One of the fastest growing drug problems in America is prescription painkiller abuse. Drug substance abuse treatment might be the answer, but far too many people don’t realize that they have a problem. Abusing prescription painkillers can lead to serious problems and even death. Exploring the dangers of prescription drug abuse reveals just how risky it can be.
Respiratory Problems
Many prescription painkillers are opioids. Abusing opioid prescription drugs can significantly impact the respiratory system. To start, this means that breathing can become labored. Every breath might be hard to take, and that can be scary.
Worse, breathing can start to slow down. Once a person is under the influence of an opioid painkiller, they might drift off to sleep. If the breathing slows or even stops altogether, severe and even fatal consequences can occur
Low Blood Pressure
Since most prescription painkillers are depressants, they reduce or slow down many of the body’s functions. While that might temporarily reduce the pain that users feel, it can also lead to problems with circulation or blood pressure.
Struggling with low blood pressure doesn’t always sound urgent, but it can be incredibly severe. With low blood pressure, people are far more likely to become dizzy. You’ll be far more likely to fall over, which can cause body or even head injuries as a result.
Memory Problems
Another of the many problems caused by prescription painkiller abuse is memory issues. First, it is the short-term memory that is impacted. People who abuse prescription drugs might start to notice blackouts or periods of time where they can’t remember what happened. That can spread to become whole days where there is no recall.
Over time, it is possible for even long-term memory to be impacted. That means some drug users might forget childhood memories or struggle to recall family members, faces and loved ones in the future.
Drug Abuse Becomes Addiction
Without prescription drug and substance abuse treatment, abuse can quickly become an addiction. Prescription painkillers are highly addictive, and breaking free from this chemical dependence is challenging. The sooner a person stops using drugs, the easier the entire recovery process will ultimately be.
Coma or Death
Arguably the most significant risk of prescription painkiller use is that it can cause coma or even death. This can happen after a single use, or it can occur because of an overdose. There is no such thing as safe drug use, and there is a risk every time someone abuses prescription painkillers.
Overcoming Prescription Painkiller Abuse
To end the abuse of prescription painkillers, a drug and substance abuse treatment center in Houston TX may be able to help. The best approach to recovery is comprehensive care that includes therapies like:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- 12-Step programs
- Holistic therapies
Prescription painkiller abuse is not harmless. It can cause serious problems, lead to addiction or cause death. The only way to fight back against drug abuse is through medically supervised treatment and rehab.