In Idaho, Prescription Drugs come in different forms for different reasons. However, no matter which drugs you use, there will be underlying psychological reasons why someone has chosen prescription drugs as a coping mechanism. The impact of prescription drugs dependency is often felt by everyone who knows the abuser and can have serious consequences if the chronic disease is left without treatment.
At Ashwood Recovery, we understand prescription drug abuse and know that recovery is possible. Our prescription drug addiction treatment program is one of the best in the nation.
What Makes Opioids Addictive?
Opioids are so addictive because they activate the pleasure centers of the brain. This encourages people to take them, and it discourages them from stopping. These drugs attach to the opioid receptors in the body. When these receptors are activated, the result is pain relief and sensations of euphoria.
Psychological dependence occurs before physical dependence, and addiction occurs with opioids. People first begin to believe that they need the drugs to feel OK. Eventually, they do not know how to cope without them.
What Are the Signs of Opioid Addiction?
When someone is addicted to these medications, they have an opioid use disorder. There are different symptoms used to identify this problem, and they include:
- Being unable to cut down or control one’s use.
- Frequently using more of the drugs than was intended.
- Using the drugs longer than intended.
- Constantly obsessing about using.
- Spending large amounts of time obtaining them or recovering after getting high.
- Using even though the result is personal, legal, or medical problems.
- Becoming isolated.
- Becoming very secretive about substance abuse.
- Going through withdrawal when the drugs are stopped.
- Attempting to stop, and having the desire to stop, but unable to.
Stimulant Abuse Covered by Our Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Program
Prescription stimulants are medications that are used to treat a variety of different ailments. Usually, doctors will prescribe them to treat ADD or ADHD. They can be used to treat narcolepsy, as well as some other medical conditions as well.
When these medications are used as directed, they can be quite effective on a short-term basis. But many doctors will keep their patients in the long term. They can easily get addicted by accident, although there are also people who abuse them purposefully too.
Some examples of prescription stimulants include:
- Adderall
- Ritalin
- Strattera
- Concerta
- Dexedrine
On college campuses across the United States, these are referred to as study drugs. Students will regularly take them because they say they make them feel smarter. They will use the medications to stay up later and study and change their procrastination habits.
Typically, the students get the medications from other students, who will sell them willingly. There are also ways to order the drugs online, illegally.
Even though many students claim that studying drugs gives people an unfair advantage, it still happens. Colleges all over the country are cracking down on the practice, but many students feel there is no better way to get ahead.
Treatment for Prescription Drug Addiction
A professional treatment program is best for anyone addicted to prescription drugs. These medications are dangerous, and the addiction should be treated by people who have a lot of experience.
It may be tempting to stop taking any of these drugs cold turkey, but that is not recommended under any circumstances. Some of them may need certain withdrawal treatments to eliminate the risk of complications during the detox period.
After the patient has gone through detox, they will transition into prescription drug rehab. This is where they begin working on the mental part of the addiction. They will work closely with a therapist to determine the cause of it. Once they know what caused it, they can take steps to treat it.
This is a part of treatment that many people are eager to skip. Once they get here, their withdrawal is usually almost gone, so they feel a lot better. Rehab should not be taken lightly. It is a very important part of the recovery process, and people who go to it have a much better chance of long-term success.