Top 5 articles on prescription drug addiction

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Valium Addiction

Valium addiction is a serious condition, if you or someone you love lives in the Orangeburg, SC area and need help with this addiction or any other please contact: The William J. McCord Center for help and information on their services. It is recommended that if you live in Columbia SC and your addiction is severe outpatient services may be inadequate in helping you overcome your problem. Seek assistance by visiting: Treatment Centers in South Carolina.

Addiction to Ambien

Ambien, also known generically as zolpidem is a sedative-hypnotic with effects similar to Valium and Xanax. It is most often prescribed to people for short-term treatment of insomnia. Short term insomnia would be for a duration of around 4 weeks. Physicians are always advised to exclude other possible reasons for insomnia that last longer than this time frame. If you live in South Carolina and are experiencing insomnia or sleep deprivation, see: Stress And Insomnia - Restless Legs Syndrome South Carolina for a list of doctors throughout South Carolina that treat Insomnia.

Read on: Addiction to Ambien

Oxycontin and why it can kill you

Oxycontin is one of the most popular abused substances currently being taken by users today. Once it arrived in the market place it became a fast growing, recreational drug. Its highly addictive nature alone causes extensive damage that must be addressed quickly to prevent the user from its deadly effects. Unfortunately, like many drugs that enter the marketplace that are supposed to be used to help people manage serious health problems, Oxycontin has become a popular drug to misuse.

Read on here: Oxycontin and why it can kill you

Addiction to Klonopin

Klonopin or k-pin is a benzodiazepine drug having anti convulsant, muscle relaxant, and anxiolytic properties. Clonazepam is classified as a high potency benzodiazepine and is sometimes used as a second-line treatment of epilepsy. Clonazepam, like other benzodiazepines, used primarily for treatment for acute seizures, is not suitable for the long-term treatment of seizures due to the patient developing a tolerance to the anti convulsant effects. Clonazepam is also used for the treatment of panic disorder.

Read more here: Addiction to Klonopin

Information on Morphine addiction and withdrawal

Morphine is a highly addictive substance. It can cause psychological dependence and physical dependence as well as cause the user to build up a tolerance. Morphine has an addiction potential identical to that of Heroin. When taken, Morphine becomes a very serious narcotic habit and addiction can develop in a matter of weeks. Read on here: Morphine addiction and withdrawal

For support and information for family members, see: The Addicted Family.

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• Morphine mom denied bond
• Tips on getting through to an addicted loved one
• What makes some people become an addict?
• Will Steven Adler be the next celebrity to succumb to drugs?
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Addiction to Klonopin

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Klonopin or k-pin is a benzodiazepine drug having anti convulsant, muscle relaxant, and anxiolytic properties. Clonazepam is classified as a high potency benzodiazepine and is sometimes used as a second-line treatment of epilepsy. Clonazepam, like other benzodiazepines, used primarily for treatment for acute seizures, is not suitable for the long-term treatment of seizures due to the patient developing a tolerance to the anti convulsant effects. Clonazepam is also used for the treatment of panic disorder. If you live in South Carolina and are suffering from addiction to Klonopin, see: Klonopin Addiction.

Those most prone to addiction to Klonopin tend to be the elderly. Those aged 65 years and older seem to become the most dependent on this drug. The elderly metabolize benzodiazepines at a vastly slower rate than younger individuals and are  more sensitive to the effects of benzodiazepines. Doses for the elderly are recommended to be about half of that which is given to younger adults and given for no longer 2 to 2 1/2 weeks at the most.
Klonopin  and the elderly
Long-acting benzodiazepines such as clonazepam are not generally recommended for the elderly because of the high risk of drug accumulation. Caution in the elderly: increased risk of impairments, falls and drug accumulation. Individuals and individuals with co morbid psychiatric disorders such as multiple personality disorders, etc are especially in danger of suffering the most ill side effects. Clonazepam is generally not recommended for use in elderly people for insomnia due to its high potency relative to other benzodiazepines. Particularly important especially among the elderly is the withdrawal effects that can be dangerous. Abrupt withdrawal from clonazepam may result in the development of the benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome causing psychosis characterized by dysphoric manifestations, irritability, aggressiveness, anxiety, and hallucinations. Sudden withdrawal may also induce the potentially life threatening condition status epilepticus. Anti epileptic drugs, benzodiazepines such as clonazepam in particular, should be reduced slowly and gradually before discontinuing the drug to reduce withdrawal effects. Carbamazepine has been used in the treatment of clonazepam withdrawal and has been found to be ineffective in preventing clonazepam withdrawal status epilepticus from occurring, which is important to take into consideration. psychotic manifestations, irritability, aggressiveness, anxiety, and hallucinations. Sudden withdrawal may also induce the potentially life threatening condition status epilepticus.

