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.
Showing posts with label opiate addiction pennsylvania. Show all posts
Showing posts with label opiate addiction pennsylvania. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Oxycontin Addiction and Heroin Addiction
Oxycontin VS Heroin? They are so nearly the same drug, most users would take either one. Why is Oxycontin legal and Heroin illegal? Oxycontin and Heroin are both opioids, which are synthetic or real derivatives of opium.
Everybody has heard of Heroin addiction, and in more recent years, Oxycontin addiction. But, just what exactly are these two drugs? Oxycontin is a synthetic opioid prescribed by doctors in the treatment of severe pain. When properly prescribed and properly taken, Oxycontin has a timed-release action to produce approximately 12 hours of steady pain relief. The drug companies began an advertising campaign that left the impression that Oxycontin could be safely given to anyone in pain, even if that pain was not at all severe. It was a miracle pain reliever! The drug companies did such a good job in promoting the drug as almost a miracle drug in easing pain and the safety of it, that Oxycontin is covered by Medicaid when prescribed to a Medicaid recipient.
The doctors began to greatly over prescribe it; it began to be sold on the street; and it began to be abused.
People addicted to Oxycontin destroy the timed release action of the pills or capsules in order to partake of the entire amount of the drug at once instead of spread over 12 hours. Abusers of Oxycontin, become addicted to both, the intense orgasmic mind rush, and the state of complete blissful euphoria which follows the rush. The results of Heroin abuse is almost like the highs of Oxycontin.
The following facts were given as testimony before Massachusetts State Senator Steven Tolman and his Oxycontin and Heroin Commission in May 2009.
•Prior to 1914, Heroin was used to relieve pain and respiratory illnesses in the United States and was given credit for not being as addictive as morphine.
•Heroin became illegal in 1914 because of its addictive qualities.
•Oxycontin, or synthetic Heroin as it is often called, has almost the exact same molecular makeup as Heroin.
•Heroin and Oxycontin both give the user an intense head rush, and then euphoria.
•The drug addict will use whichever drug is the easiest for him to obtain, as Heroin and Oxycontin are interchangeable.
•Oxycontin is vastly over prescribed.
•Both Oxycontin and Heroin are extremely addictive.
Everybody has heard of Heroin addiction, and in more recent years, Oxycontin addiction. But, just what exactly are these two drugs? Oxycontin is a synthetic opioid prescribed by doctors in the treatment of severe pain. When properly prescribed and properly taken, Oxycontin has a timed-release action to produce approximately 12 hours of steady pain relief. The drug companies began an advertising campaign that left the impression that Oxycontin could be safely given to anyone in pain, even if that pain was not at all severe. It was a miracle pain reliever! The drug companies did such a good job in promoting the drug as almost a miracle drug in easing pain and the safety of it, that Oxycontin is covered by Medicaid when prescribed to a Medicaid recipient.
The doctors began to greatly over prescribe it; it began to be sold on the street; and it began to be abused.
People addicted to Oxycontin destroy the timed release action of the pills or capsules in order to partake of the entire amount of the drug at once instead of spread over 12 hours. Abusers of Oxycontin, become addicted to both, the intense orgasmic mind rush, and the state of complete blissful euphoria which follows the rush. The results of Heroin abuse is almost like the highs of Oxycontin.
The following facts were given as testimony before Massachusetts State Senator Steven Tolman and his Oxycontin and Heroin Commission in May 2009.
•Prior to 1914, Heroin was used to relieve pain and respiratory illnesses in the United States and was given credit for not being as addictive as morphine.
•Heroin became illegal in 1914 because of its addictive qualities.
•Oxycontin, or synthetic Heroin as it is often called, has almost the exact same molecular makeup as Heroin.
•Heroin and Oxycontin both give the user an intense head rush, and then euphoria.
•The drug addict will use whichever drug is the easiest for him to obtain, as Heroin and Oxycontin are interchangeable.
•Oxycontin is vastly over prescribed.
•Both Oxycontin and Heroin are extremely addictive.
Monday, March 8, 2010
More on Opiate Addiction
Effects of Use
Opiate addicts Pennsylvania use the drug to feel a sense of well-being that comes in a rush after the drug is taken. After this initial feeling of euphoria, the user goes through alternate periods of feeling alert and then drowsy. Using opiates affects the user's ability to reason clearly. Respiration slows, and reflexes are impaired.
Complications and Long Term Effects of Opiate Abuse
Whenever someone uses opiates and develops a tolerance for the drug, the possibility of a drug overdose is always a concern. Be alert for these signs and call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number if you notice them:
Difficulty breathing
Fingertips and lips turn blue
Shallow breathing
Weak pulse
Over the long term, opium addicts Pennsylvania may display these kinds of symptoms:
Collapsed veins (if the drug is being injected)
Refusing to eat
Ignoring basic personal hygiene
Liver disease
Pneumonia
Help and Treatment for Opiate Addiction Pennsylvania
A drug detox and rehab facility can help an opium addict get free from the drug. Opium withdrawal symptoms include:
Aches and pains
Chills
Cravings for the drug
Insomnia
Nausea
Restlessness
Vomiting
For most people, the withdrawal symptoms subside within seven days. Since an addict's health may already be compromised after long-term use, getting drug abuse help by checking into an opiate addiction treatment facility is a good choice. That way, the person's condition can be monitored closely while they are going through the process of ridding their body of the drug.
