A pill to sleep, a pill to stay awake, a pill to cheer one up, a pill to bring down a high, a pill to relieve pain, a pill to relieve cough, a pill to keep alert – Today is a “pillular” world . Pills kill . Pills decapacitate. Prescription drug addiction is a raging epidemic spiralling out of control in the USA and slowly spreading its tentacles across the globe, including our very own nation..
It begins with wanton prescriptions for issues that can be tackled through regular consistent counselling therapy or mild medications. What starts as a seemingly harmless quick fix solution can quickly evolve into a serious addiction, often without the person realizing it. Innocent people are innocuously dragged into the dredges of addictions to prescription medicines. Those with an addictive personality get sucked in faster. Prescription drugs like painkillers, benzodiazepines, and stimulants are commonly misused, and this misuse can lead to devastating consequences. Understanding the risks and knowing how to take proactive steps can help in addressing the issue before it escalates.
What is Prescription Drug Addiction?
Prescription drug addiction occurs when someone becomes dependent on medications that were initially prescribed to treat a health issue. Opioids (for pain), benzodiazepines (for anxiety), and stimulants (for ADHD) are among the most commonly abused medications. The euphoria and relief these drugs provide can make them highly addictive if misused or taken for prolonged periods.
Common prescription drugs that are addictive
The most common types of prescription drugs that can lead to addiction are:
- Opioids: Used to treat pain, these drugs, such as OxyContin and Vicodin, in the west and Tramadol and Ultracet in India, can be highly addictive. In India too these medications are not available without prescription.
According to NIDA, opioids are highly addictive and are commonly prescribed for pain management. However, their misuse can lead to serious dependence and addiction issues.
Opioid addiction is the largest epidemic in the USA today.
Side effects of Opioid Use
- Respiratory depression: Can be fatal, especially for people with asthma, COPD, or other lung conditions . The respiratory rate drops drastically and the respiratory centre in the brain shuts down.
- Drowsiness: Opioids can impact the areas of the brain that control blood pressure, which can lead to drowsiness
- Constipation: A common side effect of opioids
- Nausea and vomiting: A common side effect of opioids
- Pruritus: An unpleasant sensation like itching that can affect the skin, mucosa, and conjunctivae
- Tolerance: You may need to take more of the medication to experience the same pain relief
- Physical dependence to the state of Addiction : You may experience withdrawal symptoms like excruciating body pains and stomach cramps when the opioids are stopped or the doses reduced , which act as a deterrent to stopping the drugs.
- Low blood pressure: Can lead to dizziness, drowsiness, light-headedness, and fainting
- Dysphoria – dryness of mouth
- Euphoria
- Cardiovascular disorders like heart attacks, irregular heartbeats etc.
- Convulsions during the phase of consumption and in withdrawals.
- Cough reflex is suppressed which can lead to spread of infection in the lungs leading to pneumonia etc
- Miosis- the pupils of the eyes get constricted extensively
- Histamine release
- Endocrine systems suppression- it causes reductions in sex hormones
- Skeletal muscle rigidity – as they stiffen the muscles too .
- Death by Overdose is very common and difficult to revive.
- Benzodiazepines: Medications like Xanax and Valium, and innumerable others often prescribed for anxiety, can also lead to addiction when misused.
SAMHSA and ASAM highlight that benzodiazepines, commonly prescribed for anxiety and insomnia, can also be abused and lead to physical dependence.
Long term side effects of Benzodiazepines
- Confusion, memory loss, and other thinking problems
- Blackouts, ie loss of memory relating to how one got home, what did one ear, what did one do, whom did one meet etc. under the influence of the drug.
- Weakness
- Slurred speech
- Lack of coordination
- Sadness, feelings of isolation, or thoughts of suicide
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Blurry vision or double vision
- Shaking
- Nausea and appetite loss
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- “Flattened” mood
- Aggression, which is most common when you use them with alcohol
- Memory loss or blackouts
- Used on its own or to bring down the high of cocaine, or to induce sleep after an alcohol binge that does not let one sleep.
- ARDS- Acute respiratory distress syndrome, when consumed in excess or in combination with other downers like heroin or alcohol.
- overdosing
- Lax musculature due to reduced tone caused by the benzodiazepines which can lead to tissue injury
NSAIDs – NSAIDs too are consumed addictively
Long term side effects
– Renal damage
– Stomach and duodenal and iliac stress ulcers.
– Intestinal ulcers that can mimic Crohn’s disease – [ We had a client who had developed intestinal ulcerations mimicking Crohn’s disease, had managed to hide her addiction to NSAIDs was treated for about 2 years with steroids wrongly, which made her gain unhealthy weight, and affected her moods which put her on anti depressents and mood stabilisers . Our efforts were put into tapering her of all pills and medications to reveal the true nature and what needs to change for her to not find the need to use substances.
