Addiction can affect anyone, and there’s so much misinformation out there about how it happens. Even if you followed all of your doctor’s orders, it’s still possible to develop a prescription drug addiction. At Nexstep Medical Detox, we are dedicated to helping people suffering from prescription drug addictions begin their recovery near Salt Lake City, Utah.

Addictive Prescription Drugs

Xanax
Valium
Klonopin
Ambien
Adderall
Ritalin
Oxycodone
Vicodin
Codeine

Central Nervous System Depressants

Benzodiazepines

Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin are commonly prescribed benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” that are used to treat severe anxiety, panic disorder, and seizures. Sadly, many people who suffer from a benzo addiction started taking the medication to alleviate anxiety symptoms, only to find that their anxiety became worse over time.

Long-term use can lead to physical dependence with severe withdrawal symptoms, and taking these drugs with alcohol or grapefruit can lead to potentially deadly respiratory suppression.

Sedatives

Certain sleep medications, such as Ambien, have been advertised as a safer alternative to benzos, but they also have risks. Ambien is classified as a sedative-hypnotic and can lead to severe negative side effects, such as anxiety, depression, aggression, memory loss, nightmares, lack of coordination, daytime drowsiness, and addiction.

Stimulants

Amphetamines

One of the most commonly prescribed amphetamines is Adderall, which is used to treat ADHD. While this drug is incredibly helpful for allowing people with ADHD to manage their symptoms, it can be harmful if used recreationally or to boost academic or career performance.

Some of the adverse side effects of Adderall addiction include headaches, tremors, gastrointestinal issues, anxiety, depression, hallucinations, reduced impulse control, cardiovascular issues, high blood pressure, and liver failure.

Methylphenidate

Ritalin is another example of an ADHD medication that can lead to addiction when taken by someone who doesn’t have ADHD. Although Ritalin is not an amphetamine, it has similar negative side effects as Adderall.

Opioids

Oxycodone

Oxycodone is the active ingredient in OxyContin, a pain-relieving prescription drug that is sometimes also referred to as “oxy,” “O.C.,” “cotton,” or “kickers.” It’s highly effective for treating acute pain, but it’s also extremely addictive.

Vicodin

Vicodin, which contains hydrocodone and acetaminophen, is another medication that doctors often prescribe to treat moderate to severe pain. Unfortunately, it’s highly addictive and can lead to horrible withdrawals, which may include anxiety, agitation, insomnia, cramps, nausea, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, and muscle and bone pain after short-term use. In fact, some people only take it for a few days following surgery but still end up experiencing withdrawal symptoms!

Cough Medicine

Codeine

Codeine is an opioid pain medication that is available in certain prescription cough syrups, pain-relieving tablets, or as a single-ingredient drug. It is converted to morphine when broken down by the liver, and large doses can lead to comas and fatal overdoses. Some of its street names include “Cody,” “Captain Cody,” and “schoolboy.”

Dextromethorphan

Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a common ingredient in some OTC and prescription cough syrups, and it can cause people to get high and experience a “robo-trip.” Although there’s not much evidence that DXM abuse leads to withdrawal symptoms, long-term use can still lead to increased tolerance, psychological side effects, and other signs of addiction.

Lethal overdoses are possible because DXM can suppress your breathing and heart rate—especially if taken together with alcohol, benzos, or other central nervous system depressants.

Start Prescription Drug Detox In Utah

At Nexstep Medical Detox, near Salt Lake City, we recognize the pain that an addiction to prescription medication can cause, whether you started using it recreationally or under your doctor’s orders. Many of our caring staff have been through the recovery process themselves, so they understand what you’re going through. We offer Adderall detox, benzo detox, opioid detox, and more.