17 Nov Prescription Drug Misuse and Treatment in Vancouver
No one intends to ever get addicted to prescription painkillers, sedatives or stimulants but that fact is almost anyone could be at risk. Despite addiction being a recognised illness, there is a stigma attached to it that can cause shame and embarrassment among those affected, particularly people in Vancouver who have never taken illegal drugs.
Most people assume that those in need of private residential drug treatment are those who have been abusing illegal drugs such as cocaine or heroin for many years, but this is not always the case. In fact hundreds if not thousands of people in the Vancouver area are in need of private detox and drug treatment despite never having touched an illegal drug. These are individuals who are hooked on medication that is or was at one point prescribed by their doctors for a variety of legitimate conditions such as chronic pain, pain from surgeries or injuries, anxiety, depression or sleep problems.
Prescription drugs are being referred to as the largest man-made epidemic in the country. Fortunately, there is hope for sufferers of prescription drug addiction. If you have become addicted to a prescription drug that is either prescribed to you or that you are acquiring illegally, we are here to tell you that you can overcome your dependency and get your life back.
What is Prescription Drug Misuse or abuse?
Prescription drug abuse is the misuse of prescription medication in a way not intended by the prescribing doctor. Prescription drug addiction symptoms or problematic use includes everything from lying to doctors to get prescriptions, stealing painkillers for your backache to snorting or injecting ground-up pills to get high. Prescription drug abuse may become ongoing and compulsive, despite the negative consequences it has for the user.
Are pills safe if prescribed by a doctor?
If a doctor prescribes medication to you, and if you follow your doctor’s instructions precisely, your pills should be safe. Many people abuse prescription drugs, however, taking them in higher dosages or greater frequency, or taking meds prescribed to another person. This puts the person at the risk for not only addiction, but other health concerns as well.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, an estimated 2.4 million people 12 or older met criteria for abuse of or dependence on prescription drugs, the second most common illicit drug use after marijuana.
People can also have different reactions to drugs due to the differences in each person’s body chemistry. A drug that was prescribed and okay for one person could be very risky, even fatal, for someone else. Prescription drugs are only safe in right quantities at the right time for the right individual and no one else.
Who becomes addicted to Prescription Drugs?
Prescription drug abuse may occur in people who need painkillers, sedatives, or stimulants to treat a medical condition. If you’re taking a commonly abused drug, there are ways to ensure prescription drug abuse prevention and decrease your risk of needing drug addiction treatment or dependency.
Prescription drug abuse affects all age groups, but it is increasingly becoming more common in young people. Recreational use of prescription drugs is a serious problem with teens and young adults. National studies show that a teen is more likely to have abused a prescription drug than an illegal street drug.
Substance abuse does not discriminate. It affects individuals and families everywhere and from all walks of life. In fact prescription drugs have been noted as contributing to the deaths of many celebrities including Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Prince, Tom Petty, Anna Nicole Smith, Heath Ledger, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and others.
Why do people abuse Prescription Drugs in Vancouver, BC?
- Seeking psychological or physical pleasure
- Instant gratification
- Escape from feelings
- To self-medication
- Lack of confidence or fears
- Popular media’s portrayal of drug use and rebellion in young people
- Lack of information or misinformation about the risks of taking medicines that have not been prescribed specifically for them or the danger of not following a prescription’s directions
- Prescription drugs are easier to obtain than illegal drugs
- A belief that its widely accepted in society than illegal drugs
Commonly abused Prescription Drugs and associated symptoms
Abusing prescription drugs can cause a number of problems. Prescription drugs can be especially dangerous and even lead to death when taken in high doses, when combined with other prescription drugs or certain over-the-counter medications, or when taken with alcohol or illegal drugs. The high potency of some prescription drugs creates a high overdose risk. This is particularly true of painkillers and sedatives, where overdose deaths more than doubled over a five-year period. Commonly abused prescription drugs activate the brain’s reward center, it’s possible to develop physical dependence and addiction.