- Stimulants: Drugs such as Adderall and Ritalin, used to treat ADHD, are often abused for their stimulating effects. Younger adolescents fall prey to them. There are newer strides in treating ADHD, through understanding and resolving the emotional triggers for the same, providing tools to express and deal with traumas of childhood and cope with the vicissitudes of adult life. We at Anatta had a client who as a child was treated with Ritalin for so called ADHD form the age of 12 -he started tripping on it, then went on to use every drug under the sun at the time, was misdiagnosed with mental health disease when in reality he was going through withdrawals. Having struggled for every 10 years, he is today clean and sober and living life to the fullest.
- Sleep enhancers/hypnotic sedatives like Zolpidem is a highly addictive drug. India today faces a huge Zolpidem addiction issue . Medically it is prescribed to enhance sleep . We have had clients who have taken Zolpidem unwittingly as a solution for their bizzare psychotic thoughts , to quell anxiety, to numb emotional trauma and not face one’s thoughts etc. everything except for sleep that is elusive. However, sadly all these efforts only led to severe addiction to Zolpidem .
Long term effects of Zolpidem addiction_- severe intoxication, in withdrawal -seizures, a zombie like look, constant drowsiness. With excessive use, delirium, hallucinations happen. The person is not present to one’s life, is unable to register any conversation and becomes non-functional.
- Also seen are medications like Quitiapine which are prescribed for the treatment of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, psychosis, major depression in varying doses and ultimately people get addicted to them, I have known people who are addicted to taking about 150 tablets of the same in different strengths. Intelligent people, professionals, reduced to vegetables shackled by their addictions.
- Cough syrups. Which were addictive opioid based primarily like Corex, Fensydryl, Benadryl etc. People would drink bottles of these cough syrups.
Long term effects
Neuropathies, hallucinations, anxiety, involuntary movements, seizures etc.
- Pain killer injections like Fentanyl – Fentanyl addiction is a growing menace in the west and in the affording class in India too.
Long term effects of Fentanyl
Contractures of muscles, fibrosis in muscles leading to strictures, drowsiness through the day, dullness, lack of interest in anything in life, depression induced by Fentanyl, Overdose risks
- Steroid use – can be addictive – it makes a person aggressive and in the long term impotent, infertile, with multi organ afflictions and an immunocompromised status.
I have seen high functioning highly intelligent individuals reduced to zombies with these pills. Worse is, if there is a simultaneous addiction to alcohol or other substances along with the addiction to the prescription medications, which is usually the case.
The Growing Concern of Prescription Drug Addiction
Understanding the risks and knowing how to take proactive steps can help in addressing the issue before it escalates.
The growing concern is not only about addiction but also its consequences. Prescription drug addiction can have severe impacts on a person’s life, affecting their health, relationships, work, and overall well-being. It is also contributing to an increase in overdose deaths and long-term health complications.
In fact, studies have shown that opioid overdose deaths have risen dramatically over the past few decades. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), prescription drug misuse and addiction are a significant public health issue that continues to escalate globally.
Physical Consequences of Long-Term Prescription Drug Abuse – General Effects
The physical consequences of long-term prescription drug abuse are severe and can significantly impact an individual’s health. Misusing prescription drugs can lead to a range of health problems, including:
- Liver Damage: Many prescription drugs, especially opioids, are processed through the liver. Long-term misuse can damage the liver and lead to liver disease.
- Heart Problems: Some prescription drugs, such as stimulants, can cause increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure. Over time, this can strain the heart, leading to cardiovascular issues.
- Respiratory Issues: Opioids, in particular, can slow down breathing, which may result in respiratory depression, making it difficult to breathe properly.
- Mental Health Problems: Long-term drug abuse can also affect mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairments.
- Physical Dependence and Tolerance: Over time, individuals may develop a tolerance to the drug, meaning they need to take higher doses to achieve the same effect. This can escalate into a dangerous cycle of addiction and dependence. Source.
The Role of Family Members in Addressing Prescription Drug Addiction
Family members play a critical role in recognizing and addressing prescription drug addiction. Often, the loved ones of the addict are the first to notice the changes in behavior and health that come with addiction. Early intervention can significantly improve the chances of successful recovery.
Here are ways family members can help:
- Identifying the Signs: Changes in behavior, mood swings, neglecting responsibilities, and secrecy are often early signs of addiction. Being observant and not dismissing these signs is crucial.
- Offering Support and Encouragement: While it can be emotionally challenging, offering non-judgmental support and encouragement to seek help is a powerful step toward recovery.
- Intervention: Sometimes, family members may need to stage an intervention, where they collectively express concern and encourage the person to enter a rehabilitation program.
