Treating Prescription Stimulant Addiction

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Behavioral therapies are proven methods in treating prescription drug abuse amongst stimulants like Ritalin. There are no proven meds at this time for treatments for stimulant addiction. The NIDA however, is supporting a number of studies on potential medications for treating stimulant addictions. 

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The Treatment for Prescription Opioid Addictions

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Opioid addiction is on the rise all around the world. There are several options available fro treating prescription opioid drug addiction adequately. These options are gathered from research in the treatment of heroin patients. These treatments include medications such as naltrexone, methadone, and buprenorphine, as well as behavioural counselling approaches. 

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Treating Prescription Drug Abuse

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Illicit or prescribed drug abuse addiction is a brain disease, that like any other disease, can be treated effectively. Years of research has proven this. there is not one single treatment that is appropriate fro all individuals addicted to prescription medications. The type of drug used and the needs of the individual must be taken into account when deciding on a proper treatment. In order for a treatment o be successful, several components, including detoxification, counselling, and in some cases, pharmacological therapies all need to be incorporated. In order for a patient to make a successful recovery, multiple courses of treatments may need to be used. 

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The Role of Patients and Pharmacists in Preventing Prescription Drug Abuse

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Pharmacists play a key role in preventing Rx drug misuse and abuse by providing clear info and advice about how to take a medication properly. They also need to provide information on the effects this medication may have and about any possible drug interactions. Pharmacists can help prescription Freud by looking for false or altered prescription forms. Many pharmacies have developed 'hotlines' to alert other pharmacies in the region when a fraud is detected. 

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The Role of Health Care Providers

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About 70% of Americans, approximately 191 million people, visit a health care provider at least once every two years. Therefore, health care providers are in an exclusive position to prescribe medications to their patients in need, as well as recognize and prevent a prescription drug addiction when it exists. They are also responsible for setting goals for recovery and seeking the appropriate treatment when need be. What can also be incorporated into a routine history in taking any past or current drug abuse issues. This screening can be done by asking questions about what prescriptions and OTC medications the patient is taking and what for. Screening can also be done if the patient a question presents symptoms associated with drug abuse. 

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The Long Term Consequences of Dexadrine Abuse

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ADHD medications, such as Dexedrine, are generally stimulants that can give the user a feeling of extra energy or hypersensitivity. Many people abuse these medications so that they can stay up longer or feel more alert and sensitive to any situation. Dexedrine has also become pretty popular as a way to lose weight because it increases the body’s metabolism, which burns calories quickly.  

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Addicted to Prescription Drugs

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On September 29, 2009 Dr. Oz was featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show to discuss the dangers of prescription drug abuse.  According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, more Americans abuse prescription drugs than cocaine, heroin and ecstasy combined. "What started out as a legitimate prescription for pills from a doctor now has 6 million Americans addicted," Dr. Oz says.  

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Should I Self-Medicate?

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Do you ever drink and feel depressed or feel depressed and so you want to drink?  Studies have shown a link between depression and drinking.  Doctors have now identified the link of substance abuse and depression and have defined it as a dual diagnosis.  “According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, people who have suffered recent episodes of major depression have higher rates of alcoholism and drug addiction compared with the rest of the population.  More than 21 percent of adults who experienced a depressive episode within the previous year engaged in substance abuse, compared with 8 percent of those not dealing with depression.”  (http://bit.ly/tI37t)

People with depression often try to self-medicate using drugs or alcohol.  Alcohol is a depressant, which is the biggest problem when depressed people try to self-medicate because alcohol will only intensify their depression.  On the other hand, people with depression will often turn to drugs trying to elevate their depressed mood by taking a substance.  When alcohol and substance abuse gets out of control, mental disorders can develop.

There are multiple sources that can trigger depression and drinking.  Having Brain Developmental issues, Genetic factors, and Environmental factors like stress and trauma can be strong precursors of developing substance abuse and depression.  To have the best results of treatment you must treat both the addiction and the depression.  Self-medicating will only hurt you.  If you notice that you have been turning to alcohol or drugs to treat your depressed mood it is time to get help.  Contact us now and we can help you find the right kind of treatment
 

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