Medication addiction

Is medication use getting out of hand?

Medication addiction​

This often involves sleeping pills, sedatives, and pain relievers. These medications have a calming effect and help you relax and soothe anxiety. When prescribed by your doctor and used responsibly, they are generally safe. However, the problem arises when a medication becomes addictive, which can lead to serious consequences.

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What is a medication addiction?

The sedative effect can turn a normal medication into an addictive substance, especially if it is used over an extended period. Tolerance can develop after just a few weeks, requiring a higher dose to achieve the same effect. Medication addiction can be both psychological and physical. Due to physical dependence, you may experience various withdrawal symptoms if you stop or try to stop using the medication.

These symptoms may include:

  • Trembling
  • Sweating
  • Headaches
  • Insomnia
  • Nervous feelings

This increases the likelihood that you will turn to medication again. When you become addicted to a medication, you may feel that you can no longer function without it.

Can any medication be addictive?

As mentioned, addiction to medication often involves sleeping pills and tranquilizers. These are used for issues such as sleep problems, restlessness, and anxiety disorders. Due to the high risk of medication addiction, these substances may only be used for a few weeks. However, within that short time frame, one can still develop a medication addiction.

The most commonly used tranquilizers include Temesta, Xanax, Seresta, and Valium. The best-known sleeping pills are Rohypnol, Dormicum, Dalmadorm, Mogadon, and Normison. These medications are available by prescription only. Additionally, painkillers such as Oxycodone (which falls under the category of opioids) can also be addictive. It’s important to note that one can develop a medication addiction even for over-the-counter drugs, typically pain relievers like paracetamol.

Am I addicted to medication?

If you are convinced that you need medication to function, you may be experiencing a medication addiction. The symptoms of a medication addiction can vary from person to person and are, of course, dependent on the type of medication you are using. A medication addiction often manifests as obsessive thoughts about your medication, the amount you take, and when you use it. You may come up with excuses to obtain repeat prescriptions or buy your medication on the black market. You create justifications for yourself and those around you to rationalize your medication use, or you lie to keep your addiction hidden from others. You know that the downsides of use outweigh the benefits, yet you find it difficult to stop (on your own).

Ramon, 36

My surroundings watched my medication addiction with concern and were seriously worried. It was only when I had lost my job, friends, and social contacts that I began to seek help. I found The Grange online, and it seemed to be the institution that suited me best. This feeling has been confirmed from the very beginning. After an intense detox, inpatient treatment, and good aftercare, I have blossomed again. I am now gradually re-entering the wider world, but this time without an escape and dealing with life as it is.

An intensive program

Your recovery journey from a prescription drug addiction may require detoxification, a process we refer to as “detox.” Before beginning treatment at our rehabilitation clinic, it may be necessary to spend a few weeks freeing your body from alcohol or drugs. Our specialists and physicians will support you through this process, ensuring that after a few weeks, you are substance-free and ready to start your recovery from prescription drug addiction in our rehabilitation facility.

Support for prescription drug addiction

Prescription drug addiction can have very serious consequences, so getting professional help to overcome it is essential. The Grange can assist you with this. We offer a specialized, tailored treatment with a focus on sustainable recovery.

Would you like to learn more about what we can do for you? Or are you seeking help to overcome your prescription drug addiction? Please reach out to us, you’re not alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

A medication addiction can raise many uncertainties. Below, we answer some frequently asked questions regarding medication addiction.

It can be challenging to determine on your own if you’re truly addicted to medication. A good first step is to learn about the symptoms of medication addiction. Are you finding yourself dependent on your prescribed medication? Do you need increasing amounts to achieve the desired effect? Are you unable to stop on your own? If so, you may have a medication addiction. Depending on the type of medication, frequency, and dosage, this can have serious consequences. We recommend reaching out to us for support. This is entirely without obligation!

This depends on the type of medication. Below is an approximate timeline by drug category:

Opioids
Urine: 3 – 4 days
Blood: up to 12 hours
Hair: up to 90 days

Benzodiazepines
Urine: 3 – 6 weeks
Blood: 2 – 3 days
Hair: up to 90 days

Amphetamines
Urine: 1 – 3 days
Blood: up to 12 hours
Hair: up to 90 days

Benzodiazepines are prescribed for conditions such as anxiety disorders and sleep issues. They are commonly used as tranquilizers, sedatives, and sleeping aids.

Some examples of benzodiazepines include:

  • Pentobarbital sodium (Nembutal®)
  • Diazepam (Valium®)
  • Alprazolam (Xanax®)

We distinguish three classes of medications associated with a high risk of addiction: opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants. The symptoms and consequences of medication addiction may vary depending on the specific drug.

If two people take the same amount of the same medication at the same time, it will clear from one person’s system faster than the other’s. This elimination process depends on several factors, including age, weight, tolerance, metabolism, and liver and kidney function.

Stimulants are commonly prescribed in the treatment of ADHD and ADD.

Some examples of stimulants include:

Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine®)
Methylphenidate (Ritalin® and Concerta®)
Amphetamines (Adderall®)

Opioids are typically prescribed as pain relievers. Unlike nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids do not have an anti-inflammatory effect. They bind to specific receptors in the central nervous system, reducing the sensation of pain.

Some examples of opioids include:

  • Fentanyl (Duragesic®)
  • Hydrocodone (Vicodin®)
  • Oxycodone (OxyContin®)
  • Oxymorphone (Opana®)
  • Dextropropoxyphene (Darvon®)
  • Hydromorphone (Dilaudid®)
  • Meperidine/pethidine (Demerol®)
  • Diphenoxylate (Lomotil®)

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