Opioids, including oxycodone (aka Oxycontin, Roxicodone) and hydrocodone (aka Vicodin, Lortab, Norco), are used to treat pain and can have these signs and symptoms of abuse:
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Euphoria
- Slowed breathing
- Confusion
- Poor coordination and motor skills
Anti-anxiety medications and sedatives, including alprazolam (aka Xanax), diazepam (aka Valium), and hypnotics, such as zolpidem (aka Ambien), are used to treat anxiety or sleep disorders and can have these signs and symptoms of abuse:
- Slowed breathing
- Dizziness
- Poor concentration
- Unsteady walking
- Drowsiness
- Problems with memory
Stimulants, including methylphenidate (aka Ritalin, Concerta), dextroamphetamine, amphetamine (Adderall XR), and dextroamphetamine (aka Dexedrine), are used to treat attention-deficit or hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and certain sleep disorders. Stimulants can have these signs and symptoms of abuse:
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- High blood pressure
- Agitation
- Heart issues
- Reduced appetite
Prescription Drug Detox in Vancouver, BC
A vital component of any treatment program is detoxing. Detoxification is the process of ridding the body of its physical dependencies on drugs. In most cases, detoxing is a painful and uncomfortable experience. However private medically assisted detox from prescription drug addiction or any kind of drug addiction for that matter is a much better way to go. It is more than likely if you are relatively uncomfortable and safe in a private detox setting you to stick with it and stay to finish treatment. Having professionals and medical staff assisting you is more than likely going to lead to a proper detox. Quitting cold turkey is often unsuccessful since as soon as the effects of detox begin to show, usually 12 hours after the last drug use, addicts are so uncomfortable and even painful that using again is the easier way out.
Luxury drug rehab centres in Vancouver are the ideal place to detox since clients have access to a staff of medical professionals on a 24/7 basis. Detoxing from prescription drugs such benzos or opioids so often require the use of medications such to make the withdrawal symptoms less intense. Anxiety, depression, fever, headaches, nausea, insomnia and shakes are just a few of the symptoms that some experience when going through medically assisted private detox.
Learn more about our private drug detox process and treatment plans in Vancouver, BC by contacting us today at 1-888-963-9116 or at support@andybhatti.com. We are waiting to help you.
What does a Vancouver Luxury Rehab and Treatment Centre offer?
A luxury rehab and treatment centre allows a person to receive treatment in the most comfortable private setting. These inpatient centres often offer highly customized programs to meet the unique needs of each client. Some even allow the client to help design his or her own treatment program, which may include a variety of therapies, medications, and counselling.
Luxury rehabilitation centres also offer a heightened level of privacy, which many people may find important while undergoing prescription drug addiction treatment. Counsellor-to-patient ratios are often lower, and alternative approaches to treatment are incorporated with traditional proven therapies.
Accommodations are generally private and meals often include gourmet cuisine and adherence to any dietary restrictions or requests. Private detox and treatment centres are also well-equipped with full gym facilities, swimming, massages, meditation and yoga. Treatments and therapies vary from centre to centre, but may include art therapy, sport therapy, Reiki, aromatherapy, acupuncture, tennis, horseback riding, hiking or surfing. There can also be access to electronics during treatment. The emphasis is on the whole person, so recreation and relaxation are important components to a successful long term recovery.
Many luxury detox and rehab centres provide care from detoxification right through outpatient aftercare. This may include assessment, treatment planning, individual and/or group therapy, family programs and more. An even greater number of luxury rehabilitation centers specialize in treating dual diagnosis which is often the case with a prescription drug addiction.
Accessing help for you or a loved one in Vancouver, BC
It is never too early to get help with an addiction or coordinate an intervention for someone. Early identification of prescription drug abuse and early intervention may prevent the problem from turning into an addiction.
A trained and certified interventionist helps families and addicts work together towards a solution. The goal is to help your loved one understand they need help with their addiction and then get them enrolled in an accredited private addiction treatment program in Vancouver (or elsewhere).
Breaking an addiction does not happen overnight and not all people are excited about going to private detox and treatment in Vancouver . Regardless we are there to offer direction, understanding, comfort and support to all involved. We can help make the decision to access help more desirable to the individual. If you need assistance we provide emergency Interventions in Vancouver within 48 hrs. call toll free at 1-888-988-5346.