by Kristen Furia

Created on: February 06, 2009

Everyone should be made aware of the dangers involved with prescription drug abuse. Medications that are prescribed for pain, anxiety, or sleeping problems are highly physically addictive. Unfortunately, you will not find this warning on the side of any bottle or in the informational pamphlet that most pharmacists include with your medication. The fact is more and more Americans are suffering from an addiction to prescription medication and most will need professional medical treatment to resume a normal life without the chemical dependency.

Opioids, or opiates, which are prescribed to control pain, are some of the most commonly abused medications. Oxycontin, Vicodin, and Demerol are just a few with addicting chemical qualities. The opioids attach themselves to the opioid receptors in the brain to block the brain from receiving pain messages. The receptors adapt and begin to expect the medication on a regular basis. This causes urges for the user to continue using the pills and even to increase the recommended dosage as the receptors and body build up a tolerance. Once this occurs, the user will start to experience painful withdrawal symptoms when there is not access to the drug. Withdrawal from opiates includes vomiting, severe body aches and pains, diarrhea, and other flu like symptoms. In severe cases, seizures, coma, and even death has been known to occur. This is why detoxing from prescription pain medications is best handled by a group of specialized health professionals.

Depressants that include Valium, Xanax, and Nembutal can also cause physical dependence and withdrawal. They are prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders but are commonly abused medications. The calming effect causes the desired result by eliminating anxiety and causing an intoxicating effect that provides false self assurance must like alcohol. Some users enjoy this chemically altered state of mind and begin taking more. As the dependency builds, and tolerance occurs, the user may begin taking toxic doses to get the same effects. Withdrawal can occur rapidly and will be most severe for the first 24 to 48 hours. The addict may feel severely agitated and depressed. After the initial symptoms decreases the user will most likely experience abdominal cramping, loss of appetite, and sleep disturbances for another week or two.

An addiction to any prescription medication can ruin a life and often be deadly. It is imperative to seek professional drug addiction treatment so that you may make a full recovery. Strong support from family and dear friends can be crucial during treatment stages. Help is the only way to break the chains of addiction and become a functioning and contributing member to society without the problems associated with prescription drug abuse.

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