The Dangers of Prescription Med Addiction

Prescription medication is supposed to help people live healthier, fuller lives. For many people, however, the antidote is the poison. About 14.3 million people in the United States reported misusing their prescription drugs in 2020. 

Prescription med abuse has dire consequences for many people, and it’s hard to kick the habit. If you’re worried that you or a loved one is dealing with substance abuse, it’s best to know the risks you’re facing. Read on to learn what can happen when prescription medication becomes an addiction.

Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs

All prescription medication should be taken according to your doctor’s instructions. Some medications have a significantly higher risk for addiction and abuse and should be closely monitored.

The most common are opioid painkillers like hydrocodone and oxycodone (also known as OxyContin). These medications are powerful pain relievers, but should only be taken for a short period of time. Longer periods of use are likely to lead to dependence and addiction.

Another commonly abused class of prescription drugs is benzodiazepines like Xanax, Ativan, and Valium. Benzodiazepines treat anxiety and sleep disorders, but long-term usage leads many people to addiction.

Risks of Substance Abuse

If your doctor keeps writing you prescriptions, does it really matter if you’re addicted?

The answer is a resounding yes. Many doctors are unwilling to write prescriptions for addictive medications long-term, and many people find themselves needing more and more medication to get the same benefit.

Opioid addiction causes dizziness, slurred speech, shallow breathing, upset stomach, and poor coordination. Benzodiazepine addiction causes trouble with walking and concentration, slurred speech, and slow reflexes. Finally, addiction to stimulants causes weight loss, dizziness, headache, high blood pressure, and irregular heartbeats.

All of these drugs come with a high risk of overdose. Ultimately, prescription med addiction can kill you.

Mental Risks

Many people dealing with addiction wish they weren’t addicted. They harbor a lot of shame about their addiction. Therefore, there are mental risks to addiction. 

The most common is depression. You might also notice mood swings or increased anxiety. All of these are signs that your loved one needs help.

Seeking Help

You know that you or a loved one needs to stop abusing prescription meds, but where do you go? The first thing you need to know is that detox can be difficult or even fatal if done improperly. Look into medically supervised detox for the safest and most effective solution.

Many detox clinics can help you speak with your loved one and convince them that they need help. They often take insurance, too, making them much more accessible.

Are You Struggling with Prescription Med Addiction?

Many people think that since their doctors are writing the prescription, it’s safe. Unfortunately, many prescription medications are addictive, easy to abuse, and should be avoided. If you want to avoid the risks of prescription med addiction, talk to your doctor about medically supervised detox so you or your loved one can live a better, healthier life!

Health and wellness is a thorny topic to navigate in today’s society. You need a reliable resource that’ll give you clear information that’ll help you live your best life. Our blog is just that place, so be sure to check it out!