Drug addiction has been around for a very long time. From opium in the seventeenth century in China to cocaine leaves grown in the foothills of the Andes. However the zeitgeist of drug taking habits seems to be changing and is becoming more focused upon prescription drugs. Although there have been many different popular drugs, such as ecstasy in the 1990’s. None have been as potent or more readily available like Valium and Diazepam.
One could argue that the surge in prescription drug abuse, is due to the way in which society views prescription drugs. Some people may be averse to taking heroin. They may not see such a problem with taking prescription drugs, even though they are just as harmful. This trend of abusing these drugs is represented in all walks of life. From the poorest in society to celebrities such as Michael Jackson, Heath Ledger and Whitney Houston, who have all died as a consequence of an overdose.
Regulated and legally produced
Because of the fact that prescription drugs are regulated and legally produced, they are often more potent than street drugs. This therefore means that there is a much higher risk of overdose. People can so easily access prescription drugs, and therefore this, along with the fact that there are so many different types of prescription drugs means that their use is likely to remain high.
One of the problems which are specific to prescription drugs. Is the fact that when prescription drugs are taken over a long period of time, it can cause long term effects upon the brain. The brain has a very specific chemical balance. When this is altered it can cause the brain to stop producing natural substances like endorphins. These are in fact natural pain killers.
Another great problem with prescription drugs is that there is a wide range of drugs given with the intention of treating an illness or pain, which can then be abused. It can range from opiates such as valium to ADHD medication like Ritalin. Each drug must therefore have a different detox process, and must be treated differently.
Detox
One of the services which the Haynes Clinic offers on our drug rehab programme is a detox, which is where they are able to slowly wean people off the drugs which they have been abusing. This is important because when the chemical makeup of the brain is altered by prescription drugs. It is very dangerous to simply stop taking the drug “cold turkey”, and it could have a number of effects including drastic changes in one’s blood pressure and panic attacks.
However a detox alone will have a minimal effect upon one’s addiction. In order to stay sober there must be an attempt to tackle the underlying problems behind the drug use. Such treatment is offered at the Haynes Clinic in the form of individual counselling and group therapy. Furthermore there is an environment where one can consider the reasons why they have turned to drugs and deal with the pain which they in the past have taken drugs in order to ameliorate.
If you have an alcohol or drug related problem. Please call 01462 851414 for free and confidential advice and help.
