Prescription Drug Abuse Information

Prescription Drug Abuse Information

Life Springs Addiction Recovery Services offers this Prescription Drug Abuse Information because of the rise of prescription drug abuse across the country over the past decade. When abused, certain prescription drugs can alter the brain, leading directly to dependence and addiction. Medications when taken properly as prescribed by physicians are a useful and effective treatment tool, but when abused become habit forming, harm causing and even fatal. Prescription drugs such as sedatives, pain relievers, tranquilizers, and stimulants though, effective for treatments, have a high potential for being abused.

 

Prescription Drug Abuse Information (800) 746-0937 

Prescription Drug Abuse Information falls into several different categories; opiate-derivatives, stimulants, and central nervous system depressants like barbiturates and benzodiazepines. Often treated lightly because they have been prescribed by a physician, these drugs are extremely dangerous and addictive. Their influence and power are the source behind numerous overdoses, suicides and criminal behavior. Many individuals begin abusing prescription drugs in a casual manner, then find themselves trapped in a vicious spiral of addiction and fear as they discover their inability to stop. “In 1999, an estimated 4 million people – almost 2 percent of the population aged 12 and older – were currently (use in the past month) using prescription drugs: pain relievers (2.6 million), sedatives and tranquilizers (1.3 million), and stimulants (0.9 million).” (Health.Org Website) Without question, Prescription Drug Abuse Information includes some of the hardest substances in the process of withdrawal and sustained abstinence. They can be deadly not only when abusing them, but also during withdrawal, and trained professional help such as that at Life Springs is essential to an addict’s success at finding recovery.

Prescription Drug Abuse Information includes most drugs but the most commonly abused are the opiates (prescribed for pain relief) the Central Nervous System Depressants (used for treatment of sleep disorder and anxiety) and Stimulants (prescribed to treat narcolepsy, attention deficit disorder, and hyperactivity). The most abused opiate drugs are Oxycontin, Vicodin, Darvon, Dilaudid, and Demerol.  Central Nervous System Depressants that are frequently abused are barbiturates such as Nembutal, and Benzodiazepines including Valium and Xanax. The prescription stimulants most abused are Dexedrine and Ritalin.

Indications of prescription drug abuse include sudden increases in the amount of prescribed medication required. Also frequent requests for refills before the prescription should have been finished. Prescription drug abuse is highly treatable. Stopping a long term prescription drug usage can have serious health consequences and should only be done under the supervision of a physician, and properly trained professionals. In most cases, therapeutic inpatient and outpatient treatment is required. The most current surveys taken in 2006 indicate that hospital emergency room visits involving illicit use of prescription drugs especially Benzodiazepines and Narcotic analgesics have increased significantly. They also revealed that 2.8 million people aged 12 or older had abused the powerful pain killer Oxycontin, with over 415,000 receiving treatment for abuse of prescription pain relievers

Prescription Drug Abuse Information (800) 746-0937

As presented in the heroin section, opiate addiction is both brutal and extremely difficult to stop, but opiate withdrawal is not necessarily life-threatening. The prescription opiates have become prevalent throughout all layers of modern society. The medications that fall within this class include Oxycontin, Dilaudid, Vicodin, Darvon, Codeine and Demerol. Oxycontin has become particularly pervasive among addicts, both young and old. Among high school students, it has become the second most tried drug after marijuana. Many young people do not realize that Oxycontin is an opiate, and they become addicted before they even realize the extreme consequences. This unexpected addiction has led to an alarming rise in criminal behavior and failure rates in high schools and colleges due to the pressure of finding the money to acquire more. Symptoms of withdrawal from these opiates include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, diarrhea, vomiting, insomnia, and cold flashes with goose bumps (“going cold turkey”). Life Springs recognizes the difficulties inherent in opiate addiction, and we can help the addict manage their withdrawal process and find recovery.

As we illustrated in the crystal meth section, stimulants are America’s drug of choice as the success of coffee houses clearly demonstrates.  Stimulants enhance brain activity, leading to an increase in alertness, attention and energy accompanied by elevated blood pressure and increased heart rate. Prescription stimulants such as Dexedrine, Ephedrine and Ritalin are commonly abused in the quest for weight loss and battling fatigue. Regular abusers exhibit the side effects of irritability, restlessness, tremors and sleep disturbance. High doses of these prescription drugs can result in cardiovascular failure and lethal seizures. When mixed with other medicine, including over-the-counter cold medication, they can cause irregular heart rhythms and a dramatic rise in blood pressure. Like all forms of speed, prescription stimulants are difficult to quit. At Life Springs, our trained treatment team has direct experience with helping speed addicts maintain sobriety. Speed addiction is easy to acquire. Although quitting can be a challenge, Life Springs knows the steps to take to aid an addict in recovery.

