What are the Signs of Soma Drug Addiction?

Soma, carisoprodol, is a prescription muscle medication for patients who have injured muscles and may be in pain or discomfort. While effective for symptomatic treatment in acute medical use, Soma becomes addictive if abused. There are ways of recognising the many signs of Soma addiction in order to take the first step toward recovery. 

Key Takeaways

• Soma’s Purpose and Risks: Soma, a muscle relaxant, treats pain but can become addictive if misused.
• Addiction Development: Misuse leads to dependency, tolerance, and withdrawal, increasing health risks.
• Early Warning Signs: Signs include increasing dosages, doctor shopping, hoarding pills, and ignoring advice.
• Life Impact: Addiction affects health, relationships, work, and mental well-being.
• Seeking Help: Professional treatment, therapy, and support are essential for recovery.

In this article, we look at the main signs that may point to Soma addiction, how it occurs, and the consequences on health and well-being. By understanding these signs, you are better positioned to seek help and support for those who may struggle with substance use.

What is Soma?

Soma is a prescription medication, with its generic name being carisoprodol. This drug is primarily prescribed as a muscle relaxant. It is mainly used to manage pain and discomfort induced by injuries to the muscles, strains, or spasms. Soma works by helping block the transmission of nerve impulses from the muscle through nerves to the brain. This  reduces muscle tension and increases mobility. This medical treatment is generally provided in conjunction with other methods of treatment, including rest, physical therapy, and other medication, which ensure healing in the case of musculoskeletal disorder.

Once taken, Soma is absorbed into the blood and starts working in the central nervous system (CNS) including the brain and spinal cord. It works to relax muscle spasms and aches. As a result, a person feels relaxed and relieved of pain. Although the use of Soma can relieve symptoms of anxiety in some people in the short term, it is not advised for long-term treatment due to its high potential for abuse.

How Does Soma Work?

Though Soma is quite effective when taken as instructed by a physician, the chances of abuse are significant, especially when taken in higher doses or for a longer period than needed. The soothing and sedating nature of the drug brings a feeling of relaxation and often even euphoria, which may encourage misuse for recreational purposes. The risk of addiction of Soma increases without medical supervision, in excessive dosages, or when taken with other substances, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines.

Prolonged use of Soma might result in physical and psychological addiction, where the normal performance of the body requires the presence of the drug. This dependency is accompanied by increased tolerance, which occurs when the user needs more of the drug to achieve the desired effect, thereby increasing the danger of Soma addiction. Anxiety, agitation, and muscle cramps are some of the withdrawal symptoms that may appear when the drug is abruptly stopped, forcing individuals to continue its use to avoid discomfort.

Early Warning Signs of Soma Addiction

Early recognition of Soma addiction sings is critical for preventing further abuse and seeking intervention as soon as possible. Though the drug is useful when taken properly for short-term medical purposes, its abuse has serious health consequences. Some of the early signs that a person is becoming addicted to Soma include the following:

Increasing Dosage

One of the first Soma addiction signs is gradually increasing the dosage without medical approval. The individual may start taking more than prescribed to achieve the same pain-relieving, relaxing, or euphoric effect. Many times, this is due to tolerance, where the body requires more of the substance to produce the intended effect. When one starts increasing dosages in excess of the recommended amount, dependence on Soma might be warranted.

Getting Multiple Prescriptions

Individuals abusing Soma often attempt to acquire the drug from multiple sources by visiting different doctors or clinics — referred to as “doctor shopping” — to obtain additional prescriptions. Some individuals may also lie about their symptoms or medical history to receive prescriptions. Visiting several pharmacies is another red flag.

Hoarding Pills

Hoarding pills is another early sign of Soma addiction. This behaviour may stem from a fear of running out of the drug or a desire to avoid withdrawal effects. Individuals might stockpile pills “just in case,” sometimes going to great lengths to secure a supply, even through illegal means.

Ignoring Dosage Instructions or Professional Medical Advice

Those dependent on Soma may disregard dosage instructions or medical advice from their doctor. They might use the drug more frequently, combine it with alcohol or benzodiazepines, or ignore recommendations to stop its use. Disregarding medical advice significantly increases the risk of overdose or long-term addiction.

Compulsive Preoccupation with the Drug

Some individuals may become obsessed with obtaining and using Soma. They may spend excessive time thinking about their next dose, finding more pills, or planning drug use at the expense of work, school, or social responsibilities.

Physical Symptoms of Soma Addiction

Physical symptoms of Soma addiction may include drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, and impaired coordination. Long-term use can lead to tolerance, requiring larger doses to achieve the same effects. Users may experience tremors, nausea, or headaches. Prolonged abuse can result in breathing problems or even overdose, which can be life-threatening.

Common physical symptoms of Soma addiction include:

• Drowsiness and dizziness.
• Muscle weakness and impaired coordination.
• Increased tolerance (requiring higher doses).
• Tremors and nausea.
• Headaches.
• Breathing problems (in severe cases).
• Risk of overdose.

How Soma Addiction Affects Daily Life?

Soma addiction can negatively impact many aspects of daily life. Relationships often suffer as individuals become more focused on obtaining and using the medication than spending time with family and friends. Poor work performance is common due to the sedative effects of the drug, which impair concentration, productivity, and reliability. Financial strain may arise from spending money on prescriptions or purchasing the drug illegally.

Additionally, Soma addiction can lead to physical health problems, such as liver and kidney damage. It may also exacerbate mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. The drug’s impact on coordination and cognitive function increases the risk of accidents, creating a cycle of physical and emotional strain.

Getting Help for Soma Addiction

If you or someone you know is struggling with Soma addiction, seeking professional help is critical. The first step is consulting a healthcare provider who can assess the situation and develop an appropriate treatment plan. This may include detoxification, medication-assisted therapy, and psychotherapy.

Therapy can address underlying psychological factors contributing to the addiction, while support groups like Narcotics Anonymous offer peer support in a judgment-free environment. Rehabilitation programmes, whether inpatient or outpatient, provide structured care to help individuals break the cycle of addiction and develop healthy coping strategies. Professional guidance is essential for managing withdrawal symptoms, maintaining long-term recovery, and improving overall well-being.

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