In the obsessive pursuit of thinness, many individuals turn to the use, and eventual abuse, of diet pills. Both over the counter and prescription diet pills are one of the most unhealthy and potentially dangerous ways to lose weight. Unfortunately diet pills are common and easily accessible to everyone, including minors. Just about every grocery store, pharmacy, convenience store and health food store carries these highly addictive substances that lead to eating disorders like Anorxia, Bulimia and Compulsive Overeating. It is all too common for individuals to start off taking just a few diet pills and then, before they know it, graduate to full addiction, and dependence, on them. Ephedrine, Caffeine, and Phenylpropranolamine are just some of the dangerous and addictive substances found in diet pills. Herbal, sometimes referred to as “natural” weight loss products, can be just as dangerous as diet pills. All of these substances act as stimulants to the central nervous system and much like speed, can have serious and potentially fatal side effects.
Complications of the use of diet pills include but are not limited to:
- Cardiac Arrest
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Congestive heart failure
- Heart palpitations
- Stroke
- Seizures
- Headaches
- High blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Loss of libido
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Paranoia
- Menstrual irregularities
- Death
Rader Programs understands and can successfully help individuals who have used diet pills as part of their disorder. Our multidisciplinary treatment team has the expertise and experience to address the medical and psychological components of the misuse and possible dependence.