Prescription Drug Addiction
First4Rehab offers a range of treatment options for prescription drug addiction, the most common being a residential rehab programme at a specialist addiction clinic. Our recommendation is a minimum stay of four weeks; dependent on the individual’s personal circumstances (some people will need a longer-term programme if they have been abusing large quantities of prescription drugs over a considerable length of time).
Prescriptions drugs are some of the most widely abused substances, the majority being tranquillisers, antidepressants, stimulants and narcotic painkillers. Whilst many people view these drugs as being less potent than street drugs, side-effects, when taken in large doses can be life threatening. The number of people dependent on prescription drugs is rising rapidly, with over 2 million estimated to be addicted in the UK, and over 7 million in the US.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are used to treat general mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and dysthymia. They take an average of two to six weeks to enter the system and for the full effects of the drug to work. It is a psychiatric medication, usually prescribed by GP’s and Psychiatrists, although their effectiveness and adverse effects are the subject of many studies. Common brand names include:
- Paxil (Paroxetine)
- Lexapro (Escitalopram)
- Zoloft (Sertraline)
- Celexa (Citalopram)
- Prozac (Fluoxetine)
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Side effects are usually minor, but can include some or all of the following:
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Restlessness
- Drowsiness (uncommon)
- Sexual problems
Withdrawal from antidepressants should be undertaken at a gradual process, usually over a period of four weeks, before eventually stopping. Some people will develop withdrawal symptoms if the medication is abruptly discontinued. Symptoms can include some or all of the following:
- Dizziness
- Sleep disturbance
- Flu-like symptoms
- Abdominal cramps
- Mood swings
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Anxiety and agitation
- Pins and needles
Tranquillisers
Tranquillisers, commonly known as Benzodiazepines and Barbiturates, belong to a family of depressants that work on the central nervous system. They are often referred to as downers, sedatives and anti-anxiety medication. They are most often used therapeutically to produce sedation, induce sleep, relieve anxiety and muscle spasms, and to control severe epileptic seizures. Common brand names include:
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Temazepam (Restoril)
- Nitrazepam (Mogadon)
Tranquillisers can be highly addictive and carry a risk of overdose, particularly when mixed with alcohol or other depressant drugs. Behavioural changes can also occur such as mania, hypomania, aggression and schizophrenia. Side effects can include some or all of the following:
- Chest pain
- Dizziness and drowsiness
- Jaundice
- Changes in heart rate
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Depression
Withdrawal from tranquillisers should be undertaken at a gradual process, usually over a period of two to four weeks. If abruptly discounted, side effects can be unpleasant and may include some or all of the following:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Panic attacks
- Sickness
- Irritability
Narcotic Painkillers
Narcotic painkillers are usually prescribed for post-operative pain relief, or to deal with pain related illnesses such as cancer. For some people though, the continued use of narcotic painkillers can lead to a serious addiction. Not all prescription painkillers are necessarily habit forming, but opioids are believed to carry a very high risk of dependency, and those taking them regularly find that they need to take increasingly higher doses in order to gain the same effect. In addition, individuals are also at risk of developing a psychological tolerance as they become desensitized to the effects of the drug.
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Common brand names include:
- Ultram (Tramadol)
- Subutex (Buprenorphine)
- Oxycodone (Morphine)
- Tylenol (Codeine)
Opioids do have side effects, even when not abused, and can include some or all of the following:
- Constipation
- Dizziness and drowsiness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Respiratory depression (slowed rate of breathing)
- Difficulty urinating
- Confusion
For further information regarding treatment for prescription drug addiction, please feel free to contact one of our First4Rehab advisors. We are available on 0845 555 8822, 07875 154177 or 0044 (0) 20 7193 4906. Alternatively you can email us at advice@first4rehab.com
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