Most people associate drug addiction with a seedy location with people who are all high on one thing or another. The fact is, however, drug addiction can happen anywhere, at any time, to anyone. It can even start, innocently enough, by taking a medication that has been prescribed by a doctor.
Most people do not set out to become drug addicts, particularly those who are just following a doctor’s orders. The fact is, however, that is often what happens. Narcotics and Opiates which are often prescribed for pain affect the mind and the body. In fact, these drugs work on the central nervous system itself. The mind enjoys the euphoria that is provided with the drug and the body soon becomes dependent on them or addicted to them.
Prescription pain medication abuse is a huge problem. People often go from one doctor to another seeking more pain medication. This is called “doctor shopping”. For the most part, it seems to work because so many people do it.
Ridding the body of drugs works on the same principle regardless of whether it is illegal drug use or prescription drug use. The offending substance must be removed from the body before healing can begin. After detoxification, learning new ways of coping with stress and other issues are dealt with. Treatment for prescription medications can be very successful.
Treatment for prescription drug abuse involves two phases; detoxification and rehabilitation. Each step is equally important in the process of breaking free from drug addiction. Substituting one drug for another during detoxification is not going to be effective. Drug addicts must completely rid their body of drugs in order to be successful. Also, the longer an addict can remain in treatment, the better their chances of becoming drug-free. Residential programs are wonderful for prescription drug addicts as well as other types of addicts.
Excuses should never get in the way of seeking help for prescription drug addiction. Excuses and denial are part of the addiction. Family members and loved ones are also encouraged to seek help for the addict. It is an outdated theory that the addict must seek help themselves before they can be helped. Interventions are quite common these days and are proven to be effective. Most addicts seek help within a week of a well planned intervention. Help is out there. It just takes one person to reach out and ask for help.
Author: National Addiction Resources
America's Best Treatment Directory
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