Prescription Drug Abuse in San Antonio (877) 804-1531
Prescription drug abuse in San Antonio is an increasingly common problem in the United States and can be just as dangerous as using street drugs. Here are the key facts you need to know about the development and treatment of prescription drug abuse.
What Is Prescription Drug Abuse?
Although prescription drug abuse often begins with legitimate use of a medication in order to relieve the symptoms of an illness, it quickly becomes just as dangerous as any other form of addiction. Other people develop a pattern of abusing prescription medication after illegally acquiring the drugs for recreational purposes.
Call today at (877) 804-1531 to learn more about available Alcohol Treatment Centers in San Antonio.
Common Drugs of Abuse
Opiate painkillers (e.g. OxyContin, Percocet and Codeine) give the user a rush of euphoria in the early days, but dependence soon minimizes these effects and prompts a need for higher doses to achieve the same sense of well-being. Addiction is often seen in people with chronic pain disorders.
In addition, stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin (which are prescribed to treat attention disorders) dramatically enhance focus and concentration, reducing the need for sleep. They might be used for studying, driving, or partying all night.
Meanwhile, benzodiazepines (such as Xanax and Valium) are prescribed to treat anxiety and stress, inducing calmness. However, as with opiates, tolerance can develop and the steady increase in dosage can intensity the addiction.
Signs and Symptoms of Prescription Drug Abuse
Typically, the user becomes increasingly reliant on the drug, feeling like it is necessary for everyday functionality, social encounters or sleep. If you're addicted to prescription drugs, you might also lie to your doctors to get extra supplies of your medication of choice, loved ones may notice personality changes or relationship difficulties, your physical and mental health may be declining, and you may feel especially unwell any time you try to stop using the drugs.
Health Risks
The health risks of prescription drug abuse in San Antonio varies depending on the drug of choice, but all forms of prescription drug abuse carry serious physical and mental consequences. Firstly, fatal overdoses of painkillers may result from increasing dependence, and high doses are linked to respiratory depression. Secondly, abuse of amphetamines can be deadly, causing heart attacks and strokes. Mental health is also at risk, as amphetamine psychosis can be as debilitating as paranoid schizophrenia. When it comes to benzodiazepines, lethal overdose is also a possibility, especially given the popular combination of benzodiazepines and alcohol.
Symptoms of Withdrawal
Similarly, withdrawal from prescription medication abuse varies according to the relevant drug. However, common symptoms include widespread physical pain, heightened anxiety, mood swings and body temperature fluctuations. Some medications are even linked to seizures or changes in heart rhythm.
Treatment Options
Prescription drug addiction can be treated on an inpatient or outpatient basis, depending on the severity. Counseling is also recommended for most people struggling with addiction, as it's important to understand the roots of the drug dependence and how to develop better coping strategies.
Benefits of Medical Detox
Drug abuse statistics suggest that medical detox is connected to a greater chance of successful recovery and a lower risk of future relapse. In addition, given that some withdrawal symptoms are incredibly uncomfortable or downright dangerous, it's smart to be supervised by a medical team at all times. Doctors and nurses will not only work to keep you safe but will also endeavor to make your detox process as comfortable as possible.
If you are worried about prescription drug abuse or any other addiction and want help to get your life back on track, call today at (877) 804-1531 to learn about the different options for Alcohol Treatment Centers in San Antonio.