Prescription drug abuse brings out the worse in people. Canada is advocating and pushing the end of addiction to prescription drugs through effective treatment initiatives.   

Prescription drug abuse is one of the substance abuse and addiction problems in Canada and the figures are not getting smaller. Prescription drug addiction and dependence has affected Canadians in different age and economic groups. As long as you are taking a medicine or drug, not for medicinal purposes or what the doctor prescribed the drug for, then you are abusing that prescription drug and the repercussions are serious.  

Prescription Drug Abuse Basic Information 

 Pain medicines are the most commonly abused prescription drugs and the list of these painkillers is quite long and diverse. Prescription drug abuse makes a person throw up, constricts or dilates the pupil, and may even cause constipation. Pain medicines are swallowed or taken orally but when they are smoked, injected, or snorted, the reaction is quite stronger and more dangerous than ever. It may lead to breathing problems or respiratory suppression and arrest.  

Prescription drug abuse may lead to: 

• Chills 
• Diarrhea 
• Muscle spasms or pain in the bones 
• Anger, nervousness, or extreme sadness 
• Sleeping disorders 

 

Prevention and Risk Factors  

Canadians are at risk of prescription drug abuse but there are ways that could prevent this life-threatening habit especially when you have the self-control, to begin with.

Painkillers are prescribed to serve a particular purpose and that is to relieve pain due to injury or disease. Avoiding the risks of prescription drug abuse requires an individual to follow the directions or instructions from the pharmacist or what’s written on the label.  

Do not stop or change the dosage without any consultation with your doctor. Another way to prevent prescription drug abuse and addiction is to never use someone else’s prescription.

Ask the advice of the professionals such as clinicians and pharmacists. The Canadian government and other private organizations that tackle substance abuse and addiction are taking initiatives in order to put an end to this dilemma once and for all. There are treatment programs and helpline that individuals can call when their prescription drug intake is getting out of control. 

Related article: Drug Abuse: How to Know If You’re Stuck Up Now

 

Basic Treatment Programs  

There are available treatment programs for drug addiction, particularly prescription drug abuse. For instance, rehab centers recommend medications and behavioural treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy and contingency management. Behavioural therapy and treatment are designed to stop drug use through altering unhealthy thinking and behavioural patterns.  

Medications can also treat prescription drug abuse and addiction particularly medications such as buprenorphine, naltrexone, and methadone. The main effects of these drugs are to counter the impact of opioids on the nervous system, particularly the brain. Medications also relieve the excruciating symptoms and cravings associated with the withdrawal process and help prevent relapse in the future. 

Canadians are struggling with the effects of prescription drug abuse and these effects are not limited to the physiological aspects.

Addiction to and abuse of prescription drugs could put a strain on the relationships of a person and affect the community as a whole. Prescription drug use when out of control urges the person to do illegal means and crimes just to get their fix. Call Inspire Change Drug Rehab in Vancouver for addiction treatment programs.