Anti epileptic drugs, benzodiazepines such as clonazepam in particular, should be reduced slowly and gradually when discontinuing the drug to reduce withdrawal effects. Carbamazepine has been used in the treatment of clonazepam withdrawal and has been found to be somewhat ineffective in preventing clonazepam withdrawal  status epilepticus from occurring. Status epilepticus is a life-threatening condition in which the brain is in a state of persistent seizure. Typically it is defined as one continuous unremitting seizure lasting longer than 30 minutes. Medical attention must be sought immediately for this.

Least dangerous/benign side effects:

Dizziness

Drowsiness

Confusion

Loss of or impaired motor function

Lack of coordination and balance

These side effects are typically experienced when used in the short term.

Side effects when combined with other drugs:

Use of alcohol and other depressants intensifies the general effects of the drug.

Withdrawal dangers:

Klonopin use is especially dangerous when it is used of the drug is abruptly discontinued after long term use. Everyone who continually use Klonopin long term becomes what is known as low dose dependent. Side effects of the drug itself are generally benign, but sudden withdrawal after long-term use can cause severe, even fatal, symptoms.

Symptoms of withdrawal include:

Anxiety

Irritability

Insomnia

Panic Attacks

Tremors

DT’s (Delirium Tremens)

Long term use dangers:

Withdrawal from Klonopin can last from months to a life time. This occurs in those at high risk for dependency. This results because of brain damage which is usually irreversible. Some symptoms include:

Anxiety

Insomnia

Tinnitus

Tingling and numbness in limbs

Muscle pain and tension

Cramps

Weakness

Irritable bowel

Cognitive difficulties

If you suspect you are addicted to Klonopin, or any other drug, see: The Addicted Family for additional support and information.

Related articles by this author:

• Addiction to Ambien
• Tips on getting through to an addicted loved one
• Information on Morphine addiction and withdrawal
• Top 5 most dangerous drugs
• When your love isn't enough, how to deal with an addict

Addiction to inhalants

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Addiction to inhalants

All too often addiction to inhalants becomes overshadowed by other drugs like meth and crack cocaine. However, inhalants are just as deadly and even scarier, because they are easier to obtain due to the fact many are sold in many retail stores for other purposes. If you live in South Carolina and are suffering from inhalant abuse, or have a loved one suffering see: State Rehab Information - South Carolina

What are inhalants?

Inhalants are a broad range of drugs whose volatile vapors are taken in via the nose and trachea. Most inhalant drugs that are used non-medically are ingredients in household or industrial chemical products that are not intended to be concentrated and inhaled. A small number of recreational inhalant drugs are pharmaceutical products that are used illicitly.

Categories of inhalants - volatile solvents, aerosols, gases, and nitrites

Side effects of using inhalants

Short term adverse side effects of abusing inhalants include dilated pupils, palpitations, breathing difficulties, disorientation, headaches, nausea and a chemical smell on the breath. In extreme cases they can include death from suffocation or heart failure, as well as vivid hallucinations and a tingling sensation in the extremities.

Long term side effects of using inhalants

• Bone marrow injury

• Heart damage

• Lung damage

• Liver damage and/or cirrhosis

• Kidney damage

• nerve cell damage

• Brain shrinkage
   
  
• Addiction and tolerance
  
  
• Withdrawal
   
• severe weight loss
   
• Muscle weakness
   
• confusion
  
  
• lack of concentration
   
• Poor coordination
   
• Irregular or rapid heart palpitations
  
  
• Irritability
   
• Depression
   
• Reduced ability to make rational decisions 
   
• Dementia
  
  
• Lost sense of touch
   
• Deafness
   
• Blindness
   
• Reproductive complications

Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome:

Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome is the result of someone (usually a youth) sniffing inhalants. While it can occur with any variety of Inhalants, it has been reported largely due to the abuse of air conditioning coolant, butane, propane, and the chemicals in some aerosol products as well. Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome can and does result in sudden cardiac arrest. The Inhalant causes the heart to beat rapidly and erratically, thus causing cardiac arrest in the user.

