D r
u g s . . .
Legal Drug Abuse
Prescription drugs
are rapidly becoming the primary drugs of abuse throughout the
world, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
While
intoxicating prescription substances have legitimate use in the
medical field, several misconceptions about their abuse potential
occur.
Prescribed Drug Abuse.
An ongoing health issue for many
Americans is abuse and addiction to prescription drugs.
Addiction occurs among those who use pain relievers, depressants, or
stimulants, when medications are used in ways other than as
directed.
Patients with a concern of becoming addicted to their
prescribed medication have the power to prevent drug abuse.
Providing a detailed description of illness along with a complete
medical history will ensure your doctor understands the complaint
and prescribes the suitable medication.
Following the directions
for the doctor’s prescribed pain medication, stimulant, or
depressant is important, especially during the first few days
while the body is adapting to the medication.
Also be aware of
potential interactions with other drugs and side effects that may
follow use of the drug.
Advise a health care provider if you plan
to increase or decrease doses.
Do not increase a prescribed dosage
without speaking with a physician, even if the medication no
longer seems to be effectively controlling pain.
It’s important to
never use another person's prescription, no matter the dosage
amount.
Treatment
With the uncontrollable drug cravings that
interfere with an individual’s daily performance, the demands for
formal treatment are vital.
There is no single type of treatment
that is appropriate for all individuals addicted to prescription
drugs.
Proper treatment must take into account the type of drug
used and the needs of the individual.
Successful treatment might
consist of numerous counseling sessions along with a prescribed
medication, in order for the patient to make a full recovery.
Drug addiction treatment can be classified into two categories,
behavioral and pharmacological.
Behavioral treatment prepares
people on how to function without drugs’ to handle cravings, avoid
situations that could lead to drug use, how to prevent a relapse,
and how to handle a relapse if it should occur.
Drug abuse
treatment with medications is used to counter the effects of the
drug on the brain and behavior.
Medications also are used to
relieve withdrawal symptoms, or help overcome drug cravings.
Although a behavioral or medicated approach alone may be
effective, a combination of both is most successful for treating
drug addiction.
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