>> Drug Side Effects

Prescription Drug Abuse

Drug EffectsPrescription drug abuse has skyrocketed in recent years. The most commonly abused prescription medications fall into three categories:

 

 

These medications affect the body in very different ways, but they all have the capacity to alter the brain's chemistry, thus creating the potential for addiction.

 

Opioids: Side effects include drowsiness, nausea, constipation and, potentially, breathing problems.

 

Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants: Side effects include sleepiness and lack of coordination. Long-term CNS use leads to the development of tolerance, meaning the user needs larger and larger doses to achieve the initial pleasurable effect.

 

Stimulants: Side effects include feelings of hostility or paranoia. In high doses, stimulants may cause dangerous spikes in body temperature, as well as irregular heartbeat. Long-term use can lead to cardiovascular failure or seizure, which can be lethal.

 

Rx Drug Addiction

 

Drug EffectsAll these drugs cause changes in brain activity. Seeking to experience this altered mental state, drug users continue to use medication that was not prescribed for them, at higher doses, or in a different manner (for example, crushing and snorting Oxycontin rather than using it in its time-release form).

 

Frequently, prescription drug abuse starts when the user originally sought medical treatment for legitimate symptoms. Under a doctor's supervision, these medications can be very effective in treating a variety of physical or emotional problems. However, when the user finds that he (or she) is using the medication more frequently than prescribed-or has even visited a number of different doctors and pharmacies to multiply the prescriptions-this results in addiction.

 

Rx Drug Treatment

 

Drug EffectsEven though the course of events that led to prescription drug addiction may not have been as dramatic as with other "street drugs," the addiction is just as certain and progressive. Likewise, the need for outside help may be just as real and necessary.

 

National Rehab can help you get your life back on course. Wherever you are, and whatever your addiction may be, we can connect you with specialized treatment programs to help patients understand the nature of addiction, and the progression of the disease. With caring support from the trained professionals who'll be answering your call, you can bring yourself back from the depths of shame, pain and despair, and live a fulfilling, healthy life once again.

 

Call National Rehab now at 800-223-1497.