too high of a dose can cause the lungs to stop working effectively and
cause death. Central nervous system depressants such as Xanax, Valium, Librium,
Mebaral, Halcion and others are used to control anxiety and insomnia. Associated
withdrawal symptoms are racing thoughts as the brain rebounds from its depressed
state and this can cause seizures. Withdrawal from barbiturates can be life threatening
and must be supervised by a doctor.
For more information on our South
Florida drug and alcohol detox treatment or for a free confidential consultation
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