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| Prescription Pill Addiction - Counselling and Treatment Prescription pill addiction is often the most difficult drug habit to spot. These drugs are available in measured doses, legally and from doctors and pharmacies. Pill addicts do not find themselves in financial trouble, legal trouble or in dangerous situations which illegal drug addicts do. This type of addiction can continue unnoticed for long periods of time. The majority of people afflicted with prescription pill addiction will use opiates, benzodiazepines, Quaaludes, barbiturates or appetite suppressants. All that is needed to obtain these drugs is a prescription whilst some are available 'over the counter' in pharmacies. Opiates These include pills such as codeine tablets which are used as a painkiller in tablets or syrups. They are hypnotic, sedating and euphoria inducing. Opiates are synthetic forms of heroin and are physically addictive with many similar effects on the body. Quaaludes These include sleeping tablets and sedatives which contain methaqualone. Used for insomnia and anxiety they induce euphoria, increase the user's sex drive, cause drowsiness and relaxation. Mandrax was a common sleeping tablet in South Africa, but due to widespread misuse, they are illegal in the country but still prescribed overseas. Mandrax is generally smoked in the broken neck of a bottle mixed with Marijuana. Barbiturates/benzodiazepines These pills cause sedation and anaesthesia as they are central nervous system depressants. Benzodiazepines are more regularly prescribed than barbiturates as they have a lesser potential for overdose and include Valium and sleeping tablets. Patients receiving a general anaesthetic are usually given a barbiturate either in the form of gas (nitrous oxide) or injection. Barbiturates and benzodiazepines are physically addictive. Valium is often used to assist in the withdrawal from alcohol addiction and other benzodiazepines. Diet tablets Over the counter diet tablets contain pseudoephedrine which is a pharmaceutical form of speed. Effects include loss of appetite, increased heart rate and sensory perception, increased energy and insomnia. Prescription pill addiction treatment at a drug and alcohol treatment centre is usually necessary for addicts in the grip of dependence on these drugs. Unlike illegal drugs, prescription pills are easily available with no direct consequences for using them. Many doctors can be fooled, making relapse easier. A detoxification programme is usually required for opiates and benzodiazepines. Once detoxed, prescription pill addiction counselling at drug treatment facilities accompanied by working with a 12 Step self-help group and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help those with a prescription pill addiction to remain abstinent. Find out more about pill addiction treatment by contacting Oasis Counselling Centre in Plettenberg Bay, and speak to one of our qualified addiction counsellors for help. |
