Prescription drug addiction is a growing yet often silent epidemic, touching lives across every socio-economic boundary. Far from the shadowy corners of illicit drug use, addiction to prescribed medications can begin in the most benign of ways: a doctor’s prescription for managing pain, anxiety, or sleep disorders. However, what starts as a legitimate use can quickly spiral into dependency and abuse, leading individuals down a path they never intended to take.
Prescription drug addiction is a reality for people all over the world, and important to find hope and guidance for those caught in its grip. Through understanding, compassion, and informed action, there is a way out of the cycle of addiction. Exploring the truth of this issue and connecting with resources can help you or a loved one heal from prescription drug dependency.
What Is Prescription Drug Addiction?
Prescription drug addiction is a growing problem in today’s society. It refers to the compulsive and uncontrollable use of prescription medications, even when it causes harm or negative consequences to an individual’s life. Prescription drugs are powerful medications that are prescribed by doctors to help manage various health conditions such as pain, anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Prescription drug addiction comes in 3 fundamental categories:
- Sedative drug abuse
- Stimulant drug abuse
- Opioid drug abuse
While these medications can be effective in treating these conditions, they also carry a high risk for addiction. Oftentimes, individuals may initially start taking prescription medications for legitimate reasons, but as they continue to use them, they may develop a tolerance and need higher doses to achieve the same effects. This can lead to dependence and eventually addiction.
What Causes Prescription Drug Addiction?
No one wants to develop an addiction to prescription drugs. So why do people become addicted to their prescription medications? Several factors can contribute to the development of a prescription drug addiction, including:
- Genetics: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to becoming addicted to certain substances, including prescription drugs. This means that they may be more likely to develop an addiction if they begin taking prescription medications.
- History of substance abuse: Those who have struggled with other forms of substance abuse in the past may be at a higher risk of developing a prescription drug addiction. This is because their brains may already be wired to seek out and rely on substances for pleasure or relief from negative emotions.
- Environmental factors: Individuals who are surrounded by others who use and abuse prescription drugs are more likely to try them themselves and potentially develop an addiction. Additionally, easy access to prescription drugs can make it easier for someone to become addicted.
- History of mental health disorders: People struggling with anxiety or depression are more likely to develop a prescription drug addiction. These individuals may turn to prescription medications as a way to cope with their symptoms, but over time, they may become dependent on the drugs and unable to function without them.
Many factors can contribute to the development of a prescription drug addiction. It’s important for individuals who are prescribed these medications to closely monitor their usage and be aware of the potential risks associated with them. Seeking support from loved ones and healthcare professionals can also help prevent
Can I Avoid Developing a Prescription Drug Addiction?
Medical professionals who are not trained or experienced in prescription drug addiction rehabilitation may not fully understand the potential consequences of their actions. Similarly, doctors often become numb to prescribing addictive drugs due to the frequency of patients asking for them.
Avoiding doctors without an in-depth knowledge of the medications you’re seeking can help you avoid developing an addiction. Similarly, finding a specialist who works in the field related to your condition will help you receive the necessary education you will need to make an informed decision on your medical care.
Effects of Prescription Drug Abuse
Often, people who develop a substance use disorder on prescription drugs do so because they were looking for an instant way to feel better. Unfortunately, their attempts to feel better with drug misuse commonly begin to spiral out of control. Eventually, prescription drug misuse will turn into dependence and addiction.
- Poor physical wellness
- Decline in mental health
- Severed spiritual connection
- Lack of intimacy
- Damaged relationships
- Loss of life longevity
Ways to Improve Your Mental Health Without Prescription Drugs
Unfortunately, many doctors will provide addictive prescription medications as quick-fix solutions. Many people don’t know to ask their doctors about the availability of non-narcotic prescription options available. In fact, there a numerous ways to reduce negative symptoms of mental health disorders without prescription drugs.
Unhealthy habits that damage your mental health include:
- Routine sleep deprivation or staying up late
- Consistent snacking on empty calorie foods
- Meals containing wheat flour, sugar, starch, and browned foods
- Eating after sunset
- Using caffeine after 4 pm
- One beer or glass of wine at bedtime
- Physical inactivity
Healthy habits to boost your mood include:
- Getting a full 7 hours of sleep while it is dark outside
- Balanced diet with alkaline green fiber goods such as green beans, okra, kale, and cucumber
- Intermittent fasting meal plan with guidance from a nutritionist
- Staying physically active
- Going outside
Switching out unhealthy habits for healthy habits can significantly help in improving your mood. Remember, it takes enormous courage and wisdom to take charge of our recovery and new lifestyle.
Reach Out
At Royal Life Centers, we have been treating prescription drug addiction for over a decade and have the experience needed to guide you along the stages of recovery with ease. If you need help getting started or have any questions we can answer, give us a call at 877-RECOVERY. We are available to answer your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Because We Care.
