| ext">You can prevent prescription drug abuse with the | | | | to physical dependence when the person might require |
| help of drug and alcohol rehab programs. In this | | | | drug and alcohol rehab. Withdrawal symptoms have |
| situation, a major role is played by pharmacists, health | | | | also been reported. Pharmacological treatments for |
| care professionals as well as the patient themselves in | | | | opioids include methadone, naltrexone, buprenorphine |
| preventing the misuse as well as addiction towards | | | | and naloxone which are effectively used to treat |
| prescription medications. One of the major areas that | | | | overdoses. |
| is emphasized by drug and alcohol rehab centers is | | | | Central Nervous System Depressants: These |
| that when a doctor recommends a CNS medication, | | | | medicines slow the usual brain functions and when |
| stimulant or pain relief medication, the patient needs to | | | | taken in high doses, they can even act as general |
| carefully follow the directions that are required for | | | | anesthetics. Some of the commonly used CNS |
| usage. They should also be aware of the potential | | | | depressants are sedatives and tranquilizers. They |
| effects that the medication could possibly have if they | | | | affect the neurotransmitters in the brain which reduces |
| interact with other medicines. This is why all the | | | | brain activity, leading to drowsiness. Prolonged usage |
| instructions need to be followed in advance. | | | | when discontinued may lead to withdrawal and even |
| Indications of Prescription Drug Abuse | | | | seizures. In such a situation, in house counseling or |
| Health care professionals and physicians need to | | | | outpatient medical supervision may be required. |
| screen the patient during their routine checkup at the | | | | Another method used is that of cognitive behavioral |
| drug and alcohol rehab center, which should include the | | | | therapy which is used in case of abuse of |
| taking down of their case history. Along with that, they | | | | benzodiazepines. |
| should be asked about the over the counter medicines | | | | Stimulants: The main reason as to why stimulants are |
| that the patient is taking and for what reason. Are | | | | used is that they enhance the alertness of an individual, |
| there any rapid increases in the amount of medication | | | | other than increasing their attention and energy levels. |
| that is needed or if there are frequent requests being | | | | This is accompanied by an increased blood pressure, |
| made for refills before the prescribed quantity needs | | | | respiration and rate of heartbeat. Stimulants have a |
| to be used. Here are the types of prescription drugs | | | | chemical structure that resembles the brain |
| that are frequently abused: | | | | neurotransmitters which are known as monoamines. |
| Opioids: These are commonly prescribed medications | | | | The levels of these chemicals are increased which |
| that act as effective analgesics for pain relief, and | | | | thereby increases the heartbeat, blood pressure and a |
| include OxyContin, morphine, meperidine, oxycodone | | | | state of overexcitement. Stimulants should not be |
| etc. Opioids attach themselves to proteins and affect | | | | taken with over the counter cold medicines that |
| the brain which alters the person’s reaction to | | | | contain decongestants or anti depressants. |
| pain. Using opioids for a prolonged period of time leads | | | | |