Prescription medications, particularly those that are routinely prescribed to alleviate pain can be highly addictive, particularly those in the opioid group. Chronic use of opiate pills can result in tolerance to the medications so that higher doses must be taken to obtain the same initial effects. Long-term use also can lead to physical dependence, the body adapts to the presence of the substance and withdrawal symptoms occur if use is reduced abruptly. Individuals taking prescribed opioids medications should not only be given these medications under appropriate medical supervision, but also should be medically supervised when stopping use in order to reduce or avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Examples of opiates that are often abused include:
Vicodin (hydrocodone & acetaminophen)
Percocet (acetaminiphen & oxycodone)
Oxycontin (oxycodone)
Darvon (propoxyphene)

Signs of Abuse:

General “drunken-like” state exhibiting nausea

Drowsiness

Impaired coordination

Weakness

Confusion

Small pupils

Tiredness

Addiction is a BRAIN DISEASE that must be treated with a medical approach. Psychosocial treatment is far more effective if a person is first relieved of their cravings and are allowed to think more clearly.

ADDICTION IS TREATED BEHAVIORALLY, SO IT MUST BE A BEHAVIORAL PROBLEM.
Treating addiction using ONLY talk-therapy is only 13-15% effective at keeping people sober. Brain scan studies show that an addict’s brain is different than that of a non-addict. Profound changes occur after continued abuse of substances that lead to the disease of addiction.

Risks of Use:
Allergic reactions
Difficulty breathing
Swelling of lips/tongue/face
Loss of consciousness/coma

Symptoms of withdrawal can include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes with goose bumps (cold turkey).

Opioids work primarily through their interaction with the opioidreceptors, especially in the brain and spinal cord.