Prescription Drug Abuse Information (800) 746-0937

As the name suggests, pharmaceutical depressants are used to slow down brain functioning for the treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders. There is perhaps no substance more dangerous to withdraw from on one’s own than CNS depressants, including the Benzodiazepines like Valium, Xanax and Halcyon, and the barbiturates like Phenobarbital and Nembutal. The highest rate of attempted suicide among addicts withdrawing from a substance is by far from Valium addiction. The process of withdrawing from Benzodiazepines takes an extended period of time, and if not handled correctly, can lead to fatal results. Life Springs has years of experience with such cases, and we know how to ensure the safety and security of our clients. Nobody going through withdrawal from these drugs should ever try it on their own.

Although most people use prescribed medications as directed, the abuse of and addiction to prescription drugs has become a major public health crisis across America. Life Springs understands that many clients become addicted to these drugs without a full awareness of the implications of their actions. We are ready to support you in the process of finding recovery from these dangerous medications while ensuring your health and safety. Call Life Springs today at (800) 746-0937 and put an end to prescription drug addiction.

Painkillers & Narcotics Addiction Treatment Information (800) 746-093

One of the biggest problems American health care is the growing trend of narcotic addictions. These narcotic addictions are not the kinds that come to mind when you think of a drug “addict”–but there are people with active lifestyles who have become dependent upon an opiate painkillers through no fault of their own. Due to misdiagnosis or sometimes even simple laziness, physicians are handing out open-ended prescriptions for painkillers.
The result is that people are becoming addicted to painkillers by following their doctors’ directions! This shocking trend is on the rise, and today millions of Americans have become unwittingly addicted to their medications. The good news is that there are treatment options like those offered at Life Springs geared to combat this alarming trend. It used to be that methadone was one of the only ways to wean oneself off prescription drugs. The problem with this is that it creates a dependency on methadone–which, while having less of an effect on someone’s daily life, is still a dependency that does cost money. Today there are many programs that can help to end a drug dependency without creating a new one call (800) 746-0937 or visit Life Springs


Another side effect abuse problem in the medical community today that contributes to the severity of opiate abuse is not created by patients, but by doctors. Few would disagree that opiate drugs like hydrocodone, oxycodone, and methadone are being over-prescribed, but there are also few who can do anything about it.
A large part of this problem stems from doctors lacking time, resources or even experience to treat a number of their patients. When someone is suffering from chronic pain, it can be hard and time-consuming to find a proper course of treatment. Many doctors don’t know how to effectively manage their patients’ pain, and many more simply don’t have the time to be able to attend to these patients in detail. As a result, physicians will prescribe potent painkillers for patients to anesthetize the pain. This simply masks the patient’s pain temporarily rather than treats and more often than not, ultimately causes more pain in the long run. Patients then take the painkillers, unaware that their doctor has no clear objective of how or when to end the course of narcotics, and the patient is soon dependent on the drug.
Opiate addiction is characterized by behaviors of the individual which include lack of control over drug use, compulsive use of the specific drug, continued use regardless of the physical,
emotional and social consequences and continued craving for the drug. A state of tolerance exists in that the dependent person adapts to the effects of the drug over time and consequently, higher doses are required to provide the needed results.
Some of the signs and symptoms of opiate addiction include restlessness, hyperactive behavior, poor physical coordination, inability to concentrate, poor judgment, slurred speech and euphoria. The danger of accelerated heartbeat can result in coma or death. The addict displays marked changes in attitude, behavior and relationships causing personal relationships to deteriorate. Performance at work and/or school diminishes. Lying and stealing may occur. Individuals may steal money from family members to finance their drug use and may also steal and pawn or sell personal items such as television sets, camcorders, jewelry, etc.
Opiate addiction is believed to be a disorder of the central nervous system resulting from continuous use of opiates. Because of prolonged opiate use, natural endorphin's no longer function normally. Endorphins are no longer produced by the body because it is instead receiving opiates. Since specific nerve cells in the brain have degenerated, a physical dependency results wherein the body must have a supply of opiates from an external source. If and when the individual no longer has a supply of opiates, the body experiences the trauma of withdrawal symptoms.
When you are addicted to drugs such as opiates the drug stimulates “receptors” in the brain. When those receptors don’t get the opiates they crave, the brain tells the body and the body responds by going into “withdrawal.” These symptoms, i.e., anxiety, sleeplessness, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea, etc., are often accompanied by physical cravings and psychological obsession for opiates. The combination is most unpleasant and symptoms can last, in many cases, for weeks, months and even years.
Withdrawal symptoms vary among people, even those addicted to the same drug. However, it is certain that these will include intense anxiety and a craving for the drug. As this craving is not met, withdrawal symptoms will become more severe, possibly even including depression. In short, withdrawal is a dangerous state, and it is both deadly and ineffective to try and detoxify oneself “cold turkey.” Instead call (800) 746-0937.
“Recover Your Life”! Life Springs Addiction Recovery Services Palm Springs CA has effective programs of recovery for Prescription Drugs & Narcotics Addiction and many other forms of chemical dependency. We specialize in addiction recovery not just treatment. We are designed to do whatever it takes that a person needs to recover. Life Springs offers Legal Liaison/Alternative Sentencing Programs and Services in which our clients almost never see any jail time. Life Springs also provides Intervention Services, Sober Companion Services, for help in getting your loved one into inpatient drug rehab, or live-in help in the privacy and comfort of your own home. Life Springs specializes in providing personalized addiction treatment and recovery care. For those that must go into an addiction treatment center, Life Springs offers CA pet friendly addiction recovery homes in lieu of facilities. Life Springs provides whatever amenities and services are needed to make it possible for anyone to stop their addiction, and recover. If you or someone you know is suffering from chemical dependency please call (800) 746-0937 Life Springs is available 24/7!

