Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription drug addiction is becoming increasingly more common in the United States, a problem characterized by the National Institute on Drug Abuse as the second most common substance used illegally after marijuana. Ease of access may be one reason. Another contributing cause is most likely the increased ease with which doctors prescribe Schedule II, III, and IV narcotics for pain.

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Prescription Drugs Commonly Misused

There are three classes of drugs that make up those prescribed by doctors, but those most often abused are opioids or opiates, which are prescribed for pain relief after surgery and chronic pain management. Some of these prescriptions include:

Codeine
Diphenoxylate or Lomotil
Fentanyl or Duragesic
Hydrocodone prescribed as Vicodin, Lortab, and Lorcet
Hydromorphone or Dilaudid
Meperidine or Demerol
Methadone
Morphine prescribed as Kadian, Avinza, and MS Contin
Oxycodone prescribed as OxyContin, Percodan, and Percocet
Propoxyphene or Darvon

The Mechanics of Prescription Drug Addiction

In order to successfully manage pain, opioid drugs attach to what are known as opioid receptors in both the brain and the spinal cord. The pain does not desist but your perception of that pain changes and in some cases, depending upon the dosage and other physical factors, a feeling of euphoria may replace it. Other indications include drowsiness, constipation and a depressed respiratory system.

However, in the long-term, the use of opioids to block pain builds up a tolerance or a dependence upon the drug. Without the prescription drug, your body feels pain even more acutely and loses the ability to manage itself. Additionally, withdrawal symptomsappear when levels of the prescription opioid drop below the elevated tolerance level. Depending upon the individual circumstance, this dependence can develop over as few as two weeks or may take up to a month or more.

Unexpected Addiction

Addiction to pain medication can occur even when following a doctor's prescription to the letter and through no fault of the patient. This, however, makes addiction to pain killers and other prescription medications no less serious. Severe respiratory issues and fatal doses are still an issue, no matter how the problem began.

Meditox understands that the roads to addiction are many and makes no judgment. Rather, we go out of our way to help you travel the path to freedom from that addiction as quickly and simply as possible.

Finding Help For Prescription Drug Addiction

At Meditox, we know that part of the problem in dealing with prescription medication addiction is the fact that it may mean illness and prolonged absence from work and family. In an effort to make your transition off of pain medication as painless and seamless as possible, we provide confidential, outpatient detox and treatment. After an evaluation during your initial appointment, you and your Meditox doctor will create a treatment plan that suits your specific needs. Within just six weeks, you could be drug free.

If you feel that Meditox might be the right solution for you or your loved one, please call us for a toll-free and private consultation:

Additional Resources

National Institute on Drug Abuse: Prescription Medication
National Institute on Drug Abuse: Drugs of Abuse, Uses and Effects Chart
Prescription Drugs Abuse and Addiction

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