Millions of Americans have prescriptions for potentially addictive medications. Doctors help their patients avoid addiction by providing instructions for safe use. Unfortunately, a significant number of people don’t follow those instructions. Instead, they do things that increase their odds of needing prescription drug addiction treatment.
Are you concerned that you’ve developed a prescription drug problem? Proper diagnosis will help clarify your situation. And if you’re affected, proper treatment will help you recover. At New Start Recovery, we provide extensive support for anyone addicted to a prescription drug. With our help, you can get started on a realistic path to renewed sobriety.
Prescription Drug Dependency
When considering your situation, it helps to know how prescription drug dependency differs from addiction. Although it might sound strange, it’s possible to be dependent on medication without being addicted. This situation occurs when your brain:
- Expects you to keep using the medication in question
- Requires you to use certain amounts of that medication
- Reacts negatively when you don’t meet its expectations
All of these things are signs of what’s called physical dependency. If you’re taking an addictive medication, your doctor will look for these signs. If they appear, steps can be taken to manage your dependency. This management has two goals. First, it seeks to make sure that you remain functional in your daily life. It also specifically seeks to prevent the onset of addiction.
Prescription Drug Addiction
As a rule, people addicted to prescription drugs are affected by physical dependency. However, they also suffer from additional problems that worsen their situation. One main additional factor in addiction is psychological dependency. You’re psychologically dependent when you have a deep-seated, emotional reliance on your medication. Another important factor is compulsive drug-seeking behavior. This is the name for a powerful, involuntary urge to get more medication and use it.
Signs You May Be Developing a Prescription Drug Problem
How can you tell if you’re in danger of developing a problem with prescription drugs? Specific things to look for include:
- Using higher medication doses than your doctor prescribed
- Taking your medication more often than prescribed
- Not stopping when your prescription end date arrives
- Using a medication without a prescription
All of these actions fit the definition of prescription drug abuse or misuse. Why are they dangerous? They remove the safeguards that protect you from addiction. When you take part in them, addiction becomes a clear possibility.
Signs That Prescription Drug Addiction Has Arrived
Can you tell if you’ve already crossed over into addiction? Only a doctor can officially diagnose you. However, you may notice the appearance of some key symptoms. One common symptom is loss of control over your medication use. You may also find yourself unable to quit, even when you try more than once. Rising tolerance to the effects of your medication is another common sign. So is making medication use the main focus of your day. Addicted people often disregard the mental and physical harm of their medication use. You may also experience withdrawal if you quit or cut back sharply on your consumption.
Treating Your Prescription Drug Problem at New Start Recovery
If you’re worried about your prescription drug use, talk to the experts at New Start. We provide the help you need to get an accurate diagnosis. And if addiction is detected, we also offer the services you need to support your recovery.
Our comprehensive approach includes supervised prescription drug detox. Once you complete this process, you can continue to a suitable treatment program. We’re committed to providing you with the best possible odds for success. Just call us today at [Direct] or contact us through our online form.