Prescription drugs are often an unmentioned arena of addiction, though the patterns of loss and destruction brought on by Rx drugs, are no less threatening than crack, cocaine, or heroin.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that more than nine million people in the US use prescription drugs for non-medical purposes.  Prescription drug abuse often includes medications provided by a doctor for these classifications:  painkillers, anti-anxiety, uppers, downers, and sleeping aids. Many become addicted to this class of drugs following a legitimate prescription following an accident or surgery. Addiction begins, and the cycle of taking the pills to answer the addiction follows. “I take the pill. “I feel good!”

We hear the addicted say something like this all of the time. It’s this connection which leads to addiction. Thus, the cycle of craving, use and then regret begins to become the new “normal.”  For many who have become addicted, a medically supervised prescription drug detox is imperative, as going through prescription drug detox can be very dangerous. Several classes of prescription drugs require a medically supervised detox.

Over time, as tolerance builds, the effects of Rx medications on each individual may vary, yet as highly addictive drugs, cravings will continue while major physical costs mount. Life generally becomes more and more unmanageable. The things lost become more important and valuable.  The cycle of addiction can be broken, and it begins with getting the addicted individual started with Rx drug treatment.

Prescription Drug Addiction – Cycle to Recovery
Prescriptions are generally given by a doctor to make you well, feel better or alleviate pain. When pain is a long-term problem, the prescriptions tend to intensify. Your doctor will order stronger medications as the old prescription becomes less effective. Many drugs are highly addictive. You may of enjoyed the little “high” that came with the painkiller as a side effect.  This is how the addiction begins. You want that carefree, pain-free, happy high more often.

The Altered Reality of Rx Abuse
Prescription drugs can have an altered effect on reality just as street drugs do. On prescription drugs, you can feel like you perform tasks better, you’re stronger or maybe even invincible. The reality of it is that while taking prescription drugs, you can get a false sense of reality. During this altered reality, it is best not to operate equipment or perform tasks that require you to be clear minded.

Is It Necessity Use or Addiction
When the desire to “pop pills” overrides your better judgment, it’s time to question the usage. If you feel you should be cutting back, or that you could get by with something over the counter but still take the prescription, it’s time to question why.

• Do you really need the drug you are taking?
• Are you just taking it for the high you get from it?
• Can you cut back on your own?
• Are you taking more than necessary?

Prescription drug addiction is just as dangerous as any other addiction. Prescription drug abuse can lead to a RX addiction which may require an intervention.  Obviously, these are questions that require you to answer them honestly.  Someone addicted to prescription drugs may not be able to see this, or realize the importance of the situation.  If you are here for a family member, a prescription drug intervention may be required to begin the healing process of recovery.

The Dangers of Prescription Drug Addiction
RX addiction has some serious dangers. Dangers can range from things like risking injuries from operating equipment while high, to financial difficulties. Being high at work can cost you your livelihood and puts a person at risk for getting hurt on the job or terminated. Being noticeably high can alert co-workers. Peers can tell something’s not right and a simple urinalysis can prove their suspicions. The dangers in a family relationship can be devastating. RX addiction is known to cost people their marriages, and custody of their children.

RX Drug Addiction Symptoms
Symptoms of drug use can vary depending on the drug. The symptoms of drug addiction are the same. However, no matter what the drug is, neglecting your responsibilities, taking risks, building up tolerance to prescriptions, shopping around with multiple doctors for the same type of prescriptions, putting drugs above everything else and creating relationship issues are just a few of the symptoms of RX drug addiction.

Prescription Drug Rehabilitation
Overcoming a prescription drug addiction is not easy. It often requires seeking the help of licensed professionals. Counseling, prescription drug detox, as well as prescription drug rehab are almost necessary to become clean.

Prescription drug detox means being drug free and getting the drugs get out of your system. Prescription drug rehab can be an inpatient or outpatient program. Rehab can entail group therapy and intervention means. You need to establish a support network that is there to back you, intervene when needed and guide you through this time of need. Your support network should be comprised of family, friends, co-workers, and a good therapist. Church groups are also a great idea if you are a church-goer. You want support in every aspect of your life.

Prescription Drug Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawing from a drug can have physical and emotional side effects. Effects of you coming clean can have repercussions that can affect your family. Your mood swings, emotional and physical side effects can be felt by those closest to you. Talk with them and make sure they are there to support you.

RX drug addiction is a very serious addiction. Seek professional support from a prescription drug therapist and establish your support network. Together, you can get through this and go on to live a fulfilling, happy, addiction-free life. For further information on RX drug addiction:

Contact Me! You are welcome to review the addiction services I provide, but it is only through contacting me that I can review your exact situation and make recommendations that best suit your individual needs.

How To Help The One You Love provides links to my newest book, which is a valuable resource in educating yourself with step-by-step solutions to overcoming addiction.

My recommendations are entirely based on your situation. By being here, and reading this far, you have shown a sincerely desire to create a strategy to end an addiction.  I hope you will take the next step and contact me, or call 1-800-763-1597 and continue down the path of recovery.