Prescription Drug Addiction Health Conditions
Prescription Drug Addiction Health Conditions
Table of Contents
Overview
There are many health conditions associated with prescription drug abuse. It puts a strain not only on your health but also on your relationships and finances. It is essential to note that the first step towards recovery and healing is understanding the consequences of prescription drug abuse, the symptoms, causes, and effects.1
What Are Prescription Drugs Used For?
Prescription drugs differ from OTC drugs as they can be purchased without a prescription. In contrast, prescription drugs are prescribed by a licensed doctor or health practitioner to treat pain, mental, or other health issues.Why Do Some Prescription Drugs Lead to Addiction?
Prescription drugs are used to treat pain and improve the user’s well-being. However, according to research by the FDA, doctors consistently prescribe drugs that are potentially addictive at a high rate. Because of this, some individuals begin to enjoy the effects of certain prescription drugs and continue using them in ways not recommended by their doctor, leading to Prescription Drug Addiction Health Conditions.
Some prescription drugs flood the brain’s reward center with dopamine, resulting in a pleasurable high. This sensation drives the user to take the drug repeatedly, causing dependency and leading to Prescription Drug Addiction Health Conditions. Over time, the user develops tolerance, making it difficult to resist the drug as the central nervous system becomes accustomed to its presence and effects on the brain.
Side Effects of Prescription Drug Abuses
There are various side effects of prescription drug abuse. Though they seem mild, taking them in different forms than intended or prescribed can cause severe health complications. Also, if prescription drugs are taken with other substances, the effects increase and could lead to overdose or death.
The most common side effects of prescription drug abuse include:
- Anxiety
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Lack of coordination
- Shallow breathing
- Sleepiness
- Slurred speech
- Death or overdose
The Most Commonly Addictive Prescription Drugs
The three most common addictive prescription drugs will be detailed below.
Opioids
Opioids are prescription painkiller drugs available in various forms, such as capsules, tablets, and liquid, used to treat severe and/or long-lasting pain. Once taken, opioids bind to specific brain receptors and act on the opioid receptors in the nervous system to reduce pain, contributing to Prescription Drug Addiction Health Conditions.
Opioids also increase dopamine activity in the brain. Due to their highly addictive nature, they are not available for over-the-counter purchases and must be prescribed exclusively by a doctor, as misuse can lead to Prescription Drug Addiction Health Conditions. Some common opioid drugs include:
- Vicodin
- Oxycodone (Percocet, OxyContin)
- Codeine
- Morphine
- Hydrocodone
- Fentanyl
- Methadone
Opioid Effects
Opioid abuse can cause a decrease in cognitive function, mood changes, vomiting, difficulty breathing, dizziness, nausea, a decline in respiratory function, constipation, or death.
Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants
Central nervous system (CNS) depressants include benzodiazepines and barbiturates, sedative-hypnotic drugs. They commonly treat insomnia, sleep disorders, anxiety, seizures, and muscle spasms. CNS depressants bring about the feeling of calmness and relaxation the same way’ club drugs’ does.
CNS depressants slow down brain activity like tranquilizers or sedatives, leading to drowsiness and a feeling of calmness. Some of the most common opioid drugs include:
- Diazepam
- Lorazepam
- Clonazepam
- Alprazolam
- Pentobarbital
- Eszopiclone
- Zolpidem
Impacts of CNS Depressants
In the first few days of using CNS depressants, users may experience incoordination and sleepiness. Other effects include headache, confusion, dizziness, lack of focus or concentration, vomiting, memory issues, slurred speech, and more.
Stimulants
Stimulants are prescribed drugs used to treat obesity, narcolepsy, and ADHD. These drugs contribute to Prescription Drug Addiction Health Conditions as they have similar effects to cocaine, causing a buildup of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants increase alertness, energy, blood pressure, and appetite suppression.