There are a number of rehab clinics that offer services to people who are trying to break the cycle of addiction to opiates. Many of these facilties, such as Narconon, have web sites where you can get information about the services offered and the approach the facility takes to helping people learn how to quit using opiates.
Beyond Quitting: Opiate Recovery and Rehabilitation
Detox and quitting are only the first steps; an individual must also get help to deal with the reasons why they became addicted to opiates in the first place. Opiate treatment must include this element, or the person is at increased risk for a relapse. Part of opiate drug rehabilitation is teaching the addict that even though they have quit opiates, they need to learn new patterns of behavior to replace their former ways.
Opiate addicts Pennsylvania use the drug to feel a sense of well-being that comes in a rush after the drug is taken. After this initial feeling of euphoria, the user goes through alternate periods of feeling alert and then drowsy. Using opiates affects the user's ability to reason clearly. Respiration slows, and reflexes are impaired.
Complications and Long Term Effects of Opiate Abuse
Whenever someone uses opiates and develops a tolerance for the drug, the possibility of a drug overdose is always a concern. Be alert for these signs and call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number if you notice them:
Difficulty breathing
Fingertips and lips turn blue
Shallow breathing
Weak pulse
Over the long term, opium addicts Pennsylvania may display these kinds of symptoms:
Collapsed veins (if the drug is being injected)
Refusing to eat
Ignoring basic personal hygiene
Liver disease
Pneumonia
Help and Treatment for Opiate Addiction Pennsylvania
A drug detox and rehab facility can help an opium addict get free from the drug. Opium withdrawal symptoms include:
Aches and pains
Chills
Cravings for the drug
Insomnia
Nausea
Restlessness
Vomiting
For most people, the withdrawal symptoms subside within seven days. Since an addict's health may already be compromised after long-term use, getting drug abuse help by checking into an opiate addiction treatment facility is a good choice. That way, the person's condition can be monitored closely while they are going through the process of ridding their body of the drug.
There are a number of rehab clinics that offer services to people who are trying to break the cycle of addiction to opiates. Many of these facilties, such as Narconon, have web sites where you can get information about the services offered and the approach the facility takes to helping people learn how to quit using opiates.
Beyond Quitting: Opiate Recovery and Rehabilitation
Detox and quitting are only the first steps; an individual must also get help to deal with the reasons why they became addicted to opiates in the first place. Opiate treatment must include this element, or the person is at increased risk for a relapse. Part of opiate drug rehabilitation is teaching the addict that even though they have quit opiates, they need to learn new patterns of behavior to replace their former ways.
Opiate Addiction
Opiates are narcotics, and drugs in this category tend to make the user feel sleepy (downers), as opposed to energized (uppers). Many are powerful and can severely "numb" the user.
As medication, opiates are used to relieve moderate to severe pain. The term opiate refers to any of the narcotic alkaloids found in opium, as well as all derivatives of such alkaloids.
Common Opiate Use
People with chronic pain, cancer, or who are recovering from surgery may be prescribed these medications. Opiates include such prescription medications as:
Codeine
Morphine
Oxycodone
Oxycontin
Percocet
Percodan
Ultram
Vicodin
What is Opiate Addiction Pennsylvania?
A person has an opiate addiction when they develop a dependence on the medication. They continue to take the medication to avoid going through opiate withdrawal symptoms or because they want to continue to experience the euphoric effects of the drug.
Signs of Opiate Dependence
Signs of addiction to opiates Pennsylvania include:
Having to take larger doses of the medication to get the desired effect
Spending a lot of time focusing on the drug, using it and being able to take it again and again
Depression and/or suicidal thoughts
Unkempt physical appearance, including weight loss in some cases
Social withdrawal
Causes of Dependency
Opiate addicts Pennsylvania get hooked on the medication because of the way it acts on the user's brain. If the drug is used regularly and to excess, the brain stops producing natural painkillers called endorphins. As a result, the person who is addicted to opiates experiences a physical dependence on the drug.
As medication, opiates are used to relieve moderate to severe pain. The term opiate refers to any of the narcotic alkaloids found in opium, as well as all derivatives of such alkaloids.
Common Opiate Use
People with chronic pain, cancer, or who are recovering from surgery may be prescribed these medications. Opiates include such prescription medications as:
Codeine
Morphine
Oxycodone
Oxycontin
Percocet
Percodan
Ultram
Vicodin
What is Opiate Addiction Pennsylvania?
A person has an opiate addiction when they develop a dependence on the medication. They continue to take the medication to avoid going through opiate withdrawal symptoms or because they want to continue to experience the euphoric effects of the drug.
Signs of Opiate Dependence
Signs of addiction to opiates Pennsylvania include:
Having to take larger doses of the medication to get the desired effect
Spending a lot of time focusing on the drug, using it and being able to take it again and again
Depression and/or suicidal thoughts
Unkempt physical appearance, including weight loss in some cases
Social withdrawal
Causes of Dependency
Opiate addicts Pennsylvania get hooked on the medication because of the way it acts on the user's brain. If the drug is used regularly and to excess, the brain stops producing natural painkillers called endorphins. As a result, the person who is addicted to opiates experiences a physical dependence on the drug.
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