Although there are different ways of developing an addiction, becoming dependent on medications is easier when they are taken under a medical prescription. These types of addictions develop subtly and are harder to identify because they do not occur in a recreational setting. Under the shield of a prescription, their use is not questioned, and the problem only becomes recognisable when the symptoms are already very evident. <\/p>\n
At present, this type of addiction is a truly worrying problem affecting many countries. In the U.S., it is estimated that 52 million people have used prescription medications for non-medical reasons at least once. In Spain, a recent INCB report reveals that our country leads the world in legal consumption of anxiolytics, hypnotics and sedatives. The same report explains that in 2020 consumption increased by 4.5% and is currently at more than 91 daily doses per 1,000 inhabitants. <\/p>\n
While Spain leads the consumption of antidepressants and sleeping pills, which reveals the presence of serious disorders such as eating disorders, depression, impulse-control disorders or insomnia, these figures are also linked to the issue of dependence on these drugs. Below, we analyse which type of medication is the most dangerous in this regard. <\/p>\n
Both terms refer to the two types of medication that cause the most addiction. The first includes substances such as morphine<\/strong>, fentanyl<\/strong>, tramadol<\/strong> or codeine<\/strong>, as well as OxyContin<\/strong> and Percocet<\/strong> or Norco<\/strong>. The benzodiazepine group includes drugs such as diazepam (Valium)<\/strong>, lorazepam<\/strong>, zolpidem (Ambien)<\/strong> and alprazolam (Xanax)<\/strong>, among others. <\/p>\n The medications we know as opioids<\/strong> are used to reduce the intensity of pain signals that reach the brain and relieve discomfort. They work by acting on the areas of the brain that control emotions and reducing the effects of the painful stimulus. <\/p>\n Benzodiazepines<\/strong>, on the other hand, are used as sedatives or tranquillisers because they reduce brain activity, and they are used to treat insomnia and anxiety.<\/p>\n By contrast\u2014and with no lower addictive potential\u2014we find substances that increase the effects of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This group includes oxymetazoline, a nasal decongestant that, if used for more than three days, can create dependence, and methylphenidate, a mild central nervous system stimulant used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n In addition to common signs of poor health such as a deteriorated appearance, insomnia and weakness, or a change in behaviour that often leads to irritability or depression, there are other behaviours that may indicate an addiction to medications.<\/p>\n Slowed breathing rate, instability or lack of coordination when walking, and drowsiness are three common factors that can occur in those who abuse opioids and benzodiazepines, just as euphoria is typical of stimulant and opioid use. Even so, there are some symptoms that are characteristic of only one type of use. <\/p>\n Of course, to identify misuse of prescribed medication, it is also helpful to pay attention to the patient\u2019s comments and attitudes. Anyone who increases their dose on their own or shows questionable behaviour with prescriptions\u2014such as \u201closing them\u201d to get more, requesting them from more than one doctor, or asking for early refills\u2014should be addressed as soon as these behaviours are identified. If there is denial or aggression when this is done, it is very likely that the addiction has already developed and that it is necessary to contact a professional team<\/a> such as CC Adicciones. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n <\/p> Stimulant medications<\/strong><\/h4>\n
How can you identify an addiction to medications?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Behaviours that indicate an addiction<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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