No one ever plans to become addicted to prescription drugs. Genetics may play a role in the likelihood of developing a substance use disorder. The moment you start misusing prescription drugs, you become at risk.
Prescription drug misuse is usually the first step in developing a prescription drug addiction. It can start with simply upping the dose to get relief faster, but it can quickly spiral into using prescription drugs purely to get high.
So keep reading to find out more about the dangers of prescription drug addiction and how to seek treatment.
Medical Consequences of Prescription Drug Abuse
Other than becoming physically dependent on medication, there are other medical consequences of abusing prescription drugs. There are three types of prescription drugs people can become addicted to:
- Opioids
- Central nervous system depressants
- Stimulants
Each type of drug has different consequences if abused.
Opioids are generally prescribed as a painkiller. While opioids can cause a mild joyful feeling, people generally get addicted to them because of long-term pain that needs to be managed.
Abusing opioids or mixing them with other substances like alcohol can cause breathing problems and can lead to death. Abusing opioids also cause a slowed breathing rate that can cause you to fall into a coma.
Central nervous system depressants are used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. Overusing these medications lead to you building up a tolerance and needing more medication to achieve the same effects.
Abusing central nervous system depressants can cause memory problems, slowed breathing, and low blood pressure. An overdose can lead to a coma or death. Stopping this medication cold turkey can also cause severe withdrawal symptoms like seizures.
Stimulants jump-start your body. They cause your body to be extremely alert and full of energy. Abusing stimulants can cause heart problems and high blood pressure. It can also lead to seizures, hallucinations, paranoia, and increased aggressiveness.
Seek Treatment
Enrolling in an effective treatment program is pertinent to your success. Treatment programs will differ depending on the substance you’re addicted to as well as your needs. Outpatient rehab might be an option depending on the severity of your addiction and how much it affects your day-to-day life.
It’s best to contact a licensed treatment clinic to help you decide on the best course of action. Asking for help can be hard, but addiction isn’t something you can easily face and overcome by yourself.
Get Treated for Your Prescription Drug Addiction
The sooner you step up and admit that you need treatment for your prescription drug addiction, the easier it will be. Being able to spot the signs of prescription drug addiction is a useful tool to help you decide if you’re dependency on your medication is becoming a problem.
If you believe you or someone you care about is exposed to the dangers of prescription drugs, don’t hesitate to contact us. APEX Recovery is clinician owned and operated to ensure we provide unparalleled service and support.