Drug addiction

Prescription Drug Addiction

Certain prescription drugs can be as dangerous as street drugs and can cause severe addiction if taken regularly. Prescription drug addiction menace has increased to such a large extent that it is important to raise awareness of the problem and be on the lookout for loved ones that can become an addict if not properly monitored.

That said, prescription do not always cause addiction. However there are certain prescription drugs that can increase addiction or dependency on the medication and soon turn into a full blown addiction. Pain killers are the most abused form of prescription drugs and can be very dangerous if taken in multiple quantities and over a longer period of time. Many cases of coma and death are reported daily due to the abuse of prescription drugs.

It is important to monitor a patient that has been prescribed medication that is know to cause addiction. Warning bells must go off if the patient is continuously asking for refills and if the medication seems to run out more quickly than expected.Extra care is to be the norm if the person has a history of drug addiction.

If you are a recovering addict and are prescribed medication that is known to cause addiction it is best to avoid them or speak to your prescribing physician about it. It is particularly important even if you have been clean for years as this medication could weaken your defenses. You might not have a choice but it is important to take your doctor into confidence.

Prescription drug behavior

Common effects and behavior of a prescription drug abuser are

  • Severe trembling and shaking if you do not get your fill of the drug.
  • Inability to function normally if you do not take the pill.
  • Taking increasing amounts of the medication in order to feel good.
  • Hallucinations and even loss of memory.
  • Wild mood swings.

Overcoming prescription drug addiction can be quite difficult especially without support. With prescription drug addiction comes increased tolerance for the drug and as a result the user will need to use more and more quantities of number of the drug to feel the same previous effect caused from the drug. This is very dangerous as you could be one step away from overdosing on the drug.

It is vital to get help and qualified help can go a long way in treating drug addiction. Talk to a qualified health professional to help manage withdrawal symptoms in a safe manner and get on the road to recovery from prescription drug addiction.

Posted to: Addiction Comments Off

Do You Fear Alcohol Addiction Recovery?

This is a tough question – Do you fear the recovery of your addict?  Of course you want the alcoholic/addict in your life to get better.  Life would be better if they were in recovery – right? But wait, how does recover affect me? Who will I take care of? How will their recovery change my identity? Think hard and answer the question again – do you fear the recovery of your addict?

Many people who are codependent identify themselves with the alcoholic/addict.  They are the caretaker, the worrier, the fixer, etc.  Though they may not realize it, they could be subconsiously preventing the recovery of their loved one.  They are unknowingly preventing it out of fear.  “What will happen to me if they get better?”  “They won’t need me anymore.”

The disease of alcoholism and drug addiction is known as a family disease – because it affects everyone close to the individual.  Living with an alcoholic or addict and their erratic behaviors takes it toll on every one around. Friends, coworkers, friends, and most of all family, are all affected in some way.  If the destructive behavior of alcoholic/codependent has gone on for years, it is the relationship that they both identify with. It is a sick circle that continues round and round until someone breaks free.  Usually that someone is the codependent person.

Often the alcoholic/addict only recognizes their problem when their loved ones break free from the cycle of codependent behavior.  The relationship is different and the alcoholic/addict has to take responsiblilty for their own actions because someone is not there to pick up the pieces and make everything all right.

One of the best ways to break free from codependecy is to attend group meetings for people in similar situations.  Al-Anon is available for spouses, family members and friends of alcoholics that are in and out of recovery.  These groups can help you find yourself again and see that there can be a better tomorrow.  Al-Anon groups meet all over the world and you can visit Al-Anon online to find a meeting near you.

Breaking free from codependency takes time and effort.  Recovery won’t come all at once, but little by little as you learn how to love yourself again.  You can be free from the heartache of codependency!

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Posted to: Codependency, Codependent Support Comments Off