Prescription to Addiction

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Prescription to Addiction

07 January, 2022Articles, News

Understanding Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription drug abuse is a pervasive issue, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. In South Africa, this problem often remains hidden, but its consequences can be devastating. In this article, we’ll explore the challenges of prescription drug abuse, the importance of seeking help, and how Crossroads Recovery Centre, with its reputation as one of the best rehabs in South Africa, offers a lifeline to those in need of addiction recovery.

Prescription Drug Abuse Unveiled

Prescription drug abuse extends beyond merely taking a friend’s painkiller for a headache. It involves using prescription medications in ways not intended by the prescribing doctor. This can range from snorting or injecting pills to achieve a high to taking larger doses to experience the same effect. Regardless of the method, the consequences can be severe.

One alarming trend is the abuse of prescription drugs among older adults, often in conjunction with alcohol. These medications can trigger the brain’s reward centre, leading to physical dependence and addiction. Shockingly, statistics show that more than 18 million people aged 12 and older have used prescription drugs for nonmedical purposes in the past year, affecting over 6% of the South African population.

Understanding the Classes of Abused Prescription Drugs

The National Institute on Drug Abuse has identified three classes of prescription drugs commonly abused:

Opioids: These medications are primarily used to manage pain. However, prolonged use can lead to abuse, dependence, and addiction. Opioid overdose is a grave concern, potentially leading to life-threatening breathing problems or even death.
Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants: Benzodiazepines, often prescribed for anxiety and sleep disorders, can become addictive. Over time, larger doses may be required to achieve the desired effects. Combining these drugs with alcohol can have dire consequences, including a slowed heartbeat and breathing. Withdrawal from CNS depressants can even lead to seizures without proper treatment.
Stimulants: Initially used to treat conditions like asthma and obesity, stimulants are now prescribed for ADHD, ADD, and depression. These drugs raise heart rate, blood sugar, and blood pressure. Misuse or combining them with decongestants can result in irregular heartbeat and elevated body temperature.

The Path to Recovery

The good news is that substance use disorders, including prescription drug addiction, are treatable. Effective treatment takes into account the specific drug involved and the individual’s unique needs. It often involves detoxification and counselling to address the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.

One successful approach is the 12-Step model, which provides support, encouragement, and accountability for those committed to recovery. Sponsorship and regular meetings foster a strong social support system that has helped countless individuals maintain sobriety.

Crossroads Recovery Centre: Your Partner in Recovery

If you or a loved one is struggling with prescription drug addiction, know that help is available. The road to recovery may be challenging, but Crossroads Recovery Centre is here to guide you toward a life of sobriety and health.

As one of the best rehabilitation centres in South Africa, Crossroads offers comprehensive addiction treatment, including detoxification and counselling. Their 12-Step programmes and supportive community can be your lifeline to recovery. No matter how bleak things may seem, hope is just a phone call away.

Whether you’re grappling with addiction to sex, gambling, substances, alcohol, or food, Crossroads Recovery Centre is equipped to provide the help you need. Contact us today for a free assessment, and take the first step toward a brighter, addiction-free future.

Take the courageous step towards a healthier, addiction-free life today. At Crossroads Recovery Centre in Johannesburg, we offer a compassionate and comprehensive approach to addiction treatment. Our dedicated team is here to support you on your journey to recovery. Contact us now, and let’s walk this path together, towards a brighter future.

Reclaim your life from the clutches of addiction at Crossroads Recovery Centre in Pretoria. We understand the challenges you face, and our experienced team is ready to guide you towards a brighter, substance-free tomorrow. Don’t wait; reach out to us today, and let’s start your journey to recovery together. Your new beginning is just a call away.

No Obligation Addiction Assessment

Book a No Obligation Confidential Assessment at your nearest Treatment Centre Today.

