While prescription medications can be life-saving, they can also significantly affect the brain. Women are more likely than men to be prescribed medications for conditions like anxiety and depression, which can lead to problems with addiction. And medications like prescription pain relievers can profoundly impact the brain, causing changes in mood and behavior. It’s important to be aware of how these drugs can affect the brain and to get help if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction.
Hammocks on the Edisto provides trauma-informed care for addiction in our peaceful South Carolina center. Through evidence-based and holistic therapies, a focus on individualized treatment, and a supportive environment, we can help you or a loved one heal from addiction and prescription drug abuse. Contact us today at 833.793.0191 to learn more about prescription drug addiction treatment for women and how we can help you on the road to recovery.
How Common Prescriptions Can Affect the Brain
Although many prescription medications are necessary, they can also have a number of negative side effects. For women, some of these side effects can be especially harmful.
Anxiety and depression are two common mental health conditions that women are more likely to be diagnosed with than men. While this discrepancy could be due to stigma that men can face when opening up about their mental health, it also signifies a clear difference between the sexes when it comes to mental health.
Because of this, women are also more likely to be prescribed medications like antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication. And while these drugs can be helpful in treating some symptoms, they can also have a number of harmful side effects.
Antidepressants can cause changes in weight, sleep patterns, and sexual function. They can also lead to problems with addiction, as people may feel like they need the medication to function.
Anti-anxiety medications can also have a number of harmful side effects, including:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Impaired thinking
And like antidepressants, they can also be addictive.
Pain medications are another type of prescription drug that can have a profound effect on the brain. Opioids, in particular, work by binding to receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which can lead to changes in mood and behavior.
These changes can include feelings of euphoria, which can lead to abuse and addiction. Opioid addiction has become a national epidemic, and women are especially at risk.
Addiction and Prescription Drugs
Opioids are not the only prescription medication that can lead to addiction. Any drug that alters the brain’s chemistry can be addictive. Some of the medications that have the potential to be addictive include:
- Stimulants – These include prescription medications like Adderall and Ritalin, which are commonly prescribed for conditions like ADHD.
- Benzodiazepines – These prescription drugs are used to treat conditions like anxiety and insomnia. Common benzodiazepines include Xanax, Valium, and Ativan.
- Barbiturates – Barbiturates are a type of sedative that was once commonly prescribed for anxiety and sleep disorders. They are now less commonly prescribed due to the risk of abuse and addiction.
Being aware of the risks associated with prescription drugs is the first step in preventing addiction and other harmful effects. If you or someone you know is struggling with prescription drug abuse, seek help from a professional treatment center like Hammocks on the Edisto.
How Hammocks on the Edisto Can Help
Hammocks on the Edisto is a women-only treatment center that specializes in helping women heal from prescription drug addiction. Our program is based on the 12 steps, and we offer a variety of evidence-based and holistic therapies to help our residents on their journey to recovery.
Connect with our team at 833.793.0191 or reach out online today to learn more.
