Prescription Medications

Prescription Medications are effective in treating various health conditions. However, more than 16 million Americans abuse prescription meds yearly.

Knowing more about prescription meds can be crucial.

What are Prescription Medications?

Prescription medications are medications given by a doctor’s prescription. The opposite of prescription meds is over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.

Those types of drugs do not need a doctor’s prescription.

What is Prescription Medication Abuse?

Prescription medication abuse is using meds in a way not prescribed by your doctor. Sometimes, these drugs might not even be given by a doctor.

It also includes the method of taking it. For example, snorting instead of injecting it or swallowing.

What are the Most Abused Prescription Medications?

Stimulants

Stimulants increase body alertness and can make a person energetic. They are usually used to treat obesity, depression, ADHD, and asthma.

Side effects of stimulants include higher blood and sugar levels. Examples of stimulants include

People abuse stimulants by taking larger doses. When abused, it can cause uneven heartbeat as well as severe addiction.

Opioids

Opioids are more intense painkillers that are effective in managing long-term pain.

Examples include codeine, morphine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone.

Opioids can be addictive if used for long periods. An overdose of opioids can be fatal if taken with alcohol.

Always follow the doctor’s prescription when using opioids.

Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants

This medication is used to treat sleep disorders and anxiety. CNS depressants work by acting on the gamma-aminobutyric acid in your brain.

Depressants make you feel drowsy or less alert. Examples of CNS depressants include barbiturates. Depressants can also treat seizures.

Abuse of depressants leads to dependence or addiction. An abrupt stop or reduction in dosage can lead to withdrawal symptoms or death.

Why Are Prescription Drugs Abused?

What are The Symptoms of Prescription Medications Abuse?

Symptoms vary depending on the type of prescription meds being abused.

Stimulants

Opioids

CNS Depressants

Who is at Risk of Abusing Prescription Drugs?

What is the Danger of Seniors Abusing Prescription Drugs?

The percentage of seniors abusing prescription meds is growing, and a big chunk of that number abuse opioids.

Seniors with multiple health conditions who abuse these drugs put themselves in grave danger. They can become dependent on it or even die from an overdose.

It’s a more complicated matter if these drugs are taken with alcohol. Seniors need to be aware of the dangers of abusing prescription meds.

Always follow the doctor’s prescription.

What are the Consequences of Abusing Prescription Medications?

How Is Prescription Drug Abuse Diagnosed?

A doctor usually makes the diagnosis. To make a diagnosis, your doctor will ask you questions regarding your medical history.

They also ask you about the symptoms you are experiencing.

Blood or urine tests will also be taken. These tests can reveal the types of drugs in your body or if you have a physical condition.

How Is Prescription Drug Abuse Treated?

Detoxing and Withdrawal

The first step is to stop using these meds. Detoxification is used to remove all traces of the drug from your body.

We recommend that you undergo detoxification under medical supervision. Detoxing usually takes 3-7 days.

Experiencing withdrawal symptoms after detoxing is normal. Medications can be used to reduce the intensity of the symptoms.

Medication

The type of medication depends on the drug that was abused.

Stimulants

There are no drugs recommended explicitly for stimulants. The best way to manage withdrawal symptoms is to taper off drug usage.

Your doctor might also treat some symptoms separately, such as insomnia or depression.

Opioids

Many medications can be used. They include

CNS Depressants

Tapering off is the best way to recover from this drug abuse. Your doctor might also prescribe other drugs based on your withdrawal symptoms.

Counseling and Group Support

Support groups and counseling can also be beneficial. They offer encouragement and fight against relapse.

Most rehab facilities offer this feature.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT retrains the user’s habits and inclinations. Patients are encouraged to develop positive traits. They are also able to manage their addiction and dependence better.

CBT reduces the chances of a relapse.

How Can It Be Prevented?

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), abuse of prescription meds can be avoided by following these guidelines

Substances That Should Not be Combined With Prescription Drugs

The general rule is that CNS depressants should never be combined with opioids as they contradict each other. Other substances that should not be combined with CNS depressants include

Apart from CNS depressants, opioids should not be combined with

Stimulants do not work well with the following types of medications

When is the Right Time to See a Doctor?

Contact your doctor immediately if you have abused prescription medications.

Get Started Now

Take charge of your journey to recovery.

At New Hope Health in Tennessee, we offer free insurance verification for our clients who feel they need some help. When you contact us, we will carry out the thorough analysis of your addiction problem, and then recommend a workable drug treatment program. Next, we will contact your insurance provider on your behalf and verify your benefits. We will also let you know if you will be responsible for any out-of-pocket expense not covered under your plan.

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