Prescription Drug Abuse in Albuquerque – (505) 910­-4420

Drug Detox Centers Albuquerque offers a resource for treatment for prescription drug addiction. These drugs are widely prescribed by doctors and dentists for a variety of painful conditions. However, individuals can develop a physical dependence to the drugs, which can become a full- fledged addiction. The National Institute on Drug Abuse found that 52 million over the age of 12 have used prescription drugs non­medically during their lifetime. Drug Detox Centers Albuquerque offers skilled, professional help for prescription drug problems, to helpindividuals break their addiction and return to normal function. 

How Does Prescription Drug Addiction Develop?

 The National Institute for Drug Abuse states that the United States has 5 percent of the world’s population, but it consumes 75 percent of the world’s prescription drugs. Drug Detox Centers Albuquerque knows that doctors all over the country freely write prescriptions for painkillers for post­ surgical pain, dental pain, back problems and other conditions. But these drugs are highly addictive, and many people find they continue to crave the drug after their medical conditions have improved. Drug Detox Centers Albuquerque also knows pain medications are often diverted for use by others than those for which it was intended, and they are sold on the street for recreational use.

Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs

A number of drugs are commonly abused for their euphoric effects, such as:

• Opiate pain medications: ­ These include Oxycontin, Vicodin, Percocet and Fentanyl, which produce feelings of warmth, well being and freedom from discomfort. Individuals addicted to these medications often go on to use heroin.

• Stimulant drugs: ­ These include Adderall and Ritalin, which are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. They produce feelings of energy and confidence that can quickly become an addiction.

• Sedative drugs: ­ Drugs such as Klonopin, Valium and Xanax produce feelings of relaxation and well being, but they can easily produce addiction. They are generally used to treat anxiety and seizures.

Signs of A Prescription Drug Addiction

When an individual is addicted, they begin to display a number of behaviors that indicate they are no longer in full control of their decision ­making:

• Tolerance increases, causing them to use more of the drug.
• They may have wild mood swings and changes in personality
• They lose interest in normal activities.
• Relationships begin to suffer.
• Work problems, legal problems and health problems develop.
• Their behavior becomes erratic, acting hyped up or lethargic.
• They begin “doctor shopping,” going from doctor to doctor to get more prescriptions for the drug.
• They begin lying about “losing” prescriptions to get another one.
• They may steal prescription pads and forge their own prescriptions.

How Treatment Can Help Break Prescription Drug Addiction

A comprehensive treatment program can help to break the addiction to prescription medications. Detoxification removes the substance from the body, so that brain chemistry can calibrate to normal levels. After detox, individual and group counseling help patients understand that reasons behind their substance abuse. Cognitive behavioral therapy trains them to recognize negative thought patterns that lead to destructive actions. Relapse prevention programs help individuals recognize the “triggers” that lead to relapse and how they can counteract temptations to return to drug use. Aftercare measures, such as post ­treatment counseling and attendance at support group meetings help individuals sustain their sobriety as they return to normal life. Albuquerque offers a calming natural setting with many attractions, one that is perfect for individuals who are attempting to heal from addiction. If you or a loved one is addicted to prescription drugs, contact Drug Detox Centers Albuquerque to learn more about treatment programs. Call (505) 910­-4420 for more information.