The abuse of prescription drugs in Pennsylvania is a growing problem. Most people take prescription drugs safely, although approximately 48 million people ages 12 and above (20% of the United States population) have used prescription drugs for non medical reasons.
There are three common categories of prescription drugs.
1. Opioids-often used to treat pain
2. Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants-used to treat sleep disorders & anxiety.
3. Stimulants-used to treat narcolepsy and ADHD
These drugs are easily accessible considering people with legitimate needs are using them. There is a trend with adolescents appropriating the prescription drugs from their parents, other family members and friends. You can find them in almost any medicine cabinet. In addition to the increasing number of medicines being prescribed for health issues, some medications can be easily obtained from the Internet. Online pharmacies make it possible for abusers without the proper documentation to get a prescription (which is illegal).
It is also not uncommon for over-the-counter drugs to be absued. Cough suppressants, antihistamines and sleep aids are just an example of drugs easily accessible and easily abused.
The result of abusing prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs are: confusion, sedation, coma, seizures, decreased respiration, respiratory depression, withdrawal and death.
If you or someone you know is using prescription drugs, please seek help. Clearbrook Treatment Centers is the leading drug rehab in Pennsylvania. We have been helping adults, adolescents and families reach sobriety/recovery. For more information on Clearbrook and the signs and symptoms of drug abuse, go to www.clearbrookinc.com
Source-nida.nih.org2001
Showing posts with label percocet addiction treatment pennsylvania. Show all posts
Showing posts with label percocet addiction treatment pennsylvania. Show all posts
Monday, January 24, 2011
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Presciption Drug Treatment in Pennsylvania
The majority of people addicted to prescription drugs started to abuse these medications after a legitimate prescription was written for them by their doctor. The prescription may have been written due to chronic pain, auto or sports injury, surgery or to relax strained muscles.
Most individuals don't begin taking prescription drugs with the idea in mind of becoming an addict. Instead what begins for one reason continues for another. Many individuals take the medication to "feel better" physically, hoping to gain some relief from their pain. Another effect of the medication is that it provides a pleasurable feeling. In an attempt to reduce the pain even further and enhance the feeling of pleasure, individuals begin to take more medication. A tolerance to the drug is gradually developed, so now more and more medication is required to produce the initial effect. Soon, the pleasurable feeling cannot be achieved; some of the physical pain is still present; and an addiction to the prescription drug now also exists.
Prescription drugs commonly abused include, but are not limited to:
•Vicodin
•Codeine
•Demerol
•Dilaudid
•Morphine
•Oxycontin
•Percocet
•Xanax
All of these prescription drugs are both physically and emotionally addictive.
Effects of Prescription Drug Abuse and Addiction
As stated above, prescription drug use may start out as taking appropriate medication for a legitimate medical problem. Another group of individuals may also begin to take prescription medication to deal with emotional problems. The main thing these medications do for emotional problems are to "mask" or "numb" the upset feelings. Although a person may not experience the depression or they may be temporarily able to stop obsessing about a certain problem, in most cases, the problem is just exasperated by not learning how to effectively cope with the particular feelings and issues. There are also addicts who are seeking a "high" who may be also addicted to other drugs and/or alcohol, who then begin abusing prescription medication along with their drug of choice due to its availability at pain clinics on the internet. Many people have been found to mix alcohol with prescription medications to accentuate the feeling of euphoria. This mixture is often referred to as a "cocktail." The potential to overdose in this situation is quite high.
Consequences of Prescription Drug Abuse
Most prescription drugs are physically addictive. To abruptly discontinue prescription medications could create a situation where an individual could immediately experience seizures or convulsions. It is for this reason that detox and withdrawal from prescription medications should be attempted gradually and under medical supervision. This is best accomplished in a residential treatment program where an addict can be titrated down slowly and safely off of prescription drugs and medically monitored along the way. The discomfort associated with withdrawal from these medications is contingent upon the dose that an individual was taking and the length of time they had been taking it.
In addition to the Percocet addiction created by abusing prescription drugs, addicts commonly experience negative effects on their personal relationships, employment difficulties and job loss, financial difficulties, legal problems, or psychological difficulties.
