Diet Pill Abuse, Addiction, And Treatment

Understanding Diet Pills

Diet pills encompass a number of prescription and over-the-counter supplements designed to help the user reduce or control their weight. Diet pills interfere with bodily processes that affect weight by suppressing appetite, increasing metabolism, or preventing fat absorption; diet pill addiction can have an incredibly destructive impact on the body.

Other names for diet pills include anorectic or anorexiant drugs, appetite suppressants, anti-obesity medication, or centrally acting anti-obesity preparations. Many prescription diet pills are designated Schedule III or IV under the Controlled Substances Act. This is to prevent abuse of the drugs and keep diet pills in the hands of those who could actually benefit from them. Despite these regulations, diet pills are abused at an alarming rate.

Considering the prevalence of weight loss promises in America, it’s no surprise that diet pills are common and available in multiple forms. Whether over-the-counter or prescription, each diet pill has its own risks and concerns associated with it. It is important to remember that just because something is available freely at the drugstore, or prescribed by a doctor, does not necessarily mean it is safe — especially when used outside of the recommended dose or method.

Some of the most commonly abused diet pills include:

• Benzphetamine

  (Didrex, Recede) An anorectic closely related to amphetamines, benzphetamine is most commonly sold under the prescription name Didrex; its main function is to reduce appetite in obese individuals.

• Diethylpropion

  (Tenuate, Tepanil) Diethylpropion is prescribed on a short-term basis to suppress appetite.

• Mazindol

  (Mazanor, Sanorex) Currently only approved for use in the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, mazindol prescriptions may be abused for their appetite-suppressing properties.

• Phentermine

  (Adipex, Ionamin) Phentermine reduces appetite and is used in the short term to reduce weight in overweight individuals.

Diet Pill Abuse And Effects

Because modern diet pills were introduced to replace amphetamines as appetite suppressants, the drugs have many similarities; a potential for dependence and addiction is one of them. Amphetamines are a class of drugs used to increase performance. Diet pills may cause increased energy and feelings of euphoria, increasing the likelihood of addiction. Other factors that influence the development of a diet pill addiction include biological factors, environmental factors, home and family, peer and school, age of first use, and how the drug is taken. Common side effects of diet pill abuse might include:

Signs Of A Diet Pill Addiction

An addiction to diet pills is often caused by an eating disorder or other underlying mental health disorder. Becoming dependent on diet pills is not uncommon, as they can provide a false sense of control in a life that seems out of control. Because diet pills are readily available over the counter or by prescription, an addiction can develop quickly and quietly.

There are 11 signs of addiction provided in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to help people recognize when a problem has developed. If someone is aware that their diet pill use is interfering with their health, relationships, and personal life but can’t quit on their own, they may need professional help to target the root cause of their issue and find treatment. Find out more about addiction and how to overcome it.

Diet Pill Abuse Statistics

Treatment

Overcoming an addiction to diet pills starts with identifying the underlying reason for abusing them. Inpatient and ongoing treatment programs can help you work through your struggles and find lasting success. If you have an addiction to diet pills and are ready to get your life back on track, help is available. Contact a treatment provider today to learn more about your treatment options.