prescription drugs in south carolina
Whether it be painkillers or benzodiazepines, prescription drugs have become a major problem in South Carolina. Although they are prescribed by doctors to treat legitimate physical and mental conditions, these medications are highly addictive and are easily abused. Some of the more common benzos are Alprazolam, Ativan, Halcion, Klonopin, Librium, Niravam, Restoril, Valium and Xanax. Because these drugs are often prescribed by a medical professional, there is a misconception about how dangerous and harmful they truly are. In fact, the opioid crisis in America has been fueled by prescription drugs for some time. For example, a person needs prescription pain to recover from surgery and becomes addicted over time. Eventually, the doctor will stop writing prescriptions which leads them to source opioids illegally.
prescription drugs is an american problem
According to IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics, "an estimated $200 billion per year is spent in the U.S. on the unnecessary and improper use of medication, for the drugs themselves and related medical costs. Even when taking these medications as prescribed, users may develop dependencies. However, because these drugs are intended to relieve physical pain and disorders such as anxiety, panic attacks and insomnia, among others, it is common for users to consume more pills than prescribed or do so for longer periods of time than prescribed. This drastically increases the risk of addiction. Unfortunately, the problem is typically not identified until it is at an advanced stage, making it more difficult to overcome without treatment. Combining these drugs with alcohol or other controlled substances is also incredibly dangerous, and can be fatal.
Addiction to prescription drugs can be a challenge to detect but there are potential indicators, including a change in social circles, mood swings, reclusive behavior, drowsiness, or weakness. Frequent questions or conversation about new doctors should also raise suspicions, as this could be a sign of doctor shopping.
addiction to prescription drugs is Common
It can begin in the most subtle way; a knee surgery or nagging pain that won’t go away. Over time, it becomes clear that the medicines approved to manage such conditions appear difficult to cope without, even though the condition may have already lessened. Having crossed the line from medical treatment into abuse, and then addiction, many individuals go through a process of doctor shopping—seeking to fill a prescription that no longer has a valid medical purpose. These individuals would benefit greatly from BriteLife’s prescription drugs rehab program in Hilton Head, South Carolina.
When someone is in the grip of prescription drug addiction, they need rigorous drug rehab help to regain their physical, emotional and psychological health. Sometimes, drugs may be obtained from friends, a doctor friend or from the street. Since addiction is a persistent condition, it only gets crueler when left untreated. Finding a reputable prescription drug rehab center is one of the first steps in recouping your life.
Legitimate use of prescription drugs can turn into illicit use fairly fast. One of the biggest explanations of why heroin addiction has developed so much is that it's a fiscal reality for those who can’t get prescription painkillers. They turn to illegal supplies of heroin at a much lower cost. Sadly, probable side-effects include overdose and death.
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS ARE NOT ALWAYS SAFER
Many people subscribe to the notion that just because a drug has been ordered by a doctor and filled by a licensed pharmacy, it must be safe. This is simply not true, although doctors should assess the person they are prescribing as thoroughly as they can. This is especially true if the person has had issues with addiction in their history.
People who abuse prescription drugs often take multiple medications simultaneously to add to their euphoric feeling. Others will use stimulant drugs like Adderall during the day and then take a benzodiazepine in the evening to help them relax or sleep. This kind of up and down routine can have serious health consequences including heart problems or accidental overdose.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction to prescription drugs, please reach out to our support team at 866-470-2187. Our addiction specialists are available to provide confidential help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.