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Prescription Drug Abuse in New Jersey (719) 349-3859

Prescription substance abuse refers to the non-medical use and abuse of prescription medications, a number of which were at first prescribed for medical treatment. Nevertheless, some prescription substance abuse results from individuals taking drugs that were never ever intended for them. Prescription drug abuse frequently includes particular prescription drugs such as opioids, central nerve system depressants, and stimulants. If left without treatment, prescription drug abuse can cause severe health consequences.

Stats

According to the National Council on Alcohol addiction and Substance abuse, an estimated 48 million individuals have abused prescription drugs in the U.S. This is almost 20 percent of the population.

Common Prescription Drugs of Abuse

  • Opiates - opioids such as codeine and oxycodone are used to treat pain. In numerous instances opioids are utilized to treat moderate to severe pain that would not react to less effective pain relievers. Frequently recommended opiates include the following drugs:
    • Morphine
    • Codeine
    • Vicodin
    • Oxycontin
    • Fentanyl

  • Sedatives - otherwise known as main nerve system depressants. Sedatives are used to deal with sleep conditions and stress and anxiety. Frequently recommended drugs include Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and Klonopin.
  • Stimulants - stimulants are widely utilized to deal with attention deficit disorders or sleep conditions such as narcolepsy. Commonly recommended stimulants consist of Adderall and Ritalin.

Signs and Symptoms of Abuse

Among the most common indications of prescription substance abuse is taking higher dosages than your physician recommends or using them for factors besides recommended. Your doctor might find that you are calling more regularly for refills or that you are asking to be recommended larger doses.

The signs and symptoms of prescription drug abuse can vary depending upon the exact drug. For opioid pain relievers, common signs consist of constipation, anxiety, low blood pressure, confusion, and poor concentration. Warning signs of sedative abuse consist of sleepiness, unsteady walking, poor judgment, dizziness, and confusion. For stimulants, alerting indications consist of weight loss, hypertension, irritation, agitation, uneasyness, and impulsive habits.

Prescription Drug Classifications

Drugs are placed into one of five unique categories or schedules depending on their accepted medical usage and capacity for abuse or dependency. Schedule I drugs are considered the most unsafe and have a high risk of abuse and/or dependency. Examples include marijuana, ecstasy, and heroin. Schedule II drugs likewise have a high potential for abuse, although somewhat less than Schedule I type drugs. Lots of opioid prescription medications fall under this category. Examples consist of Vicodin, Dilaudid, Demerol, and OxyContin.

Stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin are also consisted of in this group. Tylenol with codeine, ketamine, and anabolic steroids are organized into Schedule III. Schedule IV drugs consist of Xanax, Ativan, Valium, and Tramadol.

Addiction and Health Risks

Some individuals abuse prescription medications to get high. This is especially common amongst opioid prescriptions. Others might opt to take the drugs when they are tired or depressed. There are lots of side effects related to prescription drug abuse. Depending on the drug, this may include sedation, slowed breathing, serious dependency, and breathing that slows down to the point of eliminating someone. When injected, infection around the injection website and the heart are major risks.

To obtain assistance for your prescription substance abuse problem, call the treatment professionals at Drug Treatment Centers New Jersey today at (719) 349-3859. Begin living the life you should have.