Prescription Medication Addiction
Prescription medication addiction is an often overlooked substance dependency. The reason for this is that it is prescribed by a doctor. Prescription drugs are usually prescribed for several symptoms, such as:
• Pain
• Depression
• ADHD/ADD
• Weight loss
Prescription drugs work by either increasing or suppressing a certain chemical reaction in the brain.
What are the Signs of Prescription Medication Addiction?
- Repeat scripts
- Misplaced or missing prescriptions
- Stealing prescriptions from family and friends
- Regular doctors visits for prescription
- Crushing medication
- Doctor “hopping” – seeing multiple doctors at a time for scripts
- Forging prescriptions
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Sleep patterns changing
What Type of Prescription Medications are Usually Abused?
- Stimulants
- Sedatives
- Opiates
These are “uppers” and usually prescribed for ADD/ADHD. Symptoms of stimulant abuse, include:
- Agitation
- Elevated body temperature
- Seizures
- Hostile behavior
- Irregular heartbeat
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Paranoia
- Weight loss
These are prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. The symptoms of sedative abuse, include:
- Confusion
- Drowsy appearance
- Involuntary eye movement
- Memory loss
- Poor decision making
- Opiates
These are prescribed to patients who have acute pain or psychiatric issues. The symptoms of opiate abuse, include:
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Depression
- Disorientation
- Low blood pressure
- Shortness of breath
Opiate withdrawal is severe and dangerous and includes:
- Bone and muscle pain
- Cardiac arrest
- Drop in body temperature
- Diarrhea
- Seizures
- Vomiting
Treatment for Prescription Medication Addiction
ARCA Johannesburg
Take That First Step
ARCA Johannesburg
011 656 0705 or 062 277 0911
ARCA Durban
031 261 5515 or 078 272 2911