How to recognise medication addiction and when to seek help?
Medication addiction is a dependence on medicinal substances that most often develops as a result of long-term and uncontrolled taking of painkillers, sleeping pills, or sedatives. It can affect anyone and often occurs in hiding, leading to numerous health and social damages, similar to alcohol addiction. Recognising medication addiction helps to take appropriate steps in treatment and counteract further consequences of addiction.
Increasing tolerance to medication
The addicted person needs increasingly higher doses to achieve the same effect, which can lead to escalation of medication taking contrary to their purpose and doctor's recommendations.
Failed cessation attempts
Despite awareness of negative consequences, the addicted person makes unsuccessful attempts to limit or stop taking medication.
Withdrawal symptoms
Sudden discontinuation of medication causes withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, hand tremors, or sleep disturbances, which subside after taking the substance again.
Hiding the problem
Addicted people often try to hide their habits from family and friends, using lies or changing doctors to continue obtaining medication.
Neglecting duties and relationships
Medication addiction can lead to difficulties at work, neglecting household or school duties, and deterioration of relationships with surroundings.
Medication addiction treatment Kielce: psychotherapy in the fight against addiction
Medication addiction is a difficult disorder, but one that can be overcome. Proper medication addiction treatment requires a comprehensive approach in which psychotherapy plays a key role. Nasz Gabinet Kielce offers appropriately tailored forms of psychotherapy that effectively help Patients in fighting addiction, enabling them to gradually return to health and life without addiction.
1. Recognising causes of addiction
Psychotherapy begins with identifying the causes that led the Patient to fall into addiction. This may be the result of inability to cope with physical pain, mental problems such as depression, anxiety and sleep disorders, as well as difficult life events that lead to medication abuse as a defence mechanism.
2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
One of the most effective methods used in treating addictions is cognitive behavioural therapy. CBT focuses on changing negative thinking and behaviour patterns that lead to medication abuse. During it, Patients learn to recognise and modify their thoughts, which allows them to reduce the need to reach for pharmacological agents.
3. Group therapy and social support
Medication addiction treatment often also includes group therapy, where addicted people meet with others struggling with similar problems. Through group sessions, Patients can support each other in their efforts, share experiences, and draw strength from others who are at a similar stage of treatment.
4. Education and relapse prevention
In addition to classical psychological therapy, education is an important element of medication addiction treatment. Patients receive information about the impact of medication on the body and learn alternative methods of dealing with stress or pain. Thanks to this, they are better prepared to avoid situations that may lead to a return to addiction.
Why it is worth starting medication addiction treatment in Kielce
Independent attempts to discontinue medication, especially those with strong effects, can lead to serious health consequences. Discontinuing medication should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist who can monitor the body's reaction and alleviate potential side effects.
Withdrawal syndrome
Sudden cessation of medication can lead to the occurrence of withdrawal symptoms. This manifests as ailments such as body tremors, excessive sweating, muscle pain, nausea, as well as anxiety states and insomnia.
Increased risk of return to addiction
Discontinuing medication can lead to intensification of the disease or occurrence of the above-mentioned symptoms. Ailments subside after reaching for the substance again, making cessation attempts ineffective. The best method for safe and permanent medication discontinuation is therapy carried out by qualified addiction specialists as part of addiction psychotherapy.
Potential physical complications
Sudden cessation of medication can lead to serious physiological effects, such as blood pressure increase, heart rhythm disturbances, or seizures. Some substances, especially with long-term use, can affect the central nervous system, which requires gradual weaning.
Risk of depression and suicidal thoughts
Sudden discontinuation of medication, especially antidepressants or mood stabilizers, can lead to sudden mood swings, depressive states, and in some cases even suicidal thoughts. This is particularly dangerous in the case of people with a history of mental problems.
