Prescription Drug Addiction
Prescription Drug Dependency and Addiction
Prescription drugs are essential for treating various medical conditions, but their misuse can lead to dependency and addiction.
For many the idea of drug addiction is illicit drugs, such as cocaine or heroin. Substance use disorder (SUD) comes in many forms, and it is just as likely for people to misuse pills such as sedatives, stimulants, and opioid painkillers, which have been purchased from a pharmacist or prescribed by a doctor.
In 2019, the UK press widely reported that 1 in 4 people in Britain are addicted to prescription drugs. Figures from Public Health England, which stated 11.5 million patients in Britain received a prescription for potentially addictive drugs in the same year, would support this claim.
Prescription drug dependency occurs when an individual develops a physical or psychological reliance on medication. This can happen even when the medication is taken as prescribed. Dependency can very quickly turn into addiction, this is due to complex interactions between the brain circuits, genetics, environment, and an individual’s life experiences.
Prescription drug addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterised by compulsive, continued, drug seeking and drug use, despite there being harmful consequences.
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Signs of prescription medicine dependency and addiction.
The signs of prescription medicine dependency and addiction can vary and will depend upon several factors, including the type, amount, and frequency of any drug that a person has been taking.
The following are some common signs that may suggest an individual could have a problem:
→ Increase in the amount or frequency of use
→ Continued use of the drug, even after the pain it was prescribed for has ceased
→ Complaining about vague symptoms to get more medication
→ Lack of interest in treatment options other than medications
→ Taking prescriptions not meant for them
→ Personality changes
→ Unable to meet responsibilities, within the home, or at work, or school
→ Changes in behaviour, sleeping or eating patterns
→ An increase in secrecy, or dishonesty
→ A decline in physical health
Residential treatment for prescription medicine dependency and addiction.
Residential treatment, also known as inpatient treatment, is a highly effective approach to addressing prescription medicine dependency and addiction. It involves the client staying at the treatment centre for a period, typically ranging from 30 days to several months, which provides a structured and supportive environment, offering a robust framework for individuals to achieve and maintain recovery.
Ibiza Calm is a specialised mental health and addiction treatment clinic that provides rehab treatment for individuals who are struggling with substance addiction and dependencies. The goal of the treatment is to help individuals understand the underlying causes of their problem and develop the tools and strategies needed to maintain abstinence in the long term.
The rehab centre offers a comprehensive approach to recovery, including medical detox, therapy, and support groups. The Ibiza Calm team comprises experienced healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and therapists, who work together to provide the highest level of care and support to each patient.
Key components of residential treatment at Ibiza Calm include:
Comprehensive assessment: Upon admission, all clients undergo a thorough assessment to evaluate their physical and mental health, the severity of their addiction, and any co-occurring disorders. This helps in creating a personalised treatment plan.
Detox: The first step, (when required) is a medical detox. Under the supervision of licenced, qualified medical professionals, individuals are gradually weaned off the addictive substance to manage withdrawal symptoms safely.
Individual therapy: Regular one-to-one sessions with a therapist help address underlying psychological issues, develop coping strategies, and set recovery goals.
Group therapy: Facilitated group sessions provide peer support, enhance communication skills, and help individuals connect with others who are facing similar challenges.
Education: Providing information about addiction, relapse prevention, and healthy lifestyle choices to empower clients.
Holistic and complementary therapies: Holistic therapies such as yoga, meditation, art therapy, exercise and nutritional counselling help to promote overall well-being and stress management.
Family therapy: Involving family members can help to rebuild relationships, improve family dynamics, and educate them about addiction and recovery. All our treatment programmes include a family support group. Any family members can attend, weekly online, from the moment their loved one enters the treatment clinic.
Aftercare planning: Successful residential treatment for prescription medicine dependency and addiction includes preparing for life upon leaving the clinic. This involves developing coping strategies and relapse prevention plans, as well as access to support groups. Clients are introduced to the aftercare therapy group before leaving treatment, ensuring they are confident of ongoing, continued support.
Commonly misused prescription medications include –
→ Painkillers – generally opioid based pain relief such as codeine, tramadol, fentanyl, and oxycodone. These are synthetic opioids and work in a similar way to the naturally occurring opiate heroin, suppressing the body’s reaction to pain, and invoking a feeling of euphoria and relaxation. Misuse of opioids can cause confusion, depression, excessive sweating, constipation, impaired coordination, slowed breathing and dangerously low blood pressure. An overdose can occur when the drug overpowers the brain and interrupts the body’s natural instinct to breathe.
→ Depressants or sedatives – often used to treat anxiety or sleep disorders; benzodiazepines such as Valium; sleeping pills including Ambien; barbiturates like Nembutal; these lead to feelings of relaxation and pleasure. Overuse can cause drowsiness, unsteadiness, dizziness, loss of memory, confusion and can lead to involuntary tics and an appearance of intoxication.
→ Stimulants – such as Adderall or Ritalin, which are normally used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorders. These drugs induce feelings of euphoria, exhilaration, alertness and increased (or excessive) energy. Signs of abuse include restlessness, lack of sleep, weight loss, a decrease in appetite, an irregular heartbeat, and palpitations.
Depending upon the type of prescription medication that an individual has been abusing, potential problems may include irreversible long-term physical and psychological damage; and in some cases, can even lead to overdose and death.
Ask yourself…
Whether or not you consider yourself an addict or someone with mental health-related issues, if your behaviour has gotten out of control, Ibiza Calm can help.
Does someone I know need help?
Do I need help?
Is my life out of control?
Am I an addict?
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