Normally Undisclosed Facts About Prescription Drug Addiction & Long Term Effects

I hate to have to say this, as I am a retired nurse and this comment isn’t very kind to the medical field, but it’s TRUE! NEVER TRUST YOUR DOCTOR! Physicians are trained to treat their practice as a business where money matters more than people’s lives. I’m not speaking of every doctor, but, I am speaking of most. Say an emphatic ‘NO’ to addictive prescriptions drugs. If you are on them, my recommendation is to find a medical doctor who is an addiction specialist who can safely wean you off of those drugs keeping you in bondage. NEVER try to do any detox on your own. It could cause many, many dangerous problems, including death. Below are a few facts and stats about Rx drugs.

1. Prescription drugs are the third most commonly abused substances after marijuana and cocaine, with 16.3 million people misusing prescriptions in a year. This highlights how widespread the issue is, despite being less discussed than other forms of drug abuse.
2. Contrary to popular belief, fewer than 1 in 10 prescription drug abusers misuse the drugs with the goal of getting high. Most people who misuse prescription drugs do so for the drugs’ intended medical purposes, not for recreational reasons.
3. Only 12.7% of people addicted to prescription drugs acknowledge their addiction. This low rate of addiction recognition is a major barrier to seeking treatment.
4. Young adults are the heaviest users of prescription drugs, but older and elderly patients are at heightened risk of misuse and addiction. The risks for older adults are often overlooked.
5. Prescription drug abuse has actually declined by 13.8% since 2015. While still a major issue, this trend is rarely highlighted in discussions about the epidemic.
6. “Doctor shopping” – seeing multiple doctors to obtain more prescriptions – is a common but little-discussed tactic used by those misusing prescription drugs.
7. Prescription stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin are widely misused, especially among students, but receive less attention than opioids in addiction discussions.
8. Many people mistakenly believe prescription drugs are safe to misuse because they are regulated pharmaceuticals, not realizing the significant risks involved.
9. A large portion of prescription drug misusers obtain the drugs from friends or family members with legitimate prescriptions, rather than from illegal sources.
10. Environmental factors play a significant role in developing prescription drug addiction, similar to other forms of substance abuse. The complex interplay of these factors is often overlooked in public discourse about prescription drug misuse.

The long-term effects of prescription drug addiction can be severe and wide-ranging, impacting both physical and mental health as well as overall quality of life. Here are some of the key long-term effects:

1. Organ damage and failure, particularly to the liver and kidneys. Chronic prescription drug abuse can put significant strain on these vital organs.
2. Tolerance and physical dependence. Over time, the body requires higher doses to achieve the same effects, leading to increased risk of overdose.
3. Psychological addiction and cravings. The brain becomes rewired to compulsively seek and use the drug, making it extremely difficult to quit without professional help.
4. Withdrawal symptoms when stopping use. These can be severe and potentially dangerous, especially if quitting suddenly without medical supervision.
5. Mental health issues, including increased anxiety, depression, paranoia, and other psychological disorders.
6. Decreased cognitive function. Long-term abuse can impair memory, concentration, and overall brain function.
7. Cardiovascular problems, including increased risk of heart disease and sudden cardiac arrest (especially with stimulant medications).
8. Respiratory issues, potentially leading to respiratory failure (particularly with opioid painkillers).
9. Increased risk of infections like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV, especially if drugs are injected.
10. Social and personal problems, including strained relationships, financial difficulties, and career setbacks.
11. Gateway to other substance abuse, potentially leading to use of illicit drugs like heroin.
12. Overdose risk, which increases as tolerance builds and higher doses are needed.

It’s important to note that the specific effects can vary depending on the type of prescription drug being abused (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants) and individual factors. Professional treatment is crucial for addressing prescription drug addiction and mitigating these long-term health risks.

Long-term prescription drug use can have significant psychological side effects, including:

1. Depression and anxiety. Chronic use of prescription drugs, especially opioids and benzodiazepines, can lead to or exacerbate mood disorders.
2. Paranoia and psychotic behavior. Some prescription medications, particularly stimulants, can induce paranoid thoughts or psychotic symptoms with prolonged use.
3. Cognitive impairment. Long-term use can affect memory, concentration, and overall cognitive function. This may manifest as difficulty with tasks requiring focus or complex thinking.
4. Psychological addiction and cravings. The brain becomes rewired to compulsively seek and use the drug, making it extremely difficult to quit without professional help.
5. Increased risk of developing other mental health disorders. Prescription drug abuse can worsen existing mental health conditions or contribute to the development of new ones.
6. Changes in personality and behavior. Chronic use can alter a person’s typical behavior patterns and personality traits.
7. Emotional instability. Users may experience mood swings, irritability, or difficulty regulating emotions.
8. Decreased motivation and apathy. Long-term use can affect the brain’s reward system, leading to a lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities.
9. Sleep disturbances. Many prescription drugs can disrupt normal sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or other sleep-related issues.
10. Increased risk of suicidal thoughts. Some prescription medications, particularly when misused, can increase the risk of suicidal ideation.

It’s important to note that these psychological effects can vary depending on the type of prescription drug being used, the duration of use, and individual factors. Additionally, abruptly stopping long-term prescription drug use can lead to withdrawal symptoms that may include severe psychological effects and eventually to seizures and death by accidental overdose that you never saw coming. Professional medical supervision is crucial when addressing long-term prescription drug use and its psychological impacts.

Have an awesome and super blessed rest of your day! Oh, and say, “no thanks” to addictive prescription drugs. Your doctor is either a healer or a dealer. Find a healer!