Prescription Drug Abuse Rehab - Willimantic
Research studies by American prescription drug abuse rehab centers report that one in five Americans abuse prescription drugs at some point. While most do not become addicted, some are not so lucky. Their abuse of painkillers and other medications gets so out of hand that prescription drug abuse rehab turns out to be their only hope of a return to a normal life. If you know someone like this and are in a position to help them, this guide will show you what they're going through.
What is Prescription Drug Abuse?
Prescription drugs are handed out for specific medically approved reasons. Some drugs, though, may possess the ability to induce pleasurable feelings -- ones that are hypnotic, sleep-inducing or hallucinogenic. When a person who is genetically or otherwise vulnerable to such effects comes by one of these drugs on a routine prescription, they can be quickly sucked into addiction.
Substance abusers often claim to have lost their prescriptions and ask their doctors for new ones; sometimes, they visit new doctors for new prescriptions. You can tell someone's addicted from these tell-tale behavioral clues. As each drug comes with specific symptoms, you can observe closely for surer signs.
One of the most serious risks of prescription drug abuse is that often, these drugs act as bridges to hard-core drugs. Apart from these effects, abuse leads to liver and kidney damage over time, and decreased cognitive function.
Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs
Opiates
People who abuse opiate drugs tend to suffer from poor coordination, low blood pressure, confusion and constipation. The following are examples of commonly abused opiates:
Dilaudid (hydromorphone hydrochloride): Doctors prescribe this drug for pain and for bad coughs. Users sometimes become addicted and try shooting it intravenously. It is a popular drug among both hardcore heroin users and first-timers.
Codeine (3-methylmorphine): This formulation is prescribed for a number of reasons -- as a depressant, an anxiolytic (an anti-anxiety drug), or as a cough syrup (brands such as Tussionex are popular). It offers a feeling of euphoria and a pleasant tingling beneath the skin.
Vicodin (hydrocodone and acetaminophen): Vicodin, one of the most commonly abused drugs, works by dulling pain receptors in the brain and quickly inducing a sense of euphoria. It is extremely physically addictive.
Sedatives
Abusing sedative drugs produces drowsiness. It also makes people unsteady, dizzy and restless. People who abuse sedatives also tend to have rapid, involuntarily eye movement while under the influence.
Ambien (Zolpidem): Ambien and other sedatives come with extremely strong sedative and hypnotic effects and are offered to patients who suffer from insomnia. These have turned into popular social drugs for their alcohol-like action in removing inhibition.
Stimulants
Stimulant abuse can have positive effects on one's energy levels and ability to focus. These come with some terrible side effects, though. Abusers see their weight crash, and they become agitated, irritable and sleepless.
Adderall (mixed amphetamine): This drug is widely prescribed for disorders such as ADHD. It is wildly popular among young people for its ability to narrowly focus the brain. While it does offer a sense of euphoria the way many other drugs do, it is primarily abused for its ability to help the mind concentrate with extreme one-mindedness.
Get Help at a Drug Rehab Treatment Center
If you suspect that a loved one abuses prescription drugs, you should call, Drug Treatment Centers Willimantic (877) 804-1531. Finding the right treatment facility can be difficult let them assist you in finding the exact rehab center for you or your loved one.