Life Springs Help for Post Tramatic Stress P.T.S.D. (800) 746-0937

P.T.S.D. (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a severe anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to any traumatic event. As an effect of psychological trauma, P.T.S.D. is less frequent and more enduring than the more commonly seen acute stress response.

Symptoms for P.T.S.D. include re-experiencing the original trauma through horrible dreams, bad memories, avoidance of situations closely associated with the trauma, difficulty falling asleep, anger, and hyper vigilance- which can include racing heart, paranoia, fear, anxiety, and visual and/or auditory hallucinations. Clearly all of these are strong triggers for substance abuse; people with P.T.S.D. often seek to self-medicate, and, more often than not, addiction becomes yet another problem for the P.T.S.D. sufferer to cope with.

Life Springs offers a comprehensive array of services to support our clients with P.T.S.D. (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).
Our services (contracted or otherwise) include:

• E.M.D.R. (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), which is one of the most effective and rapid methods for healing P.T.S.D. (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) as shown by extensive scientific research studies.
• Providing resources to help individuals suffering from P.T.S.D. to stop using drugs or alcohol.
• Educating our clients and their loved ones on the signs and symptoms of P.T.S.D.
• Helping our clients create a healthy lifestyle with nutrition, exercise and a proper amount of sleep.
• Assisting our clients with medication management and encouraging medication compliance.
• Guiding our clients to the best treatment providers for P.T.S.D.

For further information on the causes, symptoms, and medications, please continue reading.

Post-traumatic stress disorder treatment often includes both medication and psychotherapy. Combining these treatments can help improve your symptoms and teach you skills to cope better with the traumatic event — and life beyond it.

Medications

Several types of medications can help symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder improve.

In some cases, clients may be prescribed a short course of anti-psychotics to relieve severe anxiety and related problems, such as difficulty sleeping or emotional outbursts.

Some clients find antidepressant medications can help with the symptoms of P.T.S.D. Antidepressants may help improve sleep problems and improve your concentration. The selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (S.S.R.I.) medications sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) are FDA-approved for the treatment of P.T.S.D.

If your symptoms include insomnia or recurrent nightmares, some physicians may prescribe a drug called prazosin (Minipress), which blocks the brain’s response to an adrenaline-like brain chemical called nor-epinephrine. Although this drug is not specifically approved for the treatment of P.T.S.D, prazosin may reduce or suppress nightmares in many people with P.T.S.D.

Several types of therapy may be used to treat both children and adults with post-traumatic stress disorder. You may try more than one, or combine types, before finding the right fit for you. You may also try individual therapy, group therapy or both. Group therapy can offer a way to connect to others going through similar experiences.

Some types of therapy used in P.T.S.D. treatment include:

Cognitive Therapy: This type of talk therapy helps you recognize the ways of thinking (cognitive patterns) that are keeping you stuck — for example, negative or inaccurate ways of perceiving normal situations.

In PTSD treatment, cognitive therapy often is used along with a behavioral therapy called exposure therapy.

