Prescription Drug Addiction in Union, NJ

If you are addicted to a prescription drug, you should call one of our experts in prescription drug addiction in Union. Not only can we give you all the information you need, we can show you how easy it is to escape addiction, as well.

Ease of availability of addictive substances frequently determines the prevalence of addictive behavior. The fact that alcohol is widely available makes alcohol addiction the most prevalent of all addiction types. Prescription drugs are easily available too, often with a prescription, and, frequently these days, through unregulated online pharmacies. Over the past decade, abuse of prescription drugs has risen dramatically, leading to more than 1 million emergency room admissions each year.

What is Prescription Drug Addiction?

Most prescription drugs come with no addictive potential, and pose no threat of patient abuse. Some, however, do offer many of the effects that street drugs do if not taken in careful, medically supervised ways. Three different classes of drugs are commonly abused.

Opioids: Chemically similar to morphine and heroin, prescription opioids are painkillers. They are prescribed for limited periods of time post-surgery and for seriously painful conditions such as backaches. These drugs come with commercial names such as Percocet, Vicodin and OxyContin, and produce many of the effects that heroin does. When taken in high doses, opioids produce feelings of euphoria and drowsiness. Addiction often appears with prolonged use.

Central nervous system depressants: Anxiety-reducing benzodiazepines such as Xanax and barbiturates such as Luminal fall into this class of medication. They are intended to help people who experience anxiety disorders or insomnia, and work by lowering the activity level of the central nervous system. When used in high doses, they also produce pleasant drowsiness and feelings of euphoria.

Stimulants: Popular stimulants come with names such as Ritalin and Adderall, and are meant to help patients with conditions such as ADHD and depression. They work by acting on the brain to raise activity levels, not unlike the street drug cocaine. At high doses, they raise the levels of neurotransmitters that are responsible for feelings of well-being and also feelings of power.

Addiction is a brain disorder that occurs in some people who abuse such substances for prolonged periods of time. In this disorder, constant exposure to high levels of brain altering chemicals causes parts of the brain to learn a very deep reliance on the presence of these drugs. When an attempt is made to stop such abuse, the brain responds with uncontrollable feelings of craving. This also one of the reasons we screen for a dual diagnosis in Union. Cessation also comes with dangerous levels of disruption to brain activity. Such disruption often produces painful withdrawal symptoms, some of which can lead to death.

Why Does Prescription Drug Abuse Become Addiction?

It's a question we often get at our center for prescription drug addiction in Union. Since vulnerability to addiction runs in families, a genetic component does exist. A psychological component is significant, as well. When a person suffers from psychological shortcomings, the escapism of drugs often becomes very attractive. Tendencies to negative thinking and poor self-image are problems often seen. Psychiatric disorders are common causes, as well. A person with anxiety disorder is more vulnerable than others to overuse of anxiolytic drugs, for instance.

Treating Prescription Drug Addiction

Decades of research have shown that addiction to prescription drugs can be effectively treated. The process, however, can take time and commitment.

Our first step is the process of medical detox in Union. It involves quitting use of the drug in question, and allowing the brain to regain normal function. Quitting, however, produces cravings and dangerous withdrawal symptoms. It is important, especially with prescription drugs such as benzodiazepines, to detoxify under close medical supervision, in an inpatient rehab in Union. Doctors are able to apply the right medications at the right times to ensure protection from withdrawal symptoms. The process can take several weeks.

Once detoxification completes, psychological addiction persists for years. It takes intensive psychological therapy and treatment for months to help equip the mind to escape the effects.

Seek Treatment for Prescription Drug Addiction in Union

If you've decided to seek treatment for a prescription drug habit, it's a wonderful step to take, but you need to be careful. There is any number of unscientific prescription drug addiction treatment programs around, and it's important to do your research.

At our center for prescription drug abuse in Union, we offer patients every recent medical advance available. Whether you'd like to seek treatment or simply talk to an expert, you should call us at (877) 804-1531. We are always able to help.