Drug Misuse

Drug Misuse

Drug misuse is a big problem in our society, especially when it comes to prescription medications. Dealing with a prescription medication addiction can be very stressful and difficult to deal with. Typically, prescription medications are easier to get than illegal drugs, so they are taken and abused more often. Drug misuse is often hidden by the addict. Typically, though, prescription medication drug misuse can be recognized by changes in behavior and the side effects. Acknowledging the problem is the first step towards recovering from drug misuse. The next step is to contact Coastline Behavioral Health to guide you to a rehabilitation program that is appropriate for you.

Prescription drug misuse is no longer just a problem for the big cities, but is also a problem in rural and midsized locales nationwide. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has reported a 430% increase in inpatient treatments for prescription drug addicts over the past 10 years. Drug misuse of prescribed drugs will often start with a legitimate prescription, but sometimes will start with someone using them recreationally. Youth ages 12 to 17 are the fastest-growing group of prescription drug abusers in the United States.

Addiction to Prescription Drugs

There are three factors that define prescription drug addiction. These include compulsively seeking out drugs, overusing a drug, and having no regard to the consequences of drug misuse. Prescription drug addiction can lead to being physically dependent on it along with brain functioning complications that cause uncontrollable cravings and, over time, affect social interactions, obligations, and personal relationships. The drug misuse may follow an actual medical condition that required the prescription medications, such as a mental or emotional disorder, physical pain, surgery, or an injury.

Results of Drug Misuse and Addiction

There are two main results of drug misuse and addiction. They are:

1. Tolerance: this is when you need more of the drug to provide the same effect.
2. Withdrawal: these are often physical symptoms that are painful and undesirable that occur when you stop using. They can include vomiting, sweating, and nausea.

Studies show year after year that patients who abuse prescription drugs can recover successfully if they attend the right rehabilitation center. The rehab program must address the physical and the psychological aspects of the patient’s addiction problem while helping to detoxify their body. Another important aspect is renewing their mind since there are typically emotional ties created by drug misuse. These problems are dealt with in both inpatient rehabilitation and posttreatment therapy. Therapists help to discover the underlying causes of the drug addiction so they can confront and remove them then replace them with practices that are healthy and can last their lifetime.

If you are an addict, you can make a full recovery with an effective treatment process from Coastline Behavioral Health. Give us a call today to take the first step in living a drug-free life.

Tags: Drug Addiction, Treatment Centers