Prescription Drug Abuse White Plains
Almost everyone needs prescription drugs at times for conditions such as severe pain, and most of us think because these medications are available by prescription they must be safe. When they are taken exactly as prescribed they usually are safe to take, but taking them in too large doses or taking them for too long can lead to prescription drug abuse and addiction.
Prescription drug abuse is common in the United States and according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse causes more deaths than all the illegal drugs combined. Don't let it take over your life. Call Drug Rehab Centers White Plains at (877) 804-1531 to get help finding treatment centers.
Why does prescription drug abuse occur?
Prescription drug abuse can develop because some drugs have mind-altering properties that produce a sense of well-being or even euphoria. This is especially true of painkillers related to or derived from opium since they cause chemical changes in the brain that block the sensation of pain. The same chemical changes (suppressing the natural neurotransmitters) also produce feelings of pleasure.
These feelings can cause some people to abuse the drugs by taking them in ways that were not prescribed, such as crushing, dissolving, and injecting pills that were meant to be taken by mouth. A tolerance can also develop to these drugs, which can lead people to seek out more of the drug by "doctor-shopping." The most commonly abused opioids include oxycodone, hydrocodone, and oxymorphone.
Another class of drugs that is often abused is the central nervous system (CNS) depressants, which are prescribed for anxiety attacks and sleep disturbances. These drugs also affect the pleasure and reward centers in the brain and produce feelings that some find addictive. The CNS depressants include sodium pentobarbital, alprazolam, and diazepam.
Stimulants prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other conditions are also sometimes abused. There is a widespread belief that these drugs can help with academic achievement, and they may be taken for this purpose. These drugs are often abused by being taken by someone for whom they are not prescribed. The stimulants most often abused are the amphetamines, dextroamphetamine, and methylphenidate.
Treatments for prescription drug abuse
The treatment for abuse of prescription drugs is similar to that for other addictions, and it can be just as long and difficult. Medical detox may be needed to wean the person off the drug, and this is usually followed by group and individual counseling and psychotherapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to deal with the psychological aspects of the addiction. These often include unresolved feelings of guilt, shame, and anger, and the therapy not only identifies these issues and their causes but also teaches strategies to cope with the stresses of life in new and healthier ways.
Other addiction recovery therapies aimed at restoring health in mind and body are also effective for prescription drug abuse. These include nutritional counseling (since substance abuse of all kinds is often associated with malnutrition), meditation, massage therapy, and art or music therapy. Restorative yoga is also offered in treatment centers since they are designed specifically to help restore physical and mental health. Alternative treatments for pain can also help with addictions to opioid painkillers.
People who have abused prescription drugs are often referred to recovery programs such as SMART Recovery to help them develop new strategies and skills needed for a balanced and healthy life. The familiar 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous are also applicable to prescription drug abuse, and groups such as Pills Anonymous are designed specifically for people who have an addiction to prescription drugs.
If you are struggling with your search, call Drug Rehab Centers White Plains at (877) 804-1531 today. We will be happy to help you find drug treatment centers that will meet your needs.