Johannesburg Admissions: +27 74 895 1043

Pretoria Admissions: +27 82 653 3311

Stories of Recovery

The encouragement, love and support from the team at Crossroads allowed me to eventually see that I was worth something - that my life could be turned around and that I could accomplish the things that had long been a forgotten dream.
Oliver VG
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On the last day of my stint at Crossroads I could only express gratitude towards all who works there. A wise councillor once commented on my question when one is ready for rehab by explaining that when one is ready for rehab, rehab is ready for you.
Johan B
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I was lost and my soul was broken until I ended up at Crossroads and was introduced to the Twelve Steps. With the help of their excellent staff and amazing support I have recently been clean for 18 months, I could not have done it without them!
Carla S
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"Just for today I am more than three years in recovery. I have Cross Roads to thank for this wonderful gift. Cross Roads helped me to set a firm foundation in my recovery on which I can continue to build."
Angelique J
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Approved Medical Aids

Ritalin abuse in South Africa

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Home / Posts tagged "Prescription medication"

Ritalin abuse in South Africa

03 November, 2021Articles, News

Ritalin is a medication used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) defines ADHD as a chronic condition of a combination of problems including the difficulty to sustain attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour. The main medications used in South Africa to treat ADHD are Ritalin and Concerta. They have the same chemical structures (methylphenidate hydrochloride) and are similar in chemical makeup to stimulants such as cocaine and amphetamines. Ritalin can be just as addictive. Street names for Ritalin include diet coke, kiddie cocaine, kiddie coke, poor man’s cocaine, R-ball, rids, skittles, Smarties and vitamin R .

Ritalin is primarily used as a stimulant medication to increase attention span and decrease hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour. The medication seems to have a positive impact on the treatment of ADD (attention deficit disorder) and ADHD but at the same time has opened up a panacea for potential abuse and there is a lot of controversy around the use of medication to treat the diagnosis of ADD and ADHD. In fact, there is huge controversy about the very existence of the above mentioned disorders, with the scientific experts suggesting a clear neurological basis for the disorders and some other more holistic proponents saying they are not diseases in the chemical sense at all but rather behaviourally based maladaptions. The jury is still out.

The dosage prescribed is based on the severity of the condition and the response to treatment. The drug slowly raises the users dopamine levels in the brain, achieving a therapeutic effect for those with proper ADHD (and similar) diagnoses. However, if individuals who do not have ADHD take these medications, the result will be hyperactivity and overstimulation. Though it helps many people, this medication can be addictive. The risk may be higher if you have a related substance use disorder (such as overuse of or an addiction to alcohol). If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms such as :

visual hallucinations,
suicidal thoughts
psychotic behaviour
aggression or violent behaviour
depression or other mood changes
paranoia
fatigue

Withdrawal symptoms are more likely if you have used methylphenidate for a long time or in high doses.

Signs of Ritalin addiction include:

Needing higher doses to feel the drug’s effects (tolerance)
Experiencing strong urges to use Ritalin
Finding new ways to obtain the drug—legally or illegally—in order to abuse it
Using Ritalin even if it’s causing issues with loved ones or responsibilities.

Those struggling with an addiction to Ritalin are advised not to quit taking the drug without medical supervision. At Crossroads we consult with our specialist medical provider as to the best method for detoxification for the individual. Some people use the drug recreationally—without a prescription—and those who take more than their prescribed dosage are at risk for developing an addiction to Ritalin. It is common for adolescents who are prescribed these types of medications to trade their drugs to other kids who are not in need of them and hence are using these substances illegally. This leads to very severe consequences in terms behaviour as adolescents and eventual addiction to the medication. When abused by older teens or adults – especially if it’s crushed or snorted or injected – the drug is more like other forms of amphetamine, including methamphetamine, that have damaging and addictive psychological and physical effects.

If you or a loved one needs assistance with Ritalin abuse in South Africa – know that help is readily available. The road to recovery is not always an easy one but getting yourself or your loved one the best possible care from the team at Crossroads Recovery Centre, provides you with a map to sober, healthy living. No matter how bad things seem, there is hope and it’s only a phone call away. If you or anyone close to you needs help with an addiction to sex, gambling, substances, alcohol or food, please contact us for a free assessment.