As the name suggests, stimulants boost brain activity. This effect comes from dopamine, the chemical responsible for reward, attention, motivation, and focus. Norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter, regulates physiological functions such as heart rate, respiration, and the body’s ‘fight-or-flight’ response. Stimulants are available in pill, liquid, or skin patch form, and misuse can lead to Prescription Drug Addiction Health Conditions. Some common prescription stimulant drugs include:
- Adderall
- Ritalin
- Modafinil
- Concerta
- Phentermine
- Dexedrine
Side Effects of Stimulants
Side effects of stimulants include weight loss, slowed breathing, vomiting, nausea, appetite loss, bloodshot and dilated eyes, increased blood pressure, rapid heart rate, sweating, hallucinations, and sleeplessness.
Prescription Drug Addiction Health Conditions Complications by Length of Use
There are several prescription drug addiction health conditions. The effects of prescription drug abuse can be hazardous, especially when taken in high doses, combined with other OTC or prescription drugs or other substances, such as alcohol.
Sometimes, the damage and consequences of prescription drug abuse can be advanced to the point of irreversibility or inability to recover/heal. Prescription drug abuse affects both the body and the brain. The health effects of prescriptions drugs abuse include:
Short-Term Effects of Prescription Drug Abuse
If you have been abusing prescription drugs, there are some short-term effects that you may or may not have experienced yet.
Short-Term Effects of Prescription Drug Abuse on the Body
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Increase in body temperature
- Rapid or slow heart rate
- Eye issues or disturbances
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Vomiting
- Overdose
- Death
Short-Term Health Effects of Prescription Drug Abuse on the Brain
Like the short-term effects of prescription drug abuse on the body, the short-term health effects of prescription drug abuse depend on the drug being abused. Here are some short-term health effects of prescription drug abuse on the brain:
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Low cognitive function
- Hallucination
- Euphoria
- Restlessness
- Paranoia
- Low motivation
- Mood changes
- Aggression
These effects happen while the user is high or during the come-down period from the drug.
Long-Term Effects of Prescription Drug Abuse
Just as there are short-term effects of prescription drug abuse, so are there long-term effects on the body and brain.
Long-Term Health Effects of Prescription Drug Abuse on the Body
The repeated use and abuse of prescription drugs, especially in high doses, can cause long-term effects on the body. The consequences are more complicated to treat. Here are some long-term health effects of prescription drug abuse on the body:- Drug addiction and dependence
- Overdose risk
- Long-term implications to the liver, kidneys, and heart
- Change in appearance
- Change in weight
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Tolerance development
- High death risk
Long-Term Health Effects of Prescription Drug Abuse on the Brain
Some things can be managed and treated but not fully reversed. This applies to the long-term effects of prescription drug abuse on the brain. Here are some long-term health effects of prescription drug abuse on the brain, contributing to Prescription Drug Addiction Health Conditions:
- Anxiety
- Addiction
- Cognitive damage
- Behavior and character changes
- Mental health issues
- Brain damage
- Unease and dissatisfaction
- Memory loss and impairment
- Hopelessness
- Severe depression
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Suicidal thoughts
These long-term prescription drug abuse health conditions are more deep-rooted, making them more challenging to treat.
Prescription Drug Addiction Health Conditions by Drug Type
Possible Health Consequences of Opioid Addiction
The possible health consequence of opioid addiction include:- Heart and lung infection
- Liver diseases
- Diabetes
- Pneumonia
- Breathing problems
- Coma
- Stroke
- Skin issues
- Seizure
- Overdose deaths
- Heart attack
Possible Health Consequences of Stimulant Addiction
The possible health consequence of stimulant addiction include:- Consistent headache (mild or severe)
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Uneven heartbeat
- Heart diseases and failure
- Body changes and weight loss
- Panic attacks
- Increase in body temperature
- Insomnia
- Suicidal thoughts
- Constipation
- Overdose death
Possible Health Consequences of CNS Depressants Addiction
The possible health consequence of CNS depressant addiction include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Sexual dysfunction
- Slow heartbeat and breathing
- Concentration and memory impairment
- Dementia
- Loss of coordination
Negative Effects of Prescription Drug Addiction Health Conditions While Pregnant or Breastfeeding
A woman is fragile when pregnant or breastfeeding and abuses prescription drugs while pregnant, which will negatively affect her health and the baby. The baby may go into withdrawal after it is born.
