Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment in Saint Paul
Prescription drug addiction treatment in Saint Paul has become a necessary service due to the growing number of addicts in the area. There are many health risks of prescription drug abuse, including addiction, serious illness, and even death. Prescription drug abuse rates are on an upward trend, with the problem becoming more and more prevalent today. There are many reasons for this rise in misuse, including ease of availability, a public perception of safety associated with pharmaceuticals, and their more acceptable use socially. Many who abuse prescription drugs do so after having been prescribed it by a physician or health care provider and ignoring the prescribed dosages and intervals.
If you are suffering from prescription drug addiction, contact drug and alcohol detox centers in Saint Paul. Dial (877) 804-1531 for more information.
Abusing Prescription Drugs
Despite public perception, prescription drugs are no safer than their illicit counterparts in that misusing them still carries serious consequences. Abuse of addictive pharmaceuticals is no different than any other substance abuse and leads to complications. It is estimated that 52 million people in the United States will fall into prescription drug abuse this year.
Commonly abused pharmaceuticals are generally in the stimulant or sedative category. Most stimulants can be similar to illicit stimulants such as cocaine or methamphetamine. Some have slightly differing effects, but the same general overall result. Popular drugs in this category include methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin). Sedatives are more often abused and are highly addictive. Most are from the opioid family, such as morphine, codeine, and the like. Trade names such as Vicodin and OxyContin are well-known in prescription drug abuse circles.
Prescription drugs are categorized in the same way that illicit drugs are, using the U.S. Department of Justice's controlled substances index. Abuse of these drugs has legal ramifications that can lead to jail time. Controlled substances are scheduled in groups 1 through 5 (I-V) with the least medically valuable and most addictive being in Schedule I and the least dangerous and least addictive being in Schedule V. Most opiates and other prescription drug options that are abused fall into Schedule II, drugs that have medicinal value but are highly addictive and prone to abuse.
Treatment
It is possible to fight prescription drug addiction. During the medical detox process, patients are slowly weaned off substances under the care and supervision of Saint Paul addiction specialists. This will eliminate their physical dependence on the drug. Afterward, patients are encouraged to attend therapy programs and attend a local Narcotics Anonymous (http://www.naminnesota.org/) meeting. Saint Paul addiction recovery programs can help you build a better future, call today!