drugs

Addiction Education: Top 5 Prescription Drugs that could be Addictive

There are plenty of professional aids for assisting one’s recovery. One of those aids is prescribed medication, mostly to help one move through their withdrawal symptoms. However, if taken improperly, there is a chance of abusing the medication. Abuse or misuse of the medication can result in an all-new dependency, or even death. Now, this is not meant to scare anyone considering prescription medication for his or her condition. Medication is both safe and necessary when prescribed properly by professional doctors and addiction counselors. It is a good thing, and can only become a problem if taken outside of the instructed dosage. In order to better appreciate the power of prescription medication, here are a few potentially addictive medications for your addiction education. The more addiction education skills we have, the better we can understand our current condition and rise above it.

 

Xanax

Meant to treat panic and anxiety disorders, Xanax is a popular drug that strengthens GABA, which is a naturally calming chemical in the brain. Xanax is a highly addictive medication if taken outside of the proper prescription instructions. Usually a change in dosage should be gradual; any extreme change in dosage could result in side effects. If there is an apparent risk of side effects or dependency, your doctor will make safe adjustments accordingly. Our addiction doctors keep special focus on what the patient needs as their body adapts throughout the recovery process.

 

Oxycodone
Oxycodone is an opioid pain reliever meant for extreme pain. It is effective only if the patient seriously requires it. Its proper usage is on a regularly scheduled basis, not whenever someone feels pain. Any recreational use can result in addiction. Oxycodone should be taken strictly as prescribed, which is why Recovery Care doctors choose the best schedule for patients to take the drug if they require it. Oxycodone should never be given to anyone without the proper prescription and addiction education. Misuse of Oxycodone could result in dangerous long term side effects, including potential death. Such misuses include: taking it if you have asthma or breathing problems, allergies to Oxycodone, and/or stomach blockage.

 

Valium

Like Xanax, Valium is meant for people suffering from anxiety disorders, but can also treat muscle spasms and seizures. It allows for the brain and nervous system to calm down during such episodes. It is often prescribed for someone going through alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Before taking Valium, be sure to inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions: sleep apnea, myasthenia gravis, liver disease, glaucoma, epilepsy, alcoholism, and/or breathing problems.

 

Amphetamines

Amphetamines are stimulants for your central nervous system meant to control hyperactivity, particularly Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). They can also be used to treat narcolepsy. However, certain side effects can result either from not being compatible with amphetamines, or taking amphetamines improperly. Before taking amphetamines, be sure to inform your doctor if you have any allergies, anxiety, overactive thyroid, high blood pressure, a family history of heart disease and/or sudden death, and any other conditions that might have an affect on your prescription use.

 

Ritalin

Ritalin is another stimulant used to treat ADHD, and works by readjusting the chemicals in the brain and nerves. It is often recommended for increasing focus, controlling behavior and treating narcolepsy. Also like Amphetamines, side effects can occur if they are taken improperly. Before taking Ritalin, be sure to inform your doctor if you have allergies, glaucoma, muscle twitches, high blood pressure, congenital heart defect, a family history of heart disease and/or sudden death, or any other biologic factors that could affect Ritalin use.

 

Despite the potentially dangerous side effects of these various drugs, they are perfectly safe when taken according to your doctor’s instructions. Recovery Care doctors would never prescribe a medication to anyone if there were a risk of dangerous side effects. They are also sure to provide the patient with any needed addiction education on their specific substance. Even if abuse begins to appear, it is just as treatable as other addictions. Recovery is a journey of adjustments, and we at Recovery Care Partner are here to adapt to your needs no matter what arises.

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