Blues Drugs: Understanding the Risks and Getting Help
If you’re a parent, you may have heard about the recent rise of “blues drugs” among teenagers, a concerning phenomenon that is far more common than many people realize. These drugs, typically prescription medications, are often misused for their calming or sedative effects. These medications can be highly addictive, and since they are legal (when prescribed by a doctor), they can be easier to access than many other controlled substances.
Blues drug abuse is not just found among teenagers; prescription drug addiction can afflict people of all ages. If a loved one is abusing blues drugs, it can be difficult to know when and how to intervene. Further, breaking a blues drug dependency can be challenging work, requiring great dedication and an understanding of the physical and psychological effects of these substances. The support of trained professionals can make all the difference in helping those who are struggling overcome their addictions and reclaim their lives.
So what is a blues drug, and how does one overcome a blues drug addiction? Read on to learn more about the different types of blues drug, the risks associated with blues drug abuse, and avenues for treatment available at Serenity Light Recovery.
What Are Blues Drugs?
Blues drugs refer to prescription medications that are commonly abused due to their calming or euphoric effects. These drugs are usually prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, or other mental health conditions. When taken in higher doses or without a prescription, they can produce feelings of relaxation and detachment from stress or pain, which are often sought after by those who abuse them.
Prescription Drugs Can Still Be Abused
It’s important to note that just because a drug is prescribed by a doctor doesn’t mean it can’t be misused. Prescription drugs like benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium), sleep medications (e.g., Ambien), and opioid painkillers (e.g., OxyContin, Vicodin) are frequently abused despite their intended medical purposes. This misuse can lead to serious health consequences and addiction.
In fact, because blues drugs are often prescribed by doctors, it can be harder for users to realize they are forming dependencies. This is why it’s crucial for those who have been prescribed these medications to follow doctors’ instructions to the letter, and to cease use as soon as your treatment has run its course.
Street Names for Blues Drugs
Blues drugs are known by various street names, including Blues, 30s, and Blueberries. Specific medications also have their own street names: benzodiazepines are often referred to as “benzos,” while opioids may be called “painkillers,” “oxy,” or “percs.” These street names are used colloquially and can vary regionally.
Some of the most commonly abused blues drugs include:
- Benzodiazepines (such as Xanax, Ativan, and Valium): Used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders.
- Opioids (such as OxyContin, Vicodin, and Morphine): Prescribed for pain relief but often abused for their euphoric effects.
- Barbiturates (such as Phenobarbital and Pentobarbital): Sedative-hypnotic drugs that depress the central nervous system.
These drugs are powerful and can have profound effects on both mental and physical health when misused.
Abusing Blues Drugs: Understanding the Risks
Abusing blues drugs carries significant physical risks. These can include:
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Slowed breathing
- In severe cases, overdose and death
There are also numerous psychological consequences of prolonged abuse, including:
- Dependence (feeling unwell or ill-at-ease without use)
- Increased anxiety and depression
- Exacerbated mental health conditions
Beyond their physical and psychological repercussions, blues drug abuse can also have social and economic consequences. Drug addictions can be of great detriment to personal relationships, as users prioritize drugs over their family lives and friendships. They can also interfere with one’s professional life, leading at worst to job loss and in turn, financial insecurity.
Getting Treatment for Blues Drugs Abuse at Serenity Light Recovery
Treating blues drug abuse is not easy, but Serenity Light Recovery offers treatment for those struggling with prescription drug addictions. Our supportive services include:
- Detoxification: Safely managing withdrawal symptoms under medical supervision in our residential detox center in Houston.
- Therapy: Addressing underlying issues contributing to drug abuse through counseling and behavioral therapies in a variety of modalities, including individual and group therapy as well as equine therapy, EMDR therapy, and more.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): In-person and virtual therapy sessions for those in recovery, as well as their families.
If you or a loved one is struggling with a prescription drug addiction, the time to seek treatment is now. Recovery is possible, and the support of trained professionals can make all the difference for those who are living with addictions. Serenity Light Recovery is here to provide the holistic, judgment-free support you need to fight drug or alcohol addiction and reclaim your life. Reach out to our admissions team to start the process.
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FAQs about "Blues" Drugs
Are blues drugs illegal?
Blues drugs themselves are not illegal when used as prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider. However, possessing or using them without a prescription is illegal and constitutes drug abuse.
How do people become addicted to blues drugs?
Addiction to blues drugs typically develops when individuals misuse these medications, either by taking higher doses than prescribed or using them recreationally to achieve a desired effect. Continued use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and addiction.
Is it possible to recover from a blues drug addiction?
Yes, recovery from blues drug addiction is possible with the right treatment and support. Many individuals successfully overcome addiction through comprehensive treatment programs that address both the physical and psychological aspects of dependency.
How does Serenity Light Addiction help people recover from blues drug addictions?
Serenity Light Addiction provides personalized addiction treatment programs tailored to individual needs. We offer medical detoxification, therapy sessions with licensed counselors, and ongoing support to help individuals achieve and maintain sobriety. Our holistic approach focuses on addressing the root causes of addiction and empowering clients to live healthy, drug-free lives.
As our CEO, Heather’s main calling is to stay true to the vision of the organization, which is saving lives and striving to redefine statistics by raising the standard of care with evolving treatment methods. Heather studied psychology at LSU and both the main and Clear Lake campuses of the University of Houston, and she is a certified IASIS provider and CPI instructor. She’s been helping people in recovery since 2011. Heather’s motto to live by is “I am not what I’ve done; I am what I’ve overcome.”
