Are you addicted to a specific type of medication that has been prescribed to you? When it comes to prescription drug rehabilitation, most people are unaware of their addiction, as they are simply following their medical prescriptions. Luckily, Beethoven Recovery Centre offers a solution to people who want to break free from such an addiction – with a versatile programme that can be tailored to the specific needs of the individual. This programme admits people of 18 years of age and older – only under the condition of voluntary admission – to give them hope and a chance to put their addiction in the rear view.
Most people are under the impression that medication is good for you. Large pharmaceutical companies around the world thrive on this concept and make millions from the people who consume their chemical concoctions. The truth behind prescription meds is that they are laced with addictive substances, hence the scheduling designations. Any medication that has an S1 designation or higher contains some form of addictive and dangerous substance that can cause additional problems when consumed over extended periods. Today, we look at the official scheduling designation in South Africa and what you should keep in mind when consuming these substances.
Prescription Medication Scheduling Designations in South Africa
- S0: Schedule 0 medications contain substances that are deemed as safe to consume without the need for routine checkups from a medical professional. These meds can be sold in general department stores and grocery stores.
- S1: Schedule 1 meds include substances that can be harmful to some consumers and may require caution before consumption. Painkillers such as Syndols are designated as S1 – containing substances that are addictive if regularly consumed. These meds can also be sold in open shops and are mostly available at pharmacies without the need for a prescription.
- S2: Schedule 2 medications can be bought at pharmacies without the need for a prescription from a medical professional. However, the pharmacist is obligated to advise the person who purchases the medication on the use and consumption, as well as the dangers and potential additional symptoms, of the specific medication.
- S3 to S5: These meds require a prescription from a medical professional, as well as verbal instructions from the professional who prescribed the meds. They are restricted in quantity and validity, based on the prescription’s designations.
- S6: Schedule 6 meds require an original copy of a prescription that is written by a medical professional. These meds have limited dispensing options in case of emergencies and are considered highly volatile, addictive, and – in some cases – dangerous to consume.
- S7: These meds require that the packaging must clearly state all preparations and mixtures of the listed substances that are used to manufacture them. This must include isomers and esters, among other elements to ensure that the consumer is fully aware of what they are consuming beforehand. These meds are extremely dangerous to consume and should only be considered as a last resort.
- S8: Schedule 8 medications contain highly addictive substances and are strictly controlled regarding dosage, quantity, and dispensing. You are almost guaranteed to develop an addiction when consuming S8 meds over extended periods.
How Can I Break Free from Such an Addiction?
- Test Your Body: If you are on an extended prescription, you should stop consuming your meds for a couple of days and see how your body responds. This is not recommended for people who truly need their medication and cannot go without it. However, if you have a habit of popping a Panado – which is a Schedule 2 drug – every time you get a headache, your body might develop an addiction to Paracetamol. Try to avoid the consumption of this drug for a few days and see if your body shows signs of addiction.
- Admit Yourself to Our Care: Our prescription drug rehabilitation programme is ideal for people who want to face and conquer an addiction that was born out of regular and continual prescription medication consumption or abuse. We can assist you with handy knowledge, skills, and tools to not only forge a path to sober living wellness but also maintain your sobriety for the foreseeable future.
Beethoven Recovery Centre is your first choice in a rehab centre that can help you with prescription drug rehabilitation near Gauteng. Please browse our website for details on our programme and our facilities and feel free to contact us directly with any inquiries.