Doctors all across the nation prescribe drugs each and every day. The drugs may be intended to combat chronic pain or give a patient relief after surgery or injury, but prescription pain medication can easily be abused. Many of these medications lend themselves to addiction or dependency. Some people may visit multiple doctors to obtain multiple prescriptions for the same or similar medications in practice known as “doctor shopping.” This is dangerous, and if you find yourself searching for secretive ways to obtain prescription drugs, you should consider contacting an opiate addiction treatment center instead.
For top-of-the-line opiate addiction treatment in Laguna Beach, look no further than Oceanfront Recovery. Our beautiful facility, conveniently located near the beach, is well equipped to make your recovery process fulfilling and effective. With customized treatment plans for our clients, we take pride in ensuring that everyone who walks into our doors gets the help they need. Recovery isn’t something you need to accomplish alone, and our team of specialists would love to walk with you on your path. For more information about our treatment programs, call 877.296.7477 today to speak to a member of our staff.
How Doctor Shopping Can Harm You
Doctor shopping may seem like a way to have access to a longer-lasting supply of medication, but it carries with it a host of dangers:
- Unregulated doses. Prescription drugs should only be administered in the way your doctor has told you to take them. Doctor shopping may make people more comfortable with larger or more frequent doses, leading to an accidental overdose death.
- Your tolerance. You may think that you can manage larger doses without overdose, which likely isn’t true. Even if you can avoid that, tolerance is something to think about. The more you take, the more your tolerance increases. This can mean more serious levels of substance abuse.
- Legality. Many states have employed various measures to try and cut down on doctor shopping, including government databases. You could be arrested for it, or your doctor or pharmacist could refuse to see you again.
- Addiction. This may seem like the most obvious item on the list, but when it comes to prescription drug abuse, a serious dependency can develop before you realize it’s happening.
The Dangers of Prescription Drug Abuse
Prescription drugs include some of the most commonly abused substances in the country. High-potency opioids, in particular, are often abused by people who have no other prior history of substance abuse. The reasons for this are varied. Prescription drug abuse can begin after someone uses pain medication to recover from an injury. Still, it can also begin when a household member takes medication from the household member with the prescription.
The effects of prescription drug abuse can be astronomical. Long-term abuse can lead to serious health problems as well as psychological issues. Without a doctor’s instructions, users may mix prescription drugs that can’t interact together, making their risk of overdose skyrocket. The effects vary depending on the specific substance being abused. For instance, sedatives can seriously affect your memory and nervous system, while opioid abuse can lower your blood pressure and breathing rate.
Get Help at Oceanfront Recovery
Oceanfront Recovery’s opiate addiction treatment center can help you regain control of your life and stop abusing prescription drugs. From withdrawal to rehabilitation to aftercare, Oceanfront Recovery is here to make the healing process easier on you and your loved ones. At our technologically advanced, comfortable facility, you will have access to constant care and resources to aid you in your recovery. If you or a loved one is doctor shopping or abusing prescription drugs, reach out to us today by calling 877.296.7477 or visiting us online.
