Taking prescription drugs without a doctor’s recommendation increases the risks for several adverse consequences, including addiction. Even after developing an addiction, additional problems often still result. There are many common risks of prescription drug addiction, and recognizing these risks may indicate the need for addiction treatment. The addiction treatment programs at TruHealing Centers can be the key to recovery for those addicted to prescription drugs.
4 Common Risks of Prescription Drug Addiction
1. Withdrawal Symptoms
Many people who develop addictions to prescription drugs, especially opioid drugs, can eventually become tolerant of the drugs. Tolerance happens when the body doesn’t respond to typical doses and needs more to have the same impact. Rather than taking multiple prescription pills, some people switch to stronger illegal drugs, such as heroin.
Heroin addiction is especially dangerous because there is a high chance for overdose, which may be fatal. Additionally, quitting high doses of prescription drugs or illegal drugs is more difficult because withdrawal effects are stronger. Some common symptoms encountered during drug withdrawal may include:
- Bone or muscle pain
- Sleep problems
- Appetite changes
- Digestive problems, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Shaking
- Mood changes, such as depression or anxiety
Therefore, anyone who has an addiction to prescription drugs should seek professional opioid or heroin detox with medical supervision at TruHealing Centers. Our medical experts can ensure that the side effects do not lead to serious consequences or the premature ending of detox.
2. Injury to Self or Others
Driving under the influence does not always have to mean under the influence of alcohol. Taking prescription drugs can cause serious impairment, too. For instance, benzodiazepines can cause a sedating effect that can slow coordination, similar to how alcohol does. If someone drives while under the influence of these drugs, they could get into a wreck and harm themselves or others.
Even for those who don’t drive, an injury can still happen. Many prescription drugs slow reaction times and may cause stumbling or problems with judgment. Therefore, someone could fall downstairs, accidentally walk into traffic, or become a crime victim.
3. Legal Issues
Using illegal drugs or misusing prescription drugs are both crimes. If caught, a person could fall into legal problems that require paying fines, going to court, spending time in jail, or getting a prison sentence. Convictions could also impact future job prospects since many employers conduct background checks and ask about any legal problems during the hiring process.
Depending on the location and the judge, though, some people may have to go through a drug addiction treatment program to satisfy some requirements of the law. If this happens, it could serve as a wake-up call to make a change before getting jail time or another serious consequence.
However, the best option is to go through treatment before getting into legal problems. Entering rehab for heroin or another illegal drug addiction will not put the individual at risk of prosecution. Instead, it gives them a chance to turn around their life before the law catches up to them.
4. Losing a Job or Failing at School
Concentration often suffers from drug use. Therefore, chronic prescription drug abuse can lead to failing classes at school or getting behind at work. In severe cases, the individual may lose academic credits, be forced to leave a school, or get fired from work. As with legal problems, getting help before these severe consequences happen is the best course of action.
Prevent the Risks of Prescription Drug Addiction with Our Help
Most people understand the risks of addiction. However, quitting alone is not easy. At TruHealing Centers, we provide the help needed to overcome addiction through our prescription drug addiction recovery programs.
Getting help for prescription drug abuse starts with connecting with us by phone at [Direct] or filling in our online contact form. We give our clients the resources they need to stop addiction and start their new, sober lives.