Prescription Drugs

There is a multitude of drugs that have continued to be extremely huge issues within our nation, and this includes both legal and illicit substances. One of the larger problems has been with legal drugs, namely prescription medications. While prescription drugs are extremely valuable in our society for the purpose of treating and mitigating various types of health conditions, they are also commonly misused and abused by a multitude of individuals. Some are prescribed them and others obtain them illegally, but even those who have a prescription commonly misuse them. There are many different types of prescription medications that have continued to be abused by people around the country.

Different Types of Prescription Drugs

Opioids

Opioids are probably the most commonly abused type of prescription drugs. These are used to help mitigate painful conditions like injuries, chronic diseases, and post-surgical pain. While they do not necessarily treat the condition, they allow the person to be able to function through lessening or eliminating their pain temporarily. And while they are extremely useful for this purpose, their effects can also be very appealing to recreational users. These drugs produce their euphoric and pain reducing effects by triggering the brain to release more of the chemical dopamine, which makes the individual feel more happy or relaxed. But, this is also what causes individuals to continue to take them, and potentially become physically dependent and addicted. The amount of individuals now struggling with prescription opioids is enormous, and the situation has been declared an epidemic in many states. This is also continued to lead to large amounts of overdose deaths every single year. Different types of these substances include Vicodin, Fentanyl, Oxycodone, and Hydrocodone.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are commonly referred to as “downers” because of the calming and relaxing effects that they produce. They are typically used to treat conditions like anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia. The effects are very appealing to many people, which leads to those prescribed them using too much, as well as individuals using them recreationally. These can be extremely dangerous substances, as dependency and addiction can develop quickly, and overdose can be brought about from misuse. One of most prominent benzodiazepines is called Xanax. According to healthresearchfunding.org, around 125,000 people end up in emergency rooms every year as a result of Xanax complications.

Amphetamines

Amphetamines are stimulants that are commonly used to treat conditions like ADHD and ADD. Common forms of these substances include Adderall and Ritalin. When used for their medical purpose, they are rarely abused and can help some individuals to better focus. But, they are also viewed by many people as a general focus or cognitive enhancer. Because of this, these substances are often abused by many who do not have either of the above conditions. This is commonly seen in educational facilities like colleges, where students will illegally buy Adderall to be able to better focus on their study or to stay up late for school work.  This also leads to many people selling their prescriptions to other people.

When used as directed and for their designed purposes, these substances can be invaluable in helping provide relief for medical conditions. But, all of them also have the potential to be abused. As an individual continues to use substances, their body can develop a dependency and it may begin to crave them. When it reaches this point, it can result in the individual going through withdrawal symptoms when not taking them, as their body has grown to expect it. Dependency is different from addiction. Addiction is when an individual begins to feel like that have to take the substance, loses control of their use, starts suffering negative consequences as a result of their use, and neglects a great many things in their life over the substance. The substance can essentially become their main drive in life.

Seeking Treatment for an Addiction to Prescription Drugs

Struggling with addiction to one of the above prescription drugs, or some other type of substance, can be an extremely arduous and burdensome proposition. An individual may have the desire to quit but cannot bring themselves to do so. This is where formal treatment can be of great assistance, as it can help the individual to finally overcome the barriers to achieving sobriety. There are various types of treatment and rehab centers all across the country, and the large amount of them can make it confusing to know which one to choose. New Beginnings is here to help, as we are knowledgeable and familiar with the various treatments and facilities across the nation. Give us a call today, and we will help find the perfect fit in a center for you or your loved one.