Opioids

Opioids addiction (which includes OxyContin, Vicodin, and others) is most commonly prescribed to treat pain. The risks associated with Opioids are wide-ranging and can be extreme. This class of drugs is highly-addictive and responsible for many deaths due to overdose. Mixing Opioids with any other drug (including alcohol) often leads to respiratory distress or respiratory failure. Some users crush the drugs, liquify and inject directly into their bloodstream to get a quicker “rush”. The danger of overdose is higher among those who inject these drugs and they are at greater risk of contracting HIV or Hepatitis through us of dirty or shared needles.

Central Nervous System Depressants

CNS (Central Nervous System) Depressants include the Opioids; tranquilizers like Xanax and Klonopin as well as other drugs used as sedatives (commonly called sleeping pills).This group of drugs is also extremely addictive and can be accompanied by severe withdrawal dangers. Chronic users who wish to discontinue using these types of drugs should do so only when managed by a medical professional. Mixing Xanax, Klonopin or any type of sedative with another drug (including alcohol) can result in a slowing of the respiratory system and may result in death. The risk of overdose is high when using CNS Depressants.

Stimulants

Stimulants (such as Adderall,Ritalin, and others) are often viewed as ‘safe’ and a means to enhance academic achievement and to lose weight. These drugs are not safe; they may result in death just like any other prescription drugs we have discussed. Instead of suppressing body functions, stimulants can result in dangerously high blood pressure, body temperatures of over 107 degrees, organ failure, cardiac arrest, and death.
Because the largest number of prescription drug abuse is carried out by adolescents, parents need to know what to look for if they suspect their child is using drugs:

• Differences in behavior; a once laid back child is now “bouncing off the walls”. The adolescent who was once full of energy is now lethargic and sleeping more than usual.
• Insomnia, constant movement and/or twitching of joints and muscles
• Rapid (unexplained) weight gain or weight loss.
• Mood Swings – You may observe a wide range of moods – sometimes in a matter of minutes; swinging from mellow to violent. If this is not typical behavior for your loved one, you may have reason to be concerned.
• Loss of Interest – Drug abusers often lose interest in things they once enjoyed. They become more and more content to spend long periods of time in isolation.

Find A Way To Recovery

If you, or a loved one, are concerned about prescription drug abuse, you may feel better knowing that recovery is a truly viable option. Many millions of addicts live rich and fulfilling lives, free from substance abuse. Most addicts cannot recover without some type of aid; there is a great deal of help available. Twelve-step groups (like A.A. or Narcotics Anonymous – N.A.)have proven to be the path to successful recovery for many millions of people.

Other addicts recover through in-patient or out-patient treatment programs or by receiving one-on-one counseling with an addictions specialist. The important thing to know is you can quit if you have the desire to.