About this topic
Prescription drug abuse can cause you physical and mental health problems. It can happen with a drug that is ordered for you or for someone else. Drug addiction happens when a drug is misused. Some drugs are habit- forming. They include pain killers and drugs for sleeping problems. Drugs to help with worry or anxiety, and attention or hyperactivity problems may also be habit-forming. The drugs may be abused to lower your stress or to make you feel better. A drug may be taken over and over without the need for it. There are many things that may cause drug addiction. But, with the right care, you can go back to leading a healthy life. ‚
Recovery is the process of finding better ways to deal with problems, other than using drugs. Treatment often involves counseling. Medicine may be needed and works best when combined with other therapy. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Most of your recovery will take place after coming home. Work with your doctor and ask for helpful tips for recovery. Make all your doctors aware of your problem and they will be able to help you as well.
- Set a goal and write down a plan of action for how you are going to recover.
- Get support.
- Find a support group that is right for you. Once you find a group that you like, get a sponsor. Many people find help in 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Cocaine Anonymous. These programs are a way for you to reach out to others with the same problems to help you. Call a local chapter for information on the meetings.
- Talk with friends and family. They may also be a source of support while you recover. Let them know how to best help you. They may find it helpful to join a 12-step program for family members of one who is addicted, like Al-Anon. These programs will give your family facts about recovery and how they can help you recover.
- Be active.
- Get involved with others by joining social or church activities in your town.
- Be a volunteer to help others.
- Do something new in your life or career and focus on things that are of great value to you.
- Deal with your feelings.
- Learn to handle anxiety, anger, conflict, and feeling alone in healthier ways. Your doctor, support group, and sponsor can help with this.
- Learn how to cope with stress without the use of drugs. Some people enjoy exercise and meditation. Others like to play with pets. Try listening to music or having a massage. Go for a walk or a drive. Find out what works best for you.
- Avoid places, people, or situations that would trigger your cravings. Do not hang out with old friends who are still abusing drugs. Instead, spend time with people who can support your recovery.
- Find ways to cope with cravings:
- Talk with family or friends. This often helps to ease and relieve the feeling of cravings. They may also help you do things to distract your attention.
- Distract yourself with some activities. Get yourself interested in something to make your urges go away. Read a book, watch a movie, ride a bike, or take a walk.
- Challenge yourself to change the way you think. When cravings happen, you may remember the good feelings only and tend to forget the bad effects. Remind yourself that you will not really feel good if you return to drug use.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Make sure to keep all visits with your counselor.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order medicines to: ‚
- Help ease the effects of withdrawal from the drugs you were using
- Prevent your urge to return to drug abuse
- Help block cravings for the drug you were using
Will physical activity be limited?
- Physical activity may not be limited. Doing certain activities may greatly help you avoid returning to the drug addiction.
- Take good care of your health. Get regular exercise, enough sleep, and keep your energy up. When you feel good, drug use may tend to be less tempting.
What problems could happen?
- Drug withdrawal. These are the signs that happen when you suddenly stop taking drugs that you have used for a long time.
- Mood problems
- Anxiety
- Sleep problems
- Problems with thinking
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Learn about the risks of the drugs before using them. Prescription medicines are helpful in treating a specific problem. They are powerful and can make people want to take them much longer than they actually need to.
- Avoid people who are using illegal drugs. Do not share drugs. Also, avoid those who think it is OK to use drugs without a medical reason.
- Promote strong healthy family ties and friendships. This way you and your children may lower the chance of drug use.
- Ask for help when you have problems with anxiety, fear, moodiness, helplessness, or other mental problems.
- Be aware of any family history of drug or alcohol addiction. This problem tends to run in families.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
- You feel you might hurt yourself or someone else
- You feel you are going to start using drugs again
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
- You have any concerns about your condition
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how I will deal with my feelings and cravings.
- I can tell you what I will do if I feel I might hurt myself or someone else, or I am worried I might start using drugs again.
Where can I learn more?
National Institute of Health ‚
http://nihseniorhealth.gov/drugabuse/improperuse/01.html ‚
National Institute on Drug Abuse ‚
http://teens.drugabuse.gov/facts/facts_rx1.php ‚
http://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/prescription-medications ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/teen/drug_alcohol/drugs/prescription_drug_abuse.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