Prescription drug addiction can be insidious. Many addicts start out by simply taking the medication prescribed to them by their doctor. Most people assume that their doctor would not give them anything harmful. And it’s likely that most doctors do not intend to harm patients with the prescriptions they write, but oftentimes they do. Patients may not even realize what is happening to them until it is too late. But at Brighton Recovery Center, it’s never too late. Our drug recovery programs targeted to those addicted to prescription medications bring hope and light to those whose lives are mired in darkness and despair.
What Are the Effects of Prescription Medication Addiction?
Prescription medication abuse can cause a wide variety of harmful effects, depending on the type of medication being abused. The most commonly abused prescription medications include opioids, depressants and stimulants. Some of the brand names are OxyContin, Vicodin, Ambien, Xanax, Valium, Adderall and Ritalin.
Over time, stimulants can cause seizures, motor or vocal tics, dizziness and heart problems such as palpitations. Overdose can result in a heart attack or stroke. Depressants such as tranquilizers, sleeping pills and anti-anxiety medications can cause headaches, fatigue, confusion and other symptoms brought on by lack of sleep or poor sleep quality. Opioids depress the respiratory system, and this is how some users die. Other effects include infection, brain damage and gastrointestinal issues.