Treatment of Prescription Drug Abuse
Due to the physical dependence created by prescription drug abuse and the physical danger in detoxing without medical assistance, addiction treatment should begin in a residential treatment facility or inpatient hospital. The initial phase of treatment is a Pennsylvania detox center. Under medical supervision, the withdrawal symptoms associated can be managed, reduced and sometimes eliminated.
By the time most people enter a Pennsylvania treatment center for prescription drug addiction, they have created quite a bit of emotional damage to themselves and loved ones. It takes time to recover from shame, grief, guilt, and rebuild a level of trust. Residential treatment in a supportive therapeutic environment eliminates many of the outside distractions and allows a person to focus on issues relating to their recovery. The length of stay is usually 30 days and may be followed by outpatient therapy.
Most individuals don't begin taking prescription drugs with the idea in mind of becoming an addict. Instead what begins for one reason continues for another. Many individuals take the medication to "feel better" physically, hoping to gain some relief from their pain. Another effect of the medication is that it provides a pleasurable feeling. In an attempt to reduce the pain even further and enhance the feeling of pleasure, individuals begin to take more medication. A tolerance to the drug is gradually developed, so now more and more medication is required to produce the initial effect. Soon, the pleasurable feeling cannot be achieved; some of the physical pain is still present; and an addiction to the prescription drug now also exists.
Prescription drugs commonly abused include, but are not limited to:
•Vicodin
•Codeine
•Demerol
•Dilaudid
•Morphine
•Oxycontin
•Percocet
•Xanax
All of these prescription drugs are both physically and emotionally addictive.
Effects of Prescription Drug Abuse and Addiction
As stated above, prescription drug use may start out as taking appropriate medication for a legitimate medical problem. Another group of individuals may also begin to take prescription medication to deal with emotional problems. The main thing these medications do for emotional problems are to "mask" or "numb" the upset feelings. Although a person may not experience the depression or they may be temporarily able to stop obsessing about a certain problem, in most cases, the problem is just exasperated by not learning how to effectively cope with the particular feelings and issues. There are also addicts who are seeking a "high" who may be also addicted to other drugs and/or alcohol, who then begin abusing prescription medication along with their drug of choice due to its availability at pain clinics on the internet. Many people have been found to mix alcohol with prescription medications to accentuate the feeling of euphoria. This mixture is often referred to as a "cocktail." The potential to overdose in this situation is quite high.
Consequences of Prescription Drug Abuse
Most prescription drugs are physically addictive. To abruptly discontinue prescription medications could create a situation where an individual could immediately experience seizures or convulsions. It is for this reason that detox and withdrawal from prescription medications should be attempted gradually and under medical supervision. This is best accomplished in a residential treatment program where an addict can be titrated down slowly and safely off of prescription drugs and medically monitored along the way. The discomfort associated with withdrawal from these medications is contingent upon the dose that an individual was taking and the length of time they had been taking it.
In addition to the Percocet addiction created by abusing prescription drugs, addicts commonly experience negative effects on their personal relationships, employment difficulties and job loss, financial difficulties, legal problems, or psychological difficulties.
Treatment of Prescription Drug Abuse
Due to the physical dependence created by prescription drug abuse and the physical danger in detoxing without medical assistance, addiction treatment should begin in a residential treatment facility or inpatient hospital. The initial phase of treatment is a Pennsylvania detox center. Under medical supervision, the withdrawal symptoms associated can be managed, reduced and sometimes eliminated.
By the time most people enter a Pennsylvania treatment center for prescription drug addiction, they have created quite a bit of emotional damage to themselves and loved ones. It takes time to recover from shame, grief, guilt, and rebuild a level of trust. Residential treatment in a supportive therapeutic environment eliminates many of the outside distractions and allows a person to focus on issues relating to their recovery. The length of stay is usually 30 days and may be followed by outpatient therapy.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Prescription Drug Abuse Up 400% in Pennsylvania
While it’s not shocking news considering we have been tracking this for years, but a recent survey confirmed that the number of people in America abusing prescription drugs increased by more than 400% between 1998 and 2008. Although data isn’t available yet for last year, I am sure it will show yet another increase.