The consequences of prescription drug abuse on the baby include:3
- Low weight
- Premature birth
- Several birth defections
- Alter the function of the placenta
- Forceful contraction of the uterus muscles
- High possibility of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome)
The drugs can be transferred to the baby through breast milk during breastfeeding. As a result, the baby may show several signs of prescription drug addiction health conditions.
Other Common Health Conditions
The consequences of prescription drug misuse can lead to severe health conditions. Other common health conditions of prescription drug misuse include:- Confusion
- Stress
- Worsening well-being
- STDs
- Agitation
- Disorientation
How to Prevent Prescription Drug Addiction
Some ways to prevent prescription drug abuse will be detailed below.
Get the Right Medication
Ensure your doctor or physician has a clear idea of your health issues, signs, symptoms, and other drugs you are using to avoid Prescription Drug Addiction Health Conditions. Also, when your doctor has prescribed a drug, ensure you get the right medication. Ask your doctor if there are drugs with ingredients that have less potential for addiction.
Follow Directions Carefully
Use your drugs as prescribed and directed by your doctor. Don’t change the dose unless instructed by your doctor.
Check-In With Your Doctor
Follow up with your doctor to discuss the changes you have noticed and ensure you take the right dose.
Know The Side Effects of Your Medication
Know the side effects that come with the use of the drugs. Also, discuss with your doctor if it would have side effects when combined with other drugs or should be avoided.
Never Use Another Person’s Prescription Drugs
How a drug works for another person will be different from how the drug works for you. Even if it is the same type of drug and the same medical condition, the dosage might be different, and it may not be right for you, potentially leading to Prescription Drug Addiction Health Conditions.
Pay Attention to the Number of Drug Pills You Were Prescribed
Ensure you pay close attention to the number of pills you were prescribed. This help keeps you on track and eliminates the chances of overdosing.
Properly Dispose of Medications
When you are done with your drugs, and there are few pills left, properly dispose of them so no one can use them.
Treating Prescription Drug Addiction Health Conditions at Arrow Passage Recovery
What You Can Do
When approaching addiction recovery, it is important to:
- Acknowledge: The first step is acknowledging that prescription drug misuse has become a problem for you.
- Get help: Getting help is the next thing needed to prepare for your first appointment.
- Go with a family/friend: When preparing for your first appointment, go with a friend or family when possible. This will help boost your confidence and help you deepen your support networks.
- Make a list of all drugs, supplements, vitamins, and other medications you use and their doses: This will help curate your treatment plan to fit your specific needs.
Questions to Ask
- What alternative approach are you suggesting
- What is the best approach to treat my drug addiction
- Do I need to see a mental health professional or a psychiatrist?
- What do I get out of the treatment?
- What are the treatment plans?
What to Expect
- Expect your doctor to ask you questions, and you should be honest in your answers
- Expect various treatment plans
- Expect healing to be a challenging but rewarding road
Contact Us Today
If you or your loved one is struggling with addiction, know you are not alone. We specialize in treating Prescription Drug Addiction Health Conditions and have the best counseling expertise and treatment plans to help you recover and get back on your feet. Contact Arrow Passage Recovery to book your first appointment and begin your recovery journey.
Resources
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/prescription-drug-addiction-signs-and-symptoms-5208852
- https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/health-topics/opioid-abuse-and-addiction
- https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/substance-use-in-women/substance-use-while-pregnant-breastfeeding
- https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/how-prepare-doctors-appointment
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1448242/
