Get Help For Prescription Drug Addiction
Prescription drug misuse can quickly spiral into addiction, even with medications prescribed by a healthcare professional. If you are dependent on prescription medication or are experiencing unpleasant side effects as a result of prescription drug addiction, our help centre staff are here to offer confidential advice and support.
What is Prescription Drug Addiction?
Prescription drug addiction occurs when a person becomes physically and psychologically dependent on medication prescribed for legitimate medical reasons, although sometimes these medications are obtained illegally. This type of addiction is no different to illicit drug addiction, both in its compulsive nature and the potential harm it can cause.
Often, prescription drug misuse begins innocently– as a medication prescribed for pain, anxiety, or sleep disorders. However, over time and when misused, the body can develop a tolerance, leading to increased dosage and, eventually, dependence. This dependency can alter brain chemistry, leading to an increased need for the drug to function normally.
The signs of prescription drug addiction include an increased tolerance to the medication, withdrawal symptoms when not using, a strong compulsion to take them, unsuccessful attempts to cut down, and continued use despite awareness of harm. Addiction can also manifest through behavioural changes such as doctor shopping (visiting multiple doctors to obtain more prescriptions), social withdrawal, neglect of responsibilities, and risky behaviour.
The signs of prescription drug addiction include an increased tolerance to the medication, withdrawal symptoms when not using, a strong compulsion to take them, unsuccessful attempts to cut down, and continued use despite awareness of harm. Addiction can also manifest through behavioural changes such as doctor shopping (visiting multiple doctors to obtain more prescriptions), social withdrawal, neglect of responsibilities, and risky behaviour.
Understanding the signs and acknowledging the problem is the first step towards recovery. At Smarmore Castle, we recognise the complexity of prescription drug addiction and offer comprehensive, tailored treatment plans to address it.
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Prescription Drugs We Treat
The treatment process for prescription drug addiction will vary based on your specific needs, the drug used and the duration of use. We offer specialised treatments for a range of prescription drugs, including:
- Benzodiazepines: Often prescribed for anxiety or insomnia, benzodiazepines can be highly addictive. Our treatment focuses on safely managing withdrawal and addressing the underlying issues that led to dependency.
- Opiates & Opioids: Used for pain relief, opiates and opioids have a high risk of addiction. Our approach includes medical detoxification and comprehensive therapy to overcome dependency.
- Sedatives (Hypnotics): These are typically prescribed for sleep disorders but can lead to addiction. Our treatment includes careful withdrawal management and behavioural therapy.
- Stimulants: Prescribed for ADHD and other conditions, stimulant addiction is treated effectively with a combination of therapeutic interventions and support.
The treatment process for each category of prescription drug will vary. Some may cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms making the detox process more complex, while others may not require detox. Our expert team of clinical staff and therapists are equipped to deal with all situations with personalised care and support.
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If you or a loved one are struggling, our team is here to help – contact us in confidence today.