Overcoming Prescription Drug Addiction A Guide to Coping and Understanding

by Colvin, Rod

• ISBN13: 9781886039889
• ISBN10: 1886039887
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-06-01
• Publisher: Addicus Books

Summary

This newly revised third edition delves into the most widely abused narcotic in the U.S.prescription drugs. The book offers help to those suffering from this type of addiction as well as their families. The topics discussed include dynamics of addiction and the newest treatment options, who is at risk for addiction, why more teens are abusing prescription drugs, the symptoms of withdrawal, and methods of intervention for family members. Personal stories from addicts who describe their journeys into recovery are also included. Prescription drug addiction is now one of the nation's most serious drug problems. More Americans are abusing controlled prescription drugs more than cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants, and heroin combined. With the exception of marijuana, prescription painkillers are the most widely abused drug in the U.S. Many who are addicted to prescription drugs are "unwitting addicts"they have no history of drug abuse, but become addicted after taking a drug for legitimate reasons. Rod Colvin understands this problem. His 35-year old brother died as a result of his long-term addiction to painkillers and tranquilizers. Drawing from his personal experience and his background as a counselor, Colvin offers help to those suffering from addiction as well as their families. In this new, third edition, Colvin discusses dynamics of addiction and the newest treatment options; he also offers compelling personal stories from addicts who describe their journeys into recovery. These anecdotes are accompanied by advice from addiction medicine specialists. The Book Answers These Questions: How does addiction "rewire" the brain? What are the symptoms of addiction? Who's at risk for addiction? Why are more teens abusing prescription drugs? When does proper medical use of a drug turn into addiction? What happens if the drugs are stopped abruptly? What are the symptoms of withdrawal? What is the difference between addiction and physical dependence? What are the top 20 most-abused prescription drugs? How Can You Leave Prescription Drugs Behind? Read stories of recovery from individuals who are in recovery Learn how they become addicted Find out how they made it into recovery What were the turning points in their lives that made them seek recovery? What is their advice to others who are struggling? Treatment for Addiction What are the treatment options? What is a medical detox? What is in-patient treatment? What is out-patient treatment? What is a partial-day treatment plan? &

Author Biography

Rod Colvin has served on an advisory panel for the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, Columbia University, which did a landmark study on prescription drug abuse. He also maintains the popular web site: www.prescriptiondrugaddiction.com. His previous books are Prescription Drug Abuse and Precription Drug Addiction. He lives in Omaha, Nebraska.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. ix
Introduction	p. xi
Coping with Addiction	p. 1
Understanding Addiction	p. 3
Voices of Recovery	p. 21
Treatment for Addiction	p. 52
Insights on Recovery from Addiction Medicine Physicians	p. 70
Support for Families	p. 89
Pain Management and Addiction	p. 107
Seniors: At Risk for Drug Misuse and Addiction	p. 115
Obtaining Fraudulent Prescriptions	p. 123
Diverting Drugs from Doctors	p. 125
Diverting Drugs from Pharmacies	p. 130
Efforts to Curb Drug Abuse	p. 139
Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs	p. 141
Law Enforcement Efforts	p. 149
In Closing	p. 157
Appendix A	p. 159
Appendix B	p. 163
Resources	p. 169
Index	p. 174
About the Author	p. 187
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