Each year, thousands of people in the U.S. die from a drug overdose. Both prescription drugs and illicit substances are responsible for millions of dollars of addiction treatment and medical care. However, it is possible to prevent an overdose. Also, help is available at a drug rehab center in Maryland if you need help ending your addiction to drugs.
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
Failure to follow doctor’s orders is a leading cause of increases in healthcare costs. In many cases, patients either do not trust their doctor’s diagnosis or are not disciplined enough to use prescription medication as prescribed. A patient who tests the boundaries of their medication may suffer from an overdose or fall into drug addiction.
Therefore, if a doctor prescribes medication for your condition, make sure you follow the doctor’s orders and listen to your pharmacist’s recommendations. Do not hesitate to ask questions or find out more about the side effects of overdosing on the drug.
Avoid Drinking While Taking Your Medication
Drug overdose can easily occur when combining the drug with alcohol. Benzos and opioids are powerful drugs that alter brain function when taken. Adding alcohol to your system can strengthen or counter the effects of the drug, complicating brain function to the point where you may feel the side effects.
For instance, if you drink while taking opioids, it can slow down your brain and central nervous system (CNS). If you drink regularly, using alcohol and opioids can lead to an alcohol and drug addiction, as your brain becomes accustomed to both substances. Your best option is to stop drinking alcohol while taking your medication.
Get Help at a Drug Treatment Center
If you feel like you are developing an addiction or dependency on a drug, you may want to seek help at a drug addiction treatment center. With the right treatment at drug rehab, you can overcome your addiction to drugs and reduce your chances of a drug overdose. A treatment specialist can assess your condition and provide the right treatment plan that promotes long-term recovery.
You can choose from a wide range of treatments such as:
- Residential treatment
- Outpatient treatment
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy program
- Individual therapy program
- Group therapy program
- Family therapy program
Each program is designed to meet your needs and help you reach your recovery goals.
Do Not Extend Your Prescription
Most medications, such as benzos and opioids, are designed for short-term use. One of the reasons for this is the risk of addiction. The longer you take the drug, the more likely you will need to seek help from a substance abuse treatment program. The best way to keep from getting addicted to drugs is to stay within your prescription timeline.
If you extend the prescription, your body will develop a tolerance to the drug’s effects. Naturally, you will want to increase the dosage to keep feeling the effects. This leads to a cycle where you eventually become dependent on the drug. So, do not extend your prescription.
Talk to Your Family About Your Prescription
One of the best ways to prevent an overdose is to set up a system of accountability. You can talk to your family about your medication and the risk of addiction. Come up with a plan for using the medication and what you and your family can do to keep you from becoming addicted to the drug.
You may also want to discuss the possibility of side effects and what to do if an overdose occurs. When your family is involved in your treatment, they can help you use the drug as prescribed and stop using it when you need to.
Learn More About How to Prevent a Drug Overdose at TruHealing Centers
If you would like to learn more about preventing a drug overdose, contact Amatus Recover Centers at [Direct]. We offer comprehensive addiction treatment therapies for all types of drug addictions.