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Prescription Drug Addiction Treatments for Union Members

Prescription Drug Addiction Defined

Prescription drug abuse is when someone uses prescription medications in a way that was not intended by the prescriber. This can include everything from taking a friend’s painkiller for a backache to snorting ground-up pills to get high.

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Table of Contents

  1. Prescription Drug Addiction Defined
  2. Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs
  3. Opioids
  4. Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants
  5. Stimulants
  6. Signs of Prescription Drug Addiction
  7. Physical Signs
  8. Psychological Signs
  9. Social Signs
  10. Long-Term Effects of Prescription Drug Addiction
  11. Prescription Drug Addiction in the Workplace Statistics
  12. Prescription Drug Withdrawal Explained
  13. For Prescription Opioids
  14. For Benzodiazepines
  15. For Stimulants
  16. What Human Resources Departments Need to Know About Prescription Drug Addiction
  17. Treatment Options for Prescription Drug Addiction
  18. How Can Union First Help You?

Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs

The most commonly abused prescription drugs include opioids, central nervous system (CNS) depressants, and stimulants. Let’s take a closer look at each one to understand their effect.

1. Opioids

Opioids, or painkillers, are the most commonly misused prescription medication in the U.S. Opioids are often prescribed for pain relief. Most people abuse opioids for the feeling of euphoria while high. Common opioids include: 

  • Codeine
  • Morphine
  • Methadone
  • Fentanyl

2. Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants

CNS depressants are medications that are used to slow brain activity. Often prescribed for anxiety, panic, acute stress reactions, and sleep disorders, these prescription drugs can cause drowsiness, reduced anxiety, and lowered blood pressure. CNS depressants include sedatives, tranquilizers, and hypnotics. There are three classes of CNS depressants: benzodiazepines, non-benzodiazepine sedative hypnotics, and barbiturates. Common CNS depressants include: 

  • Valium
  • Klonopin
  • Xanax
  • Ambien
  • Lunesta
  • Nembutal

3. Stimulants

Stimulants are another type of commonly misused prescription drug. These types of medication speed up messages traveling between the brain and body to increase one’s energy and mental alertness and cause feelings of exhilaration. Common stimulants include:

  • Coffee
  • Nicotine
  • Amphetamines
  • Methylphenidates

Signs of Prescription Drug Addiction

It’s essential to be aware of the signs of prescription drug abuse. Often, there are physical, psychological, and social signs to keep an eye out for. If you or a loved one struggles with prescription drug addiction, consider prescription drug addiction treatment for union members. 

1. Physical Signs:

The physical symptoms of drug abuse depend on the drug that’s being abused. However, there are some common physical signs to watch out for, including: 

  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Feeling high
  • Slowed breathing rate
  • Drowsiness
  • High blood pressure
  • High body temperature
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Reduced appetite
  • Stealing prescriptions

2. Psychological Signs:

In addition to physical signs of addiction, there are also psychological signs. These are the psychological symptoms of drug abuse:

  • Confusion
  • Poor coordination
  • Slurred speech
  • Poor concentration
  • Problems with memory
  • Insomnia
  • Agitation
  • Anxiety
  • Paranoia

3. Social Signs:

Lastly, there are social signs of prescription drug abuse. Many times, those abusing drugs will socially withdraw and isolate themselves so that they can continue using their drug of choice without fear of judgment or interference. If you notice a loved one is withdrawing from normal social activities, check in with them and see if they would benefit from prescription drug addiction treatment for union members. 

Long-Term Effects of Prescription Drug Addiction

There are long-term consequences of misusing prescription drugs over time. Studies show that prescription drug misuse affects all 10 major organ systems in the body. Excessive prescription drug abuse can lead to chronic heart conditions, impaired breathing, and ulcers in the digestive system, as well as interrupt hormone regulation and damage the reproductive system.

Additionally, long-term use of prescription drugs can lead to a psychological addiction. This is when your mind becomes fixated on it, making it becomes more difficult to stop using.

Prescription Drug Addiction in the Workplace Statistics

According to a study by the National Safety Council, approximately 16% of U.S. union members live with a substance use disorder. Further, the study showed that an estimated 80% of drug users supported their addiction by stealing from their employers. 

Prescription Drug Withdrawal Explained

When prescription drugs are misused, it can lead to addiction. When addicted to drugs, it can be difficult to stop because when you do stop using, feelings of withdrawal will begin. Withdrawal is the body’s natural response to not having a substance it’s used to having. Withdrawal symptoms and the severity can vary depending on the type of drug that was abused. These are symptoms of prescription opioids, benzos, and stimulants. 

1. For Prescription Opioids:

If you or a loved one is addicted to prescription opioid drugs, you may experience the following symptoms of withdrawal:

  • Dilated pupils
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • Sweating
  • Muscle and joint aches
  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Shakiness
  • Pallor
  • Increased heart rate
  • Goosebumps
  • Yawning 

2.For Benzodiazepines:

CNS depressant benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms may include: 

  • Seizures
  • Shakiness
  • Anxiety
  • Agitation
  • Insomnia
  • Overactive reflexes
  • Increased heart rate
  • High blood pressure
  • Fever with sweating
  • Hallucinations

3. For Stimulants:

Stimulant withdrawal symptoms may include:

  • Fatigue
  • Sleep problems 
  • Depression

What Human Resources Departments Need to Know About Prescription Drug Addiction

HR departments should connect union members with resources to receive prescription drug addiction treatment for union members. Additionally, HR departments can recognize that union members are protected in the event they need prescription drug addiction treatment. 

Treatment Options for Prescription Drug Addiction

Treatment options for prescription drug addiction include behavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and detoxification. Behavioral therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help individuals understand and change the thought patterns and behaviors that lead to addiction. Medication-assisted treatment, such as methadone or buprenorphine, can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Detoxification is the process of allowing the body to remove the drug and can be done in a medical setting to manage any withdrawal symptoms. It is important to seek professional help to determine the best course of treatment for each individual

How can Union First Help you?

If you or a loved one needs prescription drug addiction treatment for union members, consult with Union First to find out your union members’ rights. Union First is a union members’ assistance program that offers job protection and health services to union members, public union members, and their families.

People should contact Union First for job protection while in prescription drug rehab because we understand that a person’s life can be better with a job. Work is an important part of life and getting help from us could make the difference in being able to work again. Contact Union First for prescription drug rehab job protection because when you get better and feel ready to work again, we’ll help you find the perfect job for you.