Exposure Therapy: This behavioral therapy technique helps you safely face the very thing that you find frightening, so that you can learn to cope with it effectively. A new approach to exposure therapy uses “virtual reality” programs that allow you to re-enter the setting in which you experienced trauma — for example, a “Virtual Iraq” program.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (E.M.D.R.) is a form of psychotherapy that was developed to resolve symptoms resulting from disturbing and unresolved life experiences. It uses a structured approach to help the brain improve where other forms of therapy are not enough.

Acupuncture: Acupuncture may be helpful in improving the symptoms of P.T.S.D. More research is being conducted to fully understand the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for P.T.S.D.

Information for Veterans:

The number of veterans dealing with P.T.S.D. is staggering. A 2008 study found that one in five vets returning from Iraq and Afghanistan experience symptoms of P.T.S.D. or major depression. Sadly the study also found that many of these service members do not seek treatment for psychological illnesses because they fear it will harm their careers. Untreated, P.T.S.D. and depression can lead to cascading problems, such as drug use, marital problems, unemployment and even suicide.

Veterans may wish to call the veterans hot-line for help with P.T.S.D. at 1-888-593-2301 (Spanish: 1-888-593-2301).

Life Springs Therapeutic Pet Friendly Drug Rehab (800) 746-0937

Life Springs Pet Friendly Drug Rehab

Life Springs Addiction Recovery Services Palm Springs CA (800) 746-0937 truly understands how important your pet is to you and we also believe in the therapeutic value of a pet friendly addiction treatment environment. Addiction, alcoholism and dual diagnosis disorders often take away everything, and the only thing a person may have left is their pet. That quite often is the only thing that gives these types of individuals the hope and willingness they need to recover.

Our Philosophy….

Is simple; we strive to provide each person that comes into our program with a personally tailored recovery program that helps to meet their individual needs. We have found that when a person is provided care that treats the whole being medically, psycho-therapeutically, holistically and even spiritually, in a homelike environment where each resident has his or her own room, pet, personal items that are important to them, in a professional yet loving atmosphere, guilt, shame, remorse and even resentments almost immediately fall off, hope shines through and most recover and remain that way.

We can accommodate most anyone seeking to recovery from addiction, alcoholism, and or dual diagnosis disorders and our long term programs cost less than most short term impersonal treatment programs. We offer inpatient treatment, intensive out-patient programs, intervention, legal liaison court services and programs, therapy, counseling, and so much more. Visit Life Springs then call to speak with one of our therapeutic addiction recovery specialists today at (800) 746-0937.

Adderall & Stimulant Addiction Treatment Life Springs (800) 746-0937

Adderall is prescribed primarily to treat attention deficit disorder and narcolepsy. It is a stimulant and has the potential for abuse whether it is taken as treatment for a medical diagnosis or taken for recreational use. The effects produced by Adderall are similar to those produced by other stimulants, such as cocaine. For example, people abusing Adderall may experience shortened temper, irritability, depression, and in the absence of the drug, withdrawal symptoms and cravings for the drug.  The side effects of Adderall addiction are very much like other stimulants even though the drug may be lower in potency than other drugs such as crystal meth or cocaine.  In higher doses, however, the effects produced are virtually identical.  Abusers are at risk for heart attack, seizure, or stroke.  The negative behaviors and feeling associated with Adderall addiction are so similar to those of other stimulants.

Many students take Adderall without prescriptions because they believe that it will help them perform better in school. According to Dr. Sean Esteban McCabe for the National Institute on Drug Abuse, who conducted a survey of over 10,000 college students, those who had reported to have taken stimulants (such as Adderall) without a prescription at least once in the past year were 20 times more likely to have reported cocaine abuse.

Although Adderall addiction can be prevalent in specific demographics such as college campuses, it does not discriminate against any population. Some may take it as a way to curb their appetite and stay thin, while others may use it as a stimulant at work or as a boost to help them get more done.  Adderall addiction may affect many different people, but their struggle is uniform.  Addiction can be fatal and it is advised for anyone battling with Adderall addiction to seek treatment.

Adderall is a highly addictive substance. Since withdrawal from Adderall can be uncomfortable, and can potentially pose threats to a person’s health, it is advised that withdrawal be monitored in a supervised medical facility.
Life Springs offers a beautiful setting for addicts to start their treatment process. The program provides detoxification, medical treatment, one on one therapy as well as group therapy sessions, yoga, spirituality, a variety of groups including relapse prevention, and integrates twelve step meetings as well.

Many people seeking Adderall treatment are battling with disorders such as ADD or A.D.H.D.  Life Springs offers comprehensive evaluations with highly regarded medical staff that will allow for the composure of a treatment plan to be implemented that will address the issues at hand without compromising the client’s sobriety.  The patient will meet with their doctor and design a plan that works for them. Visit Life Springs and call (800) 746-0937.