How You Can Safely Use The Many Types Of Prescription Drugs

Types of Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs can be used to treat a variety of health complications but can also be abused and become dangerous. Recently, abuse of prescription drugs has risen and now prescription drugs are the second most commonly abused drug in the United States. For those who have become addicted to or simply abuse prescription drugs, drug treatment at a drug rehab facility is available.

Abuse of prescription drugs is very popular among teens, due to its accessibility. Older people, typically above 60 are another common age group that abuse prescription drugs. Many elderly people cannot read their own prescriptions or forget when and if they have already taken their prescription, because of this accidental prescription drug abuse may take place.

One popular event involving prescription drugs is called “Pharming”. This type of event is popular among teens and involves taking large amounts of prescription drugs at one time. In many cases, alcohol is included. These parties are very dangerous because serious side effects can result as many people don’t know what drugs they have taken. If your loved one abuses prescription drugs, seeking help at one of the many drug treatment centers may be helpful. These drug rehab facilities offer a variety of programs and specialized therapy. At treatment for drug abuse centers, often both group and individual therapy is available.

Three of the most popular prescription drug forms include:

  1. Central Nervous System Depressants – These drugs are used to treat sleeping complications, anxiety, and panic attacks. Mebaral, Nembutal, Valium, and Xanax are names of these depressants.
  2. Opiods – This drug class is primarily used to regulate pain. Specific types of drugs include OxyContin, Avinza, Vicodin, Demerol, Percocet, and Kadian.
  3. Stimulants – Drugs classified as stimulants include Ritalin, Adderall, Strattera, Dexedrine, and Concerta. These drugs are used to treat problems such as ADHD, narcolepsy, and depression, or to encourage weight loss.

Using Prescription Drugs Safely

The following are a variety of ways to safely take prescription drugs.

  1. Never take more than the recommended amount. Before increasing or decreasing your dosage, check with a qualified health professional.
  2. Tell your doctor if you have experienced drug addiction in the past.
  3. Regularly visit you doctor to check up on your improvement. By doing this, your health professional can assess your improvement and the effectiveness of any medications.
  4. Follow the advice (regarding your prescription) of your doctor. Avoid certain foods, drinks, or activities which may be harmful to your recovery. If your doctor has not mentioned any, ask about this.
  5. Note any changes in your mood and physical condition. This information may be helpful to your physician.
  6. Read any instructions you are given regarding taking prescription drugs.
  7. Only use medication prescribed to you. Using someone else’s prescription, or letting a friend have some of your prescribed medication is illegal and dangerous. Also, if you use someone else’s medication without their permission, you may be hindering their recovery by using needed prescription drugs. Most pharmacies will not refill prescriptions until the drug should have been properly used up.
  8. Talk with your doctor regarding any tolerance you may have built up to your prescription.

For those who are addicted to prescription drugs, outpatient and inpatient drug treatment is often very beneficial. Inpatient drug treatment offered at a drug rehab facility is helpful in stabilizing symptoms of withdrawal. Drug treatment offered at an outpatient drug treatment center may be more effective for someone who will have difficulty adjusting back into everyday life. Therapy is offered as a part of both of these programs and is especially successful when treating those at drug treatment facilities.

Disclaimer


This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for medical advice. We understand that everyone’s situation is unique, and this content is to provide an overall understanding of substance use disorders. These disorders are very complex, and this post does not take into account the unique circumstances for every individual. For specific questions about your health needs or that of a loved one, seek the help of a healthcare professional.