What is Pharmaceuticals Addiction

Pharmaceutical addiction is an ever-growing problem that a lot of people aren't taking seriously. Since these medicines are doctor-prescribed, addicts feel that their problem isn't as serious as street drug addiction, but the truth is, pharmaceutical addiction is just as serious as being hooked on heroin, cocaine, or other drugs. Prescription drug addicts use medicines for unintended purposes or in high quantities, and they become dependent on the drugs to feel normal. They experience between-dose cravings, and continue to use despite all the negative consequences such as loss of jobs, relationships, or physical harm. Some signs of pharmaceutical addiction include:

• Listing ambiguous symptoms in order to get more medicine
• Not having interest in non-pharmaceutical treatment options
• Mood swings
• Doctor shopping to get more medicines
• A history of drug abuse
• Using too much of the medicine or taking it too often, or using pills prescribed to other people

Pharmaceuticals are drugs and work in the human brain in much the same way as street drugs do. When an addict uses, their brain chemistry is changed, and the brain becomes less effective at producing endorphins and dopamine. Because the brain isn't producing these chemicals, they need to come from somewhere else- leading to overuse and dependency. Especially at risk for pharmaceutical addictions are senior citizens; they are prescribed drugs far more often. An addict may experience things like:

• Anxiety and depression
• Insomnia or excessive sleeping
• Lack of interest in relationships
• Withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop using

Where pharmaceutical addictions are concerned, the most worrisome aspect is the potential for drug interactions. If your doctor does not know all the medicines you are taking, they may prescribe something that will lead to dangerous side effects; this applies to natural supplements and vitamins as well. Combining prescription drugs and alcohol can also have severe effects- if you take a painkiller or sedative and then drink, your central nervous system will be impacted, leading to respiratory failure and sometimes even death by overdose.