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Over-the-Counter & Prescription Drugs |
Users of medicines that can easily be accessed at the local pharmacy are often unaware of the addictive potential of these substances. They can contain highly addictive substances such as codeine, alcohol, pseudo-ephedrine and caffeine. Users should always read package inserts, be aware of what they are taking and of the side-effects.
The list of potentially addictive substances is too long to list here but do watch out when you use:
- Painkillers (codeine and caffeine)
- Sleeping tablets
- Appetite suppressants (Ephedrine, caffeine)
- Cough, cold and flu medication (codeine, caffeine, pseudo-ephedrine)
- Homeopathic medicine that is in liquid form usually contains high alcohol level to preserve it. Fine for normal people, but potentially dangerous for those who are in recovery from addiction. There are usually homeopathic alternatives in tablet form that are usually safe.
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
Prescribed medications can be addictive if used for extended periods of time or if abused. In other words, if the dose is increased or if used more frequently or for a longer period than prescribed.
Users are sometimes not honest with their doctors and “doctor shop” to get additional scripts. There are also a few helping professionals that are not addiction aware and who are known to prescribe freely and indiscriminately. Fortunately these are the minority.
Medications to be taken with caution are:
- Sleeping tablets
- Painkillers (codeine, morphine)
- Tranquilizers and sedatives
- Anti-anxiety medications
- Even some anti-depressants cause serious side-effects and are difficult to discontinue.
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