Many people have an inaccurate (or at least incomplete) understanding when they hear about “the drug problem in this country.” They immediately envision an emaciated crackhead picking at the sores on her skin, a wild-eyed methamphetamine tweaker out in the boonies, or a heroin junkie nodded out on a filthy city street. While these problems certainly do exist, it might be surprising to learn that approximately 40 percent of admissions to drug treatment centers consist of prescription drug abusers.
Abuse of painkillers, tranquilizers and other prescription drugs is becoming epidemic, especially among young people. These so-called “white collar addictions” are no less dangerous than addictions to street drugs, though users are often lulled into thinking they are safe because they are manufactured and distributed legally. Psychosis, life-threatening seizures, overdose and other severe health issues result from using prescription drugs, and recovery is a long and difficult process.
Quitting prescription drugs abruptly can be dangerous, so the first step in recovery is to enter a prescription drug rehab center licensed for detoxification. Medically supervised detox uses anticonvulsant medications and other ameliorative measures that make withdrawal safer and more comfortable, though the process takes a long time. There are also more rapid detox techniques, such as neurotransmi...
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