PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS

PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS

Overview and Facts

Prescription medications are the medicines that are being prescribed by the doctor and cannot be bought over-the-counter. Prescription drug abuse is the act of aimless use of a drug that is not prescribed. It is the inappropriate act of taking a drug to get high and can be ongoing and compulsive despite its negative outcomes.

It may be a common habit for some people, including teens, to abuse drugs. Such drugs taken commonly are opioid painkillers, anti-anxiety medications, sedatives, and stimulants. Finding of the misuse of prescription medications as early as possible could prevent abuse.

Types and Symptoms

SYMPTOMS

Specific drugs have different signs and symptoms when abused. The most common drugs that are abused are:

  • Opioids containing oxycontin and Percocet
  • Anti-anxiety medications
  • Sedatives such as alprazolam and diazepam
  • Hypnotics, such as zolpidem
  • Stimulants like methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, and amphetamine, and dextroamphetamine

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

Prescription drugs and other data are gathered by the doctor from the patient or his or her family members. The person using the drug may undergo urine tests.

TREATMENT

Treatment varies on the prescription and depends on the needs of the patient and the type of the drug. Other cases can be treated through counseling or psychotherapy. Withdrawal, addiction treatment and recovery support may also be done.

Counseling

Counseling can be performed by a drug counselor or an addiction specialist. This helps in the following:

  • Determine what factors may have led to prescription drug abuse, such as an underlying mental health problem or relationship problems
  • Learn the skills needed to resist cravings, avoid abuse of drugs and help prevent recurrence of prescription drug problems
  • Learn strategies for developing positive relationships
  • Identify ways to become involved in healthy activities that aren’t related to drugs
  • Learn the steps to take if a relapse happens

Opioid withdrawal

  • Withdrawal from anti-anxiety medications and sedatives.

Stimulant withdrawal focuses on tapering off the medication and relieving symptoms.

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