The report from the Treatment Episode Data Set also revealed that the number of opiate users admitted for addiction treatment centers who were on prescription painkillers had increased from 6.8% to 26.5% during that time. Many long-term drug treatment programs we work with echo these results.
There is no question that prescription drug addiction and abuse is a national epidemic – way more than any type of flu has been, yet swine and bird strands caused millions of people to get shots unnecessarily and drug companies raked hundreds of millions of dollars in sales from those “outbreaks”. Maybe that is the real connection – it’s not the number of lives lost that counts to them, but how much money winds up in their bank accounts each year. Both situations are directly related to drug companies and their bottom lines – though each has very different story lines.
The report from the Treatment Episode Data Set also revealed that the number of opiate users admitted for addiction treatment centers who were on prescription painkillers had increased from 6.8% to 26.5% during that time. Many long-term drug treatment programs we work with echo these results.
There is no question that prescription drug addiction and abuse is a national epidemic – way more than any type of flu has been, yet swine and bird strands caused millions of people to get shots unnecessarily and drug companies raked hundreds of millions of dollars in sales from those “outbreaks”. Maybe that is the real connection – it’s not the number of lives lost that counts to them, but how much money winds up in their bank accounts each year. Both situations are directly related to drug companies and their bottom lines – though each has very different story lines.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Prescription Drug Abuse Treatment
Forty years ago teenagers were into LSD, PCP, smoking marijuana and using speed. Not so much today. Although illicit drug use is still common among teens and adults, prescription drugs have become the main substance being used by teenagers to get high. Why? And what kind of drug addiction rehab is best for young people?
Prescription drug use has escalated among adults; therefore teens have limitless access to just about anything they want. Grandparents, parents and other relatives, and even relatives of their peers often unwittingly provide teens with opportunities to steal and use prescription drugs. Even more frightening is that sometimes they take pills without knowing what ailment the pills treat. This can lead to serious complications and death.
Society in general has a warped view of legal drugs; even assuming they are basically harmless and non-addictive just because the family physician prescribed them. If adults aren’t educated about the dangers of prescription drug abuse, how can we expect our young ones to be savvy?
If you store your prescriptions in an accessible place, you may inadvertently be setting your own child up to use prescription drugs. Always keep your medications, out of sight and out of reach. Keep them in a small safe or secret space only you know about. Even medications that have no mind-altering effects should be kept hidden, as these can be taken with over the counter meds or alcohol by an experimenting teenager. This practice is called “pharming” and can be fatal.
Be open with your teen about the dangers of using medications not prescribed for him. You may have your meds on lockdown but his friends’ parents may not. Warn your teen that sharing, mixing and combining prescription and over the counter drugs with alcohol can be fatal or cause serious brain damage.
Be aware that obtaining prescription medications without a doctor’s permission is very easy to accomplish on the Internet. Know what sites your child visits. Monitor his online activity. If possible, keep the computer where hiding what he is doing is nearly impossible because other family members are close by.
Over the counter medications can also be abused. “Robo-tripping” is a term used when teens ingest large doses of cough syrup (especially Robitussin), which can be extremely dangerous and possibly fatal.
Prescription drug use has escalated among adults; therefore teens have limitless access to just about anything they want. Grandparents, parents and other relatives, and even relatives of their peers often unwittingly provide teens with opportunities to steal and use prescription drugs. Even more frightening is that sometimes they take pills without knowing what ailment the pills treat. This can lead to serious complications and death.
Society in general has a warped view of legal drugs; even assuming they are basically harmless and non-addictive just because the family physician prescribed them. If adults aren’t educated about the dangers of prescription drug abuse, how can we expect our young ones to be savvy?
If you store your prescriptions in an accessible place, you may inadvertently be setting your own child up to use prescription drugs. Always keep your medications, out of sight and out of reach. Keep them in a small safe or secret space only you know about. Even medications that have no mind-altering effects should be kept hidden, as these can be taken with over the counter meds or alcohol by an experimenting teenager. This practice is called “pharming” and can be fatal.
