Prescription Drug Abuse – What is Different about Prescription Drug Abuse Testing?
Prescription drug abuse is perhaps one of the most common forms of recreational drug use or drug addiction after alcohol and marijuana. Diet pills (speed) and pain medications (narcotics) such as Hydrocodone (Vicodin and Lorcet) and Oxycodone (Percoset and Endoset) are by far the most common prescriptions that are abused, but they not always intentionally abused, and rarely if ever, start out to be used in a manner inconstant with their labeling, if the prescriptions are genuinely written for that person by their doctor. Prescription drug abuse is also one of the most embarrassing addictions, but one that thankfully is also the easiest to share with others, so that lessons learned may be passed on in hopes of raising awareness to this type of addiction. Since the drugs involved were not of the illicit variety, it is usually easier for a recovering addict to speak of his or her experiences with others.
Many people start out using their medications with the best of intentions, but may find themselves becoming addicted after prolonged use, or after mixing their medications with alcohol, either intentionally, or unaware that doing so may have serious and addictive side affects. Alcohol will increase the dizzying effect of narcotic pain relievers, and this can be a very pleasant side affect for some, but it can also quickly spiral out of control from occasional recreational use, to an outright addiction for the user that can be very difficult to recover from without treatment by professional clinics.
Diet pills are another source for prescription drug abuse that can start out with no intention of becoming addicted by the user. People who become addicted to diet pills may feel a psychological need to continue once they reach their desired weight, due to the fear of becoming overweight once again. They may also find that when they stop taking the pills, they feel tired and lethargic, due to the fact that diet pills are amphetamines (uppers). They may seek out the peppiness that now seems to be missing from their lives, and possibly causing them to be late for work, or to act sluggishly once they arrive. This can lead to perpetual use, in this case abuse, by the patient in question.
Prescription drug abuse should not be looked upon with the same disdain as the use of illegal drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine, crystal meth, or crack, which are almost always used intentionally for the sole purpose of getting high, or alcoholism. The resulting addiction to those drugs is understandably looked at with scorn by those who do not partake in the use of drugs for elation; however, such is usually not the case with prescription drug abuse.
One must remember that people who become addicted to medications dispensed by a lawful prescription from their doctor, took the medicine in good faith; intending to use it properly, and most likely became addicted by accident. There is a big difference in the resulting addictions caused by prescription drug abuse as opposed to those caused by intentionally using a substance that one knows to be an addictive drug.
The Importance of Drug and Alcohol Rehab
If you’ve ever had someone you love suffer with the problems stemming from alcoholism or drug abuse, you’re not alone. In fact, about 43% of all adults have been exposed to a family member with alcoholism, with an additional few million added within the realm of drug addiction.
The statistics are staggering to say the least, both for the users of illegal dugs and alcohol and for those merely associated with them. For example, children (including teens) of alcoholics have a significantly higher illegal substance abuse percentage than those from non-alcoholic families. Reasons vary from added stress and decreased monitoring by parents (and the need for both attention and coping). These teens and pre-teens turn to negative peer groups for support. These groups tend to be more open to drug and alcohol use themselves.
From a violent point of view, alcohol and drug usage are associated with a substantial percentage of violent acts. Alcohol is a factor in 68% of all manslaughters, 62% of assaults, 54% of both murders and attempted murders, 48% of robberies and 44% of burglaries. 4% of all homicides in the U.S. last year were narcotics related.
The affect of alcohol and drug abuse on family violence is another discerning topic, as addicted parents are raising a growing number of children in this country. More than one million children are confirmed victims of child abuse each year, with over half of these cases reporting to state child protective services and agencies that substance abuse was a key factor. Studies suggest that there are more occurrences of abused children among alcoholic parents.
Health risks for those addicted to alcohol or drugs are, of course, substantially higher than those who aren’t dependant on such a means. Liver and heart problems are quite common, while damage to other major organs is more than possible. Ulcers and osteoporosis in is more common in women who are dependant on alcohol than those who aren’t. An increased risk of different types of cancers, including those to the digestive track and breasts in alcoholics is another. Women who have abused alcohol for many years also have a much higher chance of developing hypertension, anemia, and malnutrition.
If rehab is not something that the addict wants to do for him or herself, they need to be aware of the statistics and get the help they need for the future generations. A lack of self-control by one individual is seen by dozens, and mimicked by those who look up to them. Rehab offers many options and specialized treatment programs to suit the needs of anyone, but these services are unable to help if they aren’t contacted.
Drug Addiction and Drug Abuse: Starting to Get Help
Addiction to Oxycontin: Where to Begin Getting Help
There is assistance if you or your loved one has an addiction to Oxycontin, addiction to Vicodin, addiction to codeine, or other narcotics. All hope is not lost. There are millions of others around you that have been able to recover and lead happy lives. If there is one thing in common with those who recover, it is that they keep going. It may take five or more treatment attempts for some, but one can definitely stop drug use.
The first place to start is by allowing the idea you might have substance abuse problem. Many individuals never get to this point. They may say they get high because of their pain,companion, or setting, but doing this does not help their situation. You have the best control over yourself and this is the place to start. Others may have a negative influence on you life and be unhelpful with you getting abstinent. You are going to need to change yourself and find the helpful individuals who can support you in doing this.
Admitting drug use in your life causes problems does not mean you are a bad person. It also doesn’t mean drugs caused all the trouble in you life. It is just means you are willing to have an open mind of how drug use may be affecting you.
It is helpful to find someone who is in recovery. This could be through a 12 step program, a church, or just a friend who had been a user and quit. Find a person in recovery who is not going to preach to you or confront you; find someone just to talk. Recovery involves looking at the damage in you life that drug use has caused. It also involves seeing to good things that have come to others that have quit. Taking to others about the good things can be very helpful and motivating.
Make a list of the things you would like to see improved in your personal and social circumstances. Imagine you would like to see yourself making more money at your job; perhaps spending time with your family every weekend instead of seeking drugs. It could be not being worried you will be arrested. Maybe you want that new bike, motorcycle, or car. What about feeling good about not feeling like someone is going to find out you are using. Anything that you find motivating to quit is helpful.