- Seeking Professional Help: Encouraging the person to seek help from professionals such as doctors, therapists, and rehabilitation centers is one of the most effective ways to deal with addiction.
Family support is essential throughout the recovery process, and often, family therapy is also an integral part of rehab programs, as it helps heal relationships affected by addiction.
How Anatta Drug Rehabilitation Centres Help in Overcoming Prescription Drug Addiction
Anatta Drug Rehabilitation Centres specialize in providing high-end, personalized treatment for individuals suffering from prescription drug addiction. What sets Anatta apart from other facilities is its commitment to holistic, luxurious care that focuses on the complete well-being of the individual.
Here’s how Anatta helps individuals recover from prescription drug addiction:
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Anatta provides tailored treatment plans that focus on the specific needs of each individual. The treatment plan may include medical detoxification, therapy, and wellness activities.
- Detoxification and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Anatta’s medical team helps patients safely detox from prescription drugs. For some individuals, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may be used to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. This ensures the patient is comfortable throughout the process.
- Therapy and Counselling: Therapy is a central part of the recovery process at Anatta. Individuals undergo individual counseling, group therapy, and family therapy sessions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic techniques help individuals address the root causes of addiction, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and prevent relapse.
- Luxurious Amenities: For high-income individuals seeking a more private, comfortable environment during their recovery, Anatta provides a luxury rehabilitation setting. With world-class amenities like private rooms, fine dining, fitness centres, and spa treatments, individuals can focus on healing in a tranquil and restorative environment.
- Ongoing Support and Aftercare: Recovery doesn’t end when an individual leaves rehab. Anatta offers ongoing support through aftercare programs to ensure that the person has the tools to maintain their sobriety in the real world. This includes outpatient therapy, support groups, and relapse prevention strategies.
- Confidentiality and Privacy: Understanding the need for privacy, especially for high-profile individuals, Anatta ensures complete confidentiality in all aspects of the rehabilitation process.
Understanding the Treatment Journey
The treatment journey for prescription drug addiction is often complex and requires a holistic approach to help individuals regain control of their lives. It’s important to recognize that addiction, particularly to prescription drugs, is a medical condition that requires comprehensive care, including physical, psychological, and emotional support. Understanding this journey can empower individuals and their families to make informed decisions about seeking treatment and rehabilitation.
Here’s an insight into the key stages involved in the treatment journey:
- Acknowledging – The first step in the treatment journey is acknowledging that there is an addiction. For many individuals, this is the hardest part as it requires overcoming denial and accepting the need for help. Prescription drug addiction often starts innocently, with doctors prescribing medication for legitimate health concerns.
- Seeking Professional Help – Once the problem is acknowledged, the next step is seeking professional help. This could involve reaching out to a doctor, addiction specialist and then a drug rehabilitation center. Professional treatment often begins with a thorough assessment of the individual’s health, including physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. The first phase of professional treatment is typically detoxification, which involves safely managing withdrawal symptoms as the body clears the drugs from its system.
- Therapy and Counseling
After detoxification, individuals enter the therapeutic phase of treatment. This phase is critical for addressing the psychological aspects of addiction. Therapy and counseling can take many forms, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals identify and change the thought patterns that lead to addictive behaviors. This therapy is particularly effective for prescription drug addiction, as it helps patients recognize triggers and learn healthier coping mechanisms.
- Group Therapy: In group therapy, individuals can connect with others who are going through similar experiences. This shared experience fosters a sense of community and reduces feelings of isolation. Group therapy also helps individuals learn from others’ recovery stories, building hope and motivation.
- Family Therapy: Addiction affects not only the individual but also their loved ones. Family therapy is crucial to help family members understand addiction, address any enabling behaviors, and improve communication. Families can also learn how to support their loved one’s recovery. In Prescription medication addiction the family members become very frustrated and challenged by their addicted loved one as they manage to hide their drugs of choice very adeptly in nooks , crannies, on their bodies, in their clothes etc. The family members constantly feel like their lives are put on hold and they are busy policing the person addicted to the substance.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
For some individuals, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is an essential part of the treatment journey. MAT uses FDA-approved medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and prevent relapse. These medications are used alongside counselling and therapy for a more comprehensive approach to recovery.
Conclusion
Prescription drug addiction is a serious and growing issue, but it is also a treatable condition. With the right support and treatment, individuals can overcome addiction and lead fulfilling, sober lives. Anatta Drug Rehabilitation Centres offer a luxurious, holistic approach to recovery, providing tailored treatment plans, professional care, and a comfortable environment for healing. A strong follow up, after care program evolves out of the residential therapeutic program.
If you or a loved one is struggling with prescription drug addiction, it’s never too late to seek help. A rehabilitation center like Anatta can offer the guidance, support, and resources necessary to regain control and live a healthier, happier life.