Prescription drug use has been on the rise for the last decade and seeking out the help of drug rehabilitations in Kansas City is a growing need. There are people that buy prescription drugs from friends or off the street, but most prescription drug addictions start with a legitimate short-term problem with pain, anxiety, or even attention deficient disorder. In some cases, once the problem is resolved, the drugs prescribed don’t stop being prescribed or are never tapered off to smaller dosages. This leads to a dependence on prescription drugs and the great need for drug addiction help in Kansas City.
According to drug treatment centers in Kansas City, there are three major types of prescription drugs that are abused on a regular basis, and they are
- Opioids
- Anti-Anxiety Medicine or Sedatives
- Stimulants
All have a place in the medical community to treat certain conditions, but when used illegally or when no longer needed medically, they can all be dangerous. Here are some of the most common side effects of each type of drug so that you know what to look for.
Opioids– sleepy, confused, severe constipation, nausea, feeling high, breathing is slow and shallow
Anti-Anxiety Medicine or Sedatives– sleeping, stumbling while walking, not able to focus, forgetful, slow breathing, slurring their words
Stimulants– feeling high, talking fast, heightened body systems such as blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate, not eating, not sleeping, anxiety, paranoia
There are also several behavior signs that would point to drug addiction of any kind and will need the help of drug treatment in Kansas City. These include:
- Stealing or asking others for prescriptions
- Mood swings that don’t seem normal to that person
- Making bad decisions that cause legal trouble
- Doctor hopping, or going to multiple doctors for the same disorder and seeking prescriptions from them all
- Sleeping all the time or not sleeping at all
Now that we know what signs to look for, here are some of the best ways to prevent prescription drug use according to Gold Bridge Treatment Center, a premier drug treatment center in Kansas City.
- Be aware of what condition your medication is specifically for, and check with your doctor to ensure that it’s the best option and the right dose.
- Don’t ask to borrow other prescriptions. It could be a slightly different medication and a different dose than yours and could have dangerous side effects.
- Follow the directions of your doctor and the medication bottle carefully. Take only the dose that is prescribed to you. If it says one pill a day, two isn’t better. Stick to what the bottle says, and if you have any questions on the dose, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
- Stick with one doctor that you trust that can monitor your condition and need for medication. Share with them all the medicine you are taking to make sure you don’t have any drug interactions or overdose dangers.
- Throw away all medications in a safe place. Many communities have prescription drug drop-offs to ensure they are disposed of properly. This ensures children or teenagers do not gain access to prescription drugs.
At Gold Bridge Treatment Center, a drug and alcohol inpatient treatment center in Kansas City, you will work with an addiction specialist to find the root cause of your substance abuse and come up with a plan that will lead to a path of sobriety, restored relationships, and a whole self.
Drug addiction help in Kansas City is only a phone call away. Contact us today at 913-837-4653 or visit our website to fill out a contact form or learn more about our facility.