You probably have heard of addictions to alcohol, drugs and other substances. But, do you know that some medications can also be addictive? You might not even know it until the addiction has gripped you. Thankfully, most people will never experience a prescription drug addiction in their lifetime.
However, if you are unfortunate enough to develop an addiction to prescription pills, there are ways to recover and get back on track with your life. Whether you’re an adult or a teenager, there is no shame in admitting that you have a problem with these meds.
Reaching out for help from an addiction recovery center when you need it is the first step towards recovery and living a happy life free from dependence on prescription drugs.
Keep reading to find more about recovering from prescription drug addiction.
What Is A Prescription Pill Addiction?
A prescription pill addiction is when a person becomes dependent on a certain drug, and cannot function normally without it. The substance that the person is dependent on is called the “opioid.” This is a general term that is used to describe any type of drug that affects the brain in a way that makes one feel relaxed, less stressed, and less in pain.
There are many specific types of opioids, such as:
- Codeine, found in some cough syrups. – Hydrocodone, found in Vicodin, Norco, Lortab, Zohydro ER, and some other prescription pain medications.
- Methadone, used to treat chronic pain and as a substitute for people who are in drug treatment and are addicted to other opioids.
- Morphine, found in some pain medications, such as Kadian, MS Contin, and others.
- Oxycodone, found in OxyContin, Percocet, and others.
Signs Of A Prescription Drug Addiction
Some of the signs your loved one is suffering from a prescription drug addiction include:
- Taking more than they need for the prescribed amount of time.
- Taking the medication more often than they should.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when they are not able to take the medication.
- A change in your mood when they are unable to take the medication.
- Experience an urge to take the medication or notice a change in your mood if you don’t have access to it.
Actions To Take When Recovering From A Prescription Pill Addiction
These are the steps you should take to recover from a prescription drug addiction:
Check Into an Addiction Recovery Center
Before you do anything else, talk to your doctor about your addiction. Be honest and open about your situation and discuss the best way to recover. Your doctor will be able to help you find the right treatment program.
Find Support
Recovering from an addiction is a long and difficult process. It’s important to find people who understand what you’re going through and can provide support and encouragement. There are many support groups for people who are recovering from addiction, including online forums for people with specific addictions.
Learn More About Your Drug of Choice
In order to overcome your addiction, you first need to understand what got you to this point. What symptoms were you experiencing before you started taking these meds? How did your dependence on them start? Were you trying to cure your depression or relieve pain? Once you know how the addiction came about, you can better prevent it from happening again.
The Final Words
If you suspect that you or someone you know might have a prescription pill addiction, the best thing to do is to seek professional help from an addiction recovery center.
A doctor or therapist at the center can assess the extent of the addiction and offer the best course of treatment. They can also provide advice and recommendations on how to proceed if you need help communicating with your prescribing doctor.