| Drug
Index
Prescription
Prescription drugs cause
a special danger to chemically dependent people. Often the abused drugs are taken
initially for legitimate medical reasons: for example, to assist in reducing pain
from chronic illness such as arthritis or headaches. Dependence on prescription
drugs can occur over a few weeks or several years. Denial, because of the nature
of the initial use, can be very high. When the patient attempts to stop using
the prescription drug, the initial problem appears to re-emerge and new problems
are often added. The addictive cycle has begun.
Chemically dependent
people in recovery must take responsibility for monitoring the prescription drugs
they use. Any mood-altering drug can lead to relapse and a return to chemical
abuse. Your chemical dependency must be stated to your physician and pharmacist.
Even then, a careful self-monitoring of prescribed medicines is important.
Here at Choices, we have specialized in treating prescription drug abuse
for many years. The growing accessibility to painkillers, tranquilizers, sedatives
and stimulants has significantly increased the number of individuals seeking our
assistance. We offer treatment to those abusing all medications including OxyContin,
Percocet, Vicodine, Methadone, Morphine, Valium, XANAX and Ritalin.
Many of our clients became habitual users of prescription drugs after being prescribed
them for very legitimate purposes. The idea of using more than prescribed or continuing
use of the drug beyond that of medical necessity can be very powerful. It is not
hard to become seduced by their effects. Sometimes quickly, sometimes over the
course of many years, individuals can become completely dependant on these drugs.
Most of our clients that have sought our help have become psychologically addicted
to their medications. Others have become physically dependant as well. They find
that their worst fear is running out of the drug or losing their sources of supply.
Regardless of your particular pattern of use or the original reason for first
taking the prescription drug, Choices can help. It is not uncommon to find physicians,
nurses, attorneys, teachers and housewives being treated here. They have all fallen
into the same trap and now require our help in relieving their addiction. If you
have found that the use of prescription medications has become a problem for you
or a loved one the treatment professionals here at Choices can help.
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