Prescription drugs can be helpful for some people. However, when a person does not use those drugs according to the doctor’s requirements, there is often a risk of abuse and addiction. Recognizing changes in yourself or your use of substances like this is important. The escalation from abuse to addiction or dependence can happen quickly. The sooner you react, the better your outcome may be. At Atlanta Detox Center, we aim to support you through this healing process, from detox through aftercare.
Prescription Drug Abuse
Drug abuse occurs when a person uses a prescription drug in a way they shouldn’t, such as using someone else’s prescription or taking the drug more frequently or in higher doses than the doctor recommends. Prescription drug abuse is dangerous because it creates the risk for addiction while also creating a risk for intense side effects. Sometimes people abuse drugs to get high, and may believe it’s harmless to do so. Yet, that’s rarely the case.
Prescription Drug Addiction
Continued abuse of medication often leads to drug addiction. Signs of drug addiction include:
- Seeking out the drug more consistently
- Recognizing the potential negative side effects of the drug but still using it
- Using the drug compulsively
- Needing to use more of the drug than before
- Valuing the “benefit” the drug creates
In addition, people feel compelled to use, but they also recognize that doing so isn’t safe. Yet, they continue to engage in prescription drug addiction because they no longer have control over their prescription drug use.
Prescription Drug Dependence
Continued use of prescription drugs can lead to drug dependence. This is when it becomes difficult for a person to stop using the medication. In this stage, the brain and body are accustomed to the drug and may depend on it to function normally. Even if a person wants to stop using it, they may be unable to do so. During drug dependence, the brain’s reward center encourages repeated use of the drug and drug-seeking behavior. Some signs of drug dependence include:
- Focus on using the drug increases
- Pain, headaches, and discomfort occur when the drug isn’t available
- Cravings and significant urges to use the drug are present
- A person feels driven to prioritize the use of the drug over nearly anything else
- The amount or frequency of use has increased
- A person wants to stop and may have tried but cannot do so
In each of these situations, drug dependence is encouraging consistent use of the drug. As the amount and frequency increase, so do the risks of overdose. Often, the best way through this is through detox.
Detox as an Essential Tool
At any of these stages, it is possible and beneficial to get help for the prescription drug addiction. The sooner that occurs, the more likely a person will experience improvements. At Atlanta Detox Center, we encourage the use of detox as the first step in treatment. It ensures the toxins from the prescription drugs are removed, enabling the brain and body to heal from dependence. We offer a range of programs and therapies to help with this, including:
- Prescription drug detox programs
- Men’s detox programs
- Women’s detox programs
- Medical detox programs
- Residential addiction treatment programs
Even if you believe you are just abusing prescription drugs, seeking out help at Atlanta Detox Center can save your life.
Invest in Your Health Today by Contacting Atlanta Detox Center
Prescription drugs can negatively effect your future. Our Atlanta Detox Center team can provide the tools necessary to heal from addiction. Take the first step today and retake control of your life. Contact us now at 844-658-0927 or reach out online for more information.
