Pseudoephedrine Addiction Treatment
When used properly, pseudoephedrine can be an effective medication. However, when misused, pseudoephedrine carries a risk of addiction for some people. At Lighthouse Recovery Institute, our pseudoephedrine addiction treatment program in Boynton Beach, Florida, provides the perfect setting for people to heal from this type of addiction. Learn more from our team today by filling out our online form or calling 866-309-2090.
What Is Pseudoephedrine?
Pseudoephedrine is the active ingredient in the cold and sinus congestion medication, Sudafed. Sudafed is used to relieve cold symptoms, including nasal congestion and sinus pressure. It works by shrinking mucous membranes and decreasing inflammation in the nasal passageways.
Another common reason that pseudoephedrine is abused is in hopes of it helping with weight loss. Many people believe that it can be used for this reason, but this is not a healthy way to control weight. The use of Sudafed or any other drug containing pseudoephedrine for weight loss is a sign of a potential eating disorder or body dysphoria, and professional treatment may be needed. Although it is not a highly addictive substance, it is not difficult to find ways to use the drug to get high. Most commonly, pseudoephedrine-based medications are purchased to be used to create crystal meth or methamphetamine. In this form, the drug is highly addictive and harmful to a person’s health.
Is Pseudoephedrine Addictive?
Although pseudoephedrine itself is not physically addictive, it can be used to create methamphetamine and other drugs that are highly addictive. In addition, when someone becomes addicted to Sudafed or any variations of drugs whose active ingredient is pseudoephedrine, they are often also abusing other medications, or they are using them in an attempt to lose weight. With that, it is possible to develop an addiction to pseudoephedrine.
It’s essential to learn about drug interactions. Many users will combine different medicines. This practice can develop a substance use disorder, mainly when using the extended-release tablet, which can provide twelve hours of effects.
Signs of Pseudoephedrine Addiction
Since pseudoephedrine is not as easy to purchase as it once was, one significant sign that someone is addicted to Sudafed or crystal meth is asking others to buy Sudafed for them.
Another sign will be if you see them with large amounts of Sudafed. Pseudoephedrine is widely used in pill form, and if you come across unidentified pills, checking online at “Pill Identifier” or another prescription identification service can help you determine whether the drugs are pseudoephedrine or not. When pseudoephedrine is used to make the dangerous drug crystal meth, the chance for addiction increases dramatically.
Signs that someone may have a problem with crystal meth made from pseudoephedrine include:
- Aggression
- Insomnia
- Lack of appetite
- Financial or legal issues
- Hyperactivity or mania
- Secretive behavior or isolation
If you think your loved one is abusing pseudoephedrine or suffering from an eating disorder, contact our Lighthouse Recovery Institute staff today for a free and confidential assessment.
Pseudoephedrine Addiction Treatment at Lighthouse Recovery Institute
When someone is struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, seeking treatment is the most crucial step they can take for their recovery. Beyond treatment programs, our Lighthouse Recovery Institute team always recommends our patients choose different types of therapies and support groups.
Some of our programs include:
- Medical detox
- Inpatient program
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Aftercare program