Be open with your teen about the dangers of using medications not prescribed for him. You may have your meds on lockdown but his friends’ parents may not. Warn your teen that sharing, mixing and combining prescription and over the counter drugs with alcohol can be fatal or cause serious brain damage.
Be aware that obtaining prescription medications without a doctor’s permission is very easy to accomplish on the Internet. Know what sites your child visits. Monitor his online activity. If possible, keep the computer where hiding what he is doing is nearly impossible because other family members are close by.
Over the counter medications can also be abused. “Robo-tripping” is a term used when teens ingest large doses of cough syrup (especially Robitussin), which can be extremely dangerous and possibly fatal.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Percocet Addiction Treatment
Percocet Withdrawal
Percocet is physically addictive. Whenever you are dealing with a physical addiction it is very important to reduce the intake gradually. Abrupt discontinuation of the drug can have devastating effects on the body including seizures and convulsions. We urge you to seek professional and medical supervision before undergoing Percocet withdrawal. Entrance to residential Percocet addiction treatment programs Pennsylvania seems to be the best defense against any medical complications that could occur during Percocet withdrawal.
Percocet withdrawal discomfort and symptoms vary depending on how long the person has been using and the amount of the drug taken at any given time. It is not unusual for those with a Percocet addiction to consume up to 40 pills daily. The symptoms one might experience during Percocet withdrawal include insomnia, vomiting, restlessness, diarrhea, and muscle and bone pain.
Percocet Addiction Treatment Pennsylvania
Due to the physical dependency created by Percocet abuse, addiction treatment should begin in a residential detox center where medical professionals can help you manage any Percocet withdrawal symptoms you may be experiencing. The average length of time spent in a Percocet addiction detox center is approximately seven days where the addict will be monitored for both medical and psychological problems.
After the person is medically stable he or s he can proceed to a residential treatment center to complete the recovery process.
What to Expect in Percocet Rehab Programs
Percocet rehab programs Pennsylvania allow patients to address their feelings of shame and disappointment with others who are struggling with similar problems. Patients will also be given the chance to discuss the detrimental effects of their Percocet addiction on their loves ones. Percocet addiction recovery in a supportive therapeutic environment eliminates outside distractions and allows the individual to concentrate on both the emotional and physical issues directly relating to their addiction. This Percocet addiction treatment process is usually accomplished within twenty days and may be followed by outpatient therapy.
Percocet is physically addictive. Whenever you are dealing with a physical addiction it is very important to reduce the intake gradually. Abrupt discontinuation of the drug can have devastating effects on the body including seizures and convulsions. We urge you to seek professional and medical supervision before undergoing Percocet withdrawal. Entrance to residential Percocet addiction treatment programs Pennsylvania seems to be the best defense against any medical complications that could occur during Percocet withdrawal.
Percocet withdrawal discomfort and symptoms vary depending on how long the person has been using and the amount of the drug taken at any given time. It is not unusual for those with a Percocet addiction to consume up to 40 pills daily. The symptoms one might experience during Percocet withdrawal include insomnia, vomiting, restlessness, diarrhea, and muscle and bone pain.
Percocet Addiction Treatment Pennsylvania
Due to the physical dependency created by Percocet abuse, addiction treatment should begin in a residential detox center where medical professionals can help you manage any Percocet withdrawal symptoms you may be experiencing. The average length of time spent in a Percocet addiction detox center is approximately seven days where the addict will be monitored for both medical and psychological problems.
After the person is medically stable he or s he can proceed to a residential treatment center to complete the recovery process.
What to Expect in Percocet Rehab Programs
Percocet rehab programs Pennsylvania allow patients to address their feelings of shame and disappointment with others who are struggling with similar problems. Patients will also be given the chance to discuss the detrimental effects of their Percocet addiction on their loves ones. Percocet addiction recovery in a supportive therapeutic environment eliminates outside distractions and allows the individual to concentrate on both the emotional and physical issues directly relating to their addiction. This Percocet addiction treatment process is usually accomplished within twenty days and may be followed by outpatient therapy.
