fbpx

Posts

Ritalin Addiction

, , , , ,

Ritalin Addiction

With all of the media focus on opioid addiction and prescription painkiller regulating, other drugs that are addicting get overlooked, like Ritalin.  Ritalin is often prescribed for Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).  It helps with focus and attention.  Recently, Ritalin abuse has been seen on college campuses where students are taking the drug (and often becoming addicted to it’s effects) in order to study longer and more effectively or to test better due to improved focus.  However, many do not realize the addictive nature of Ritalin and the risks associated with taking it when it’s not necessary.

For instance, when individuals who have not been prescribed the drug continue to take Ritalin in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms, when they can’t meet their obligations without Ritalin use, and/or feel intense urges to take Ritalin they are definitely experiencing signs of addiction.  Further, if individuals find themselves increasing their Ritalin dose over time to maintain the same effect, take Ritalin in situations where it may not be safe to do so, or are spending a lot of time obtaining, using, and recovering from the effects of Ritalin, those symptoms are also red flags of addiction as well.

Treatment for Ritalin addiction is similar to other drug addiction treatment.  Detox needs to occur in a safe medically monitored supervised setting.  Following up with therapy and counseling can then strengthen the individual against returning to Ritalin abuse and addiction.

/0 Comments/by

Extra warnings of addiction with opioid use in Utah

, , ,

Extra warnings of addiction with opioid use in Utah

In Utah, lawmakers recently pushed forward some bills indicating that extra warnings for patients about addiction risks when taking opioid painkillers will be required.  The new bills indicate that pharmacies are required to label pill containers with the following caution: “Caution: Opioid. Risk of overdose and addiction” or an similar warning the state Department of Health approves of.

Further, another bill moving forward requires prescribers to, “discuss the risks of using an opiate with a patient or the patient’s guardian before issuing an initial opiate prescription,” according to a summary attached to the bill (ksl.com).

The representatives involved believe that these bills are critical to patient education and allowing patients to be completely informed of the risks they are taking when they choose to take prescription opioids.

Although some representative have voiced opposing opinions indicating that they feel that the bills would manage doctors too closely, other lawmakers feel that more must be done to stop the increasing opioid crisis.

source: ksl.com

/0 Comments/by

5 Important Questions About Prescription Drugs

, , ,

With prescription drug abuse on the rise in a huge way- especially opioid abuse — individuals are beginning to wonder if they should fill a prescription the doctor willingly gave them following surgery or of chronic pain. A recent article published by US News titled “5 Questions to ask your doctor before you fill that prescription” gives insight into questions that should be addressed and empowers patients to ensure that they need the medications prescribed to them. The questions from the article/slide show on the health.usnews.com website are:

  1. Why am I getting this drug?
  2. What are the risks versus the benefits?
  3. Is there an older drug or lifestyle alteration that works just as well?
  4. Will it interfere with other medications I am taking?
  5. Has this drug been shown to prevent real clinical events?

These questions may seem simple, but asking them may help prevent addiction down the line. Many individuals are aware of their predisposition to addictions and should be especially cautious about taking prescription drugs. Also, education about why a drug is prescribed is something that empowers us to know if we truly need it or want to take it. Knowing if the drug has more risks than benefits can also influence one’s decision to fill a prescription. If the risks outweigh the benefits then it may not be worth it and an alternative can be sought after. Sometimes, taking a prescription drug can be an easier fix for a problem. However, if the fix leads to addiction, and there is a way to recover from a problem simply by lifestyle alteration—whether with diet, exercise, sleep, relocation, etc.,— then many individuals will opt for that. Knowing if alternatives exist is key in staying educated about prescriptions as well. Lastly, if the drug has not been shown to have positive real lasting effects upon its users, then users may opt not to take the prescription as well.

Knowledge is power and becoming aware of the reasons why a physician is prescribing medicine is key in preventing addiction. Talking openly with the doctor about alternative options is smart and preventative. Further, more and more physicians are more thorough in their prescription practices due to the fact that prescription drug addiction is on the rise.

Source: www.health.usnews.com

/0 Comments/by

Pharmaceutical Students Taught to Identify Prescription Drug Addiction

, , ,

pharmaceutical-studentstaughttoidentifyprescriptiondrugaddictionPharmaceutical Students Taught to Identify Prescription Drug Addiction

Many universities and pharmaceutical colleges are instigating a system for pharmacy students that trains them how to recognize drug addiction. 75% of individuals who visit the doctor for any sort of ailment will leave with a prescription for drugs- drugs that can often be addicting. The only thing standing in the way of a patient getting that potentially addicting medication is often a pharmacist.

For these reasons, it is imperative that pharmacists recognize signs of addiction. A publication put out by Ohio Northern University lists some red flags for recognizing suspicious prescriptions. It indicates that the following are noteworthy:

  • Prescriptions from a prescriber who writes significantly more prescriptions and in larger quantities than other prescribers in the area
  • Patient presents a prescription for both a stimulant and a depressant at the same time
  • Patient presents prescriptions bearing the names of other people
  • Prescription handwriting is too legible
  • Quantities, dosage or directions differ from typical prescribing guidelines
  • Prescription does not contain abbreviations
  • Prescription has multiple handwriting styles or ink colors

If a pharmacist is equipped to recognize and be familiar with these symptoms, they may be able to address the issue with the patient or the patient’s doctor and get some needed help before drug addiction develops or to treat ongoing drug addiction.

Source: Onu.edu

 

/0 Comments/by
Verify Insurance
ABOUT US

Our Team

Approach

Locations

GET STARTED

Admissions

Insurance

Privacy Policy

Contact Us

Verify Insurance
© 2022 Turning Point Centers | All Rights Reserved