ExecutiveDetox.org

Prescription Drug Dependence: The Invisible Addiction

The alcoholic has become a fixture in society. Everybody knows the classic signs of alcoholism: the slurred speech, the wobbly walk, the sour odor. And alcohol is everywhere—it’s easy to obtain. It’s part of the larger culture.

But compared to alcohol abuse, prescription drug abuse is almost invisible. Unlike alcohol, pills don’t have an odor. Pills are not served in fine restaurants or shared at family dinners on Thanksgiving. It’s often hard to tell if someone has a prescription drug addiction, especially if that person is a successful and highly functioning business executive.

But like alcohol dependence, prescription drug addiction can strike anyone at any time, and it is on the rise everywhere. One common victim of this addiction is an older adult who has surgery and in the process of recovery finds himself addicted to pain killers.

And like any other substance addiction, prescription drug addiction causes serious social, professional, and health problems, and professional detox is the only realistic way to beat it.

Symptoms and Effects of Prescription Drug Addiction

The most common prescription drugs that people become addicted to include many of the sleeping pills, pain killers, and opiates prescribed by doctors with the best intentions. Here are some common brand names:

• Vicodin
• OxyContin
• Methadone
• Percocet
• Hydrocodone
• Lortab
• Xanax

Addiction begins when the patient overuses the drugs prescribed by doctors. The patient often is unaware that he is abusing the drugs or that he is even addicted.

But whereas the alcoholic usually shows outward signs of physical addiction and the resulting physical and mental deterioration, a person hooked on prescriptions drugs often shows little or no outward signs of addiction, making it hard for friends, family, and business associates to tell if there is a problem.

Nevertheless, prescription drug addiction has many potentially deadly side effects:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Respiratory depression
• Lethargy, mental depression, and anxiety
• Low or high blood pressure and circulatory problems
• Heart disease and stroke

And even highly functioning business executives can show some or all of the social signs of addiction:

• Mood swings
• Erratic behavior
• Mental confusion
• Hyperactivity and insomnia
• Radical weight changes
• Depression
• Changes in social groups
• Declining interest in routine activities
• Lying and deception
• Doctor searching and illegal activities (to obtain prescriptions)

All or some of these symptoms are signs of a potentially serious problem with prescription drugs. But like most other addictions, realizing that a problem exists is the first vital step toward recovery.

The Need for Professional Detox for Prescription Drug Addiction

Trying to stop any addiction alone, without medical help, is nearly impossible. Addiction is both a physical and psychological disease.

The physical side effects of withdrawal depend on the drug in question, but many prescription drug addicts are addicted to more than one drug. Withdrawal side effects include:

• Severe restlessness, anxiety, and cravings
• Nausea and excessive vomiting
• Increased heart rate that can lead to heart attacks and strokes
• Uncontrollable behavior that can lead to physical injury

A prescription drug addict has a much better chance of recovery if detox takes place in a professionally monitored environment.

Luckily, help is easily available. All you have to do is call our no-risk, no-obligation, toll-free number. Our professional staff is ready to assist in finding the right detox for any addiction.

Call now and we will connect you to a nationwide network of professional detox centers. Whether you are looking for a private executive detox or a noninsurance payment plan, we can help find the right solution for you.