Percocet Addiction
Percocet Addiction: The Dangers
There are many dangers associated with Percocet addiction Pennsylvania. Much like codeine and morphine, Percocet is an opiate available only through prescription. Percocet contains acetaminophen along with Oxycodone which is a narcotic analgesic. Percocet can be taken in tablets and it is not uncommon for people with Percocet addictions to take between 20 - 40 pills a day.
Percocet is both physically and emotionally addictive. It acts as a "block" to pain receptors in the brain, which results in a feeling of euphoria. It is this euphoria that people with a Percocet addiction Pennsylvania are searching for every time they ingest these tablets. They believe they can reproduce this euphoria by increasing the quantity and frequency of the tablets. Unfortunately, this initial feeling is rarely recreated. But the person will continue taking the drug despite the tolerance they have developed which is keeping them from experiencing the euphoric feeling that they crave. This pattern of behavior is known as addiction and it affects millions of people. If the person stops taking the drug, they will experience unpleasant, uncomfortable and, in many cases, dangerous Percocet withdrawal symptoms Pennsylvania.
Percocet is mainly prescribed by physicians to manage pain. When the patient feels this initial pain relief and pleasurable feeling they try to recreate it by taking more. And by increasing the dosage of tablets you are also increasing your tolerance to the drug. What this means is that your body needs more of the drug so that your mind can experience similar affects thus creating a very dangerous and unhealthy addiction.
Percocet Addiction: The Effects
Millions of people take Percocet for pain relief. Doctors prescribe Percocet to patients who are in a lot of pain or discomfort. Others take Percocet to escape emotional issues that are plaguing their lives. Rather than dealing with feelings of depression, anxiety and fear, Percocet abusers use the drug to "dull" their emotional pain.
Regardless of your initial reason for taking Percocet, an overuse of the drug will produce physical symptoms including but not limited to:
■Loss of concentration
■Dizziness
■Sweats
■Constipation
■Dry mouth
■Nausea
■Drowsiness
In addition to physical symptoms, Percocet abusers also often experience deterioration in personal relationships, financial difficulties, legal problems, employment difficulties as well as, psychological difficulties.
There are many dangers associated with Percocet addiction Pennsylvania. Much like codeine and morphine, Percocet is an opiate available only through prescription. Percocet contains acetaminophen along with Oxycodone which is a narcotic analgesic. Percocet can be taken in tablets and it is not uncommon for people with Percocet addictions to take between 20 - 40 pills a day.
Percocet is both physically and emotionally addictive. It acts as a "block" to pain receptors in the brain, which results in a feeling of euphoria. It is this euphoria that people with a Percocet addiction Pennsylvania are searching for every time they ingest these tablets. They believe they can reproduce this euphoria by increasing the quantity and frequency of the tablets. Unfortunately, this initial feeling is rarely recreated. But the person will continue taking the drug despite the tolerance they have developed which is keeping them from experiencing the euphoric feeling that they crave. This pattern of behavior is known as addiction and it affects millions of people. If the person stops taking the drug, they will experience unpleasant, uncomfortable and, in many cases, dangerous Percocet withdrawal symptoms Pennsylvania.
Percocet is mainly prescribed by physicians to manage pain. When the patient feels this initial pain relief and pleasurable feeling they try to recreate it by taking more. And by increasing the dosage of tablets you are also increasing your tolerance to the drug. What this means is that your body needs more of the drug so that your mind can experience similar affects thus creating a very dangerous and unhealthy addiction.
Percocet Addiction: The Effects
Millions of people take Percocet for pain relief. Doctors prescribe Percocet to patients who are in a lot of pain or discomfort. Others take Percocet to escape emotional issues that are plaguing their lives. Rather than dealing with feelings of depression, anxiety and fear, Percocet abusers use the drug to "dull" their emotional pain.
Regardless of your initial reason for taking Percocet, an overuse of the drug will produce physical symptoms including but not limited to:
■Loss of concentration
■Dizziness
■Sweats
■Constipation
■Dry mouth
■Nausea
■Drowsiness
In addition to physical symptoms, Percocet abusers also often experience deterioration in personal relationships, financial difficulties, legal problems, employment difficulties as well as, psychological difficulties.
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