Related articles

• Will Steven Adler be the next celebrity to succumb to drugs?
• Addiction to Ambien
• Morphine Abuse and Treatment

Addiction to Ambien

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Ambien, also known generically as zolpidem is a sedative-hypnotic with effects similar to Valium and Xanax. It is most often prescribed to people for short-term treatment of insomnia. Short term insomnia would be for a duration of around 4 weeks. Physicians are always advised to exclude other possible reasons for insomnia that last longer than this time frame. If you live in South Carolina and are experiencing insomnia or sleep deprivation, see: Stress And Insomnia - Restless Legs Syndrome South Carolina for a list of doctors throughout South Carolina that treat Insomnia.

Ambien is a schedule VI drug as defined by the FDA, and is considered to have a somewhat low potential for abuse. That being said, Ambien can be habit forming especially in cases where it is taken for longer that a short term treatment. Those taking the medicine on a regular basis for longer than 4 to 5 weeks should look into other reasons for the insomnia. Addiction to this drug occur when there is a hidden illness either physical or mental that is affecting the patients inability to sleep. If one is addicted to this drug, they should not attempt to stop on their own without proper treatment. Symptoms of Ambien withdrawal include insomnia, fatigue, stomach cramps, and panic attacks.

Here are some disadvantage involved with using Ambien

1. This drug causes retrograde amnesia, meaning the patient may forget what occurs prior to and after taking the drug. Combined with alcohol, this drug has been used as a date rape drug.
2. If one has become addicted to Ambien, suddenly stopping can be extremely dangerous especially if over use of the drug has caused the patient to build up a tolerance. Seizures could be triggered by doing so suddenly.
3. Ambien is a “downer” and for those suffering from depression this drug may cause symptoms of depression to become worse. Taking any form of this drug via the black market means no medical supervision and can result in accidental overdose. Combined with alcohol, this drug has been used by those suffering from depression to commit suicide.

While this drug is considered safe, and a useful treatment for temporary problems with sleeping, this article covers the negatives as they relate strictly to addiction of the drug. For most people, this drug is helpful. However it should never be taken without being under the care of a healthcare provider. For information on other types of addictions, see: The Addicted Family.

Related articles by this author:

• Dealing with more than one addiction
• Top 5 most dangerous drugs
• Information on Morphine addiction and withdrawal
• When your love isn't enough, how to deal with an addict
• What makes some people become an addict?
• Addiction to Crystal Meth

Valium Addiction

Image via WikipediaWhat is Valium?
Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that help people decrease anxiety, nervousness and sleeplessness. Benzodiazepines help people recovering from alcoholism because it seems to lessons withdrawal symptoms as well. Valium is a therapeutic drug that also has extremely addictive qualities.
It is used to manage short-term anxiety disorders as well as to reduce the negative effects of sudden alcohol withdrawal. It is also used as a muscle relaxant and anti-convulsant.

Valium addiction can be the result when the drug is used for longer or in greater quantities than was prescribed by a doctor for anxiety or pain. The addict may find that they need more and more just to achieve the desired effect. Approximately 50 percent of people who are on this medication for six months or more show Valium addiction signs.

The first step in confronting Valium addiction is often having the addict physically detoxify from the drug. This has to be done carefully because often stopping the drug can have the very effects that the drug was originally intended to help with: panic and anxiety.


Signs of Addiction to Valium
Lack of coordination
Fatigue or drowsiness
Decrease in memory
Blunt emotions
Confusion
Depression
Anxiety
Irritability
Difficulty in focusing
Aches, pains and other physical ailments

Valium withdrawal
Withdrawal from Valium can be serious and if not monitored properly could lead to death. It is important if you or your loved one is thinking about stopping the drug that it be closely monitored by a medical professional. If you or loved one has tried to stop before without success, there are substance abuse treatment centers available for this type of drug abuse.

Valium withdrawal symptoms:
Psychosis
Insomnia
Diaphoresis (sweating)
High blood pressure
Tremors
Hyper-anxiety
Vomiting
Cramps
Irritability
Depression
Seizures
Diarrhea
Increase in heart rate
Tingling in extremities
Loss of appetite and weight
Stomach problems
Vision problems