Prescription Drug Addiction
One of the most pressing issues facing America today is prescription drug addiction. This is when someone misuses drugs that treat a medical condition. When individuals misuse these drugs, such as taking higher doses than prescribed, using them without a prescription, or using them for non-medical purposes, it can lead to addiction.
For those struggling with prescription drug addiction in the Pacific Northwest, The Haven’s inpatient treatment programs in Olympia, Washington can help. We are fully licensed to treat addiction in the state of Washington, and our facilities hold multiple nationally recognized accreditations. Letting drug misuse control your life carries many consequences. We can help you take back control and overcome an addiction to prescription drugs.
What Is Prescription Drug Addiction?
Prescription drug addiction is also called medication misuse. In the case of opioids, it’s known as opioid use disorder. The term refers to the compulsive and harmful use of prescription medications. People cannot get these drugs without a doctor visit to manage pain, alleviate anxiety, or treat other medical conditions. However, when taken in ways or doses other than prescribed, they may lead to addiction.
The most abused prescription drugs include opioid pain relievers like oxycodone and morphine, benzodiazepines like sedatives and anti-anxiety medications, stimulants like Adderall for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder – ADHD, and others. People may misuse prescription drugs for various reasons, including to experience euphoria, alleviate stress, or enhance performance at work or school.
The Consequences of Drug Abuse
Prescription drug addiction can have serious health consequences, including physical and psychological dependence, increased risk of overdose, and negative effects on mental and physical health. It’s important for individuals to use prescription medications only as prescribed by a healthcare professional and to seek help if they find themselves developing a dependence or addiction to these drugs. Treatment options for prescription drug addiction often involve a combination of behavioral therapy, counseling, and, in some cases, medication-assisted treatment.
What Prescription Drugs Are Addictive?
Several prescription drugs can be addictive, leading to dependence and substance use disorder. Here is a list of some common medications that have a high potential for prescription drug addiction.
Prescription Opioids
Opioids are a class of prescription drugs that treat pain. They affect the brain and nervous system by binding to pain receptors. This causes temporary pain relief along with feelings of euphoria. Due to their high potential for abuse and risk of physical dependence, most opioids of abuse are Schedule I or II controlled substances.
Below are some of the most common opioids people abuse:
Codeine
Codeine is a less potent opioid found in prescription medications like cough medicine. However, misuse and dependence on codeine can develop, leading to an opioid use disorder.
Oxycodone
Oxycodone, commonly sold as Xtampza ER, Oxaydo, and Roxicodone, is a semi-synthetic opioid that treats moderate to severe pain. Misuse of oxycodone poses a high risk for opioid use disorder and dependence.
Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone is an opioid medication for the management of moderate to severe pain. It is often prescribed to relieve pain after surgery or due to chronic conditions such as cancer or injuries. Hydrocodone is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States, indicating its potential for abuse and the development of physical or psychological dependence.
Morphine
Morphine is a powerful opioid medication derived from the opium poppy plant. It is one of the oldest and most effective pain relievers known to medicine. Like other opioids, morphine carries the risk of dependence and addiction. Brand names for morphine include Arymo ER, MorphaBond ER, and MS Contin.
Tramadol
Tramadol is a synthetic opioid analgesic that treats moderate to moderately severe pain. Unlike some other opioids, tramadol also has additional properties that affect the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters in the brain like norepinephrine and serotonin. Brand names for Tramadol include Ultram and ConZip.
Fentanyl
One of the most potent and dangerous opioids, Fentanyl is a man-made drug designed to mimic the effects of natural opioids like morphine. It treats severe pain, often in situations where other opioids may not provide sufficient relief. Fentanyl is approximately 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and significantly more potent than drugs like heroin. Brand names for Fentanyl include Duragesic, Abstral, and Subsys.
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid abuse, please reach out for help today.
Prescription Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, often abbreviated as “benzos,” are a class of psychoactive drugs that act as central nervous system depressants. These medications offer sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing), anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant properties. Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the activity of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps regulate brain activity. Benzos are often prescribed for short periods due to their potential for prescription drug addiction.
Xanax
Sold under the brand name Xanax, Alprazolam is a kind of benzodiazepine medication that treats anxiety and panic disorders. Alprazolam works by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter in the brain that has calming effects.
Valium
Another benzo of abuse is Diazepam. Sold under the brand name Valium, diazepam treats various medical conditions, including anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, seizures, and as a preoperative sedative.
Ativan
Ativan is a brand name for lorazepam, which is a benzodiazepine medication. Similar to other benzodiazepines, Ativan has anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing), sedative, and muscle relaxant properties. Lorazepam, the active ingredient in Ativan, affects the central nervous system by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that has calming effects on the brain.
If you or someone you know is struggling with benzo abuse, please reach out for help today.
Prescription Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of psychoactive substances that increase activity in the central nervous system, leading to heightened alertness, attention, and energy. These substances can temporarily elevate mood, reduce fatigue, and enhance cognitive functions. Stimulants work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain.
Some stimulants that can lead to prescription drug addiction include:
Adderall
Also called mixed amphetamine salts, Adderall is a prescription medication that contains a combination of two active ingredients: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. These substances belong to a class of drugs known as amphetamines, and they affect neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine. Adderall is primarily treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
Ritalin
Ritalin is a brand name for the prescription medication methylphenidate. It is a central nervous system stimulant that affects neurotransmitters in the brain, primarily increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. Ritalin is commonly prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
Desoxyn
Desoxyn is a brand name for methamphetamine hydrochloride, which is a central nervous system stimulant. Methamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and dependence. Desoxyn helps in certain medical situations, typically for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and, less commonly, for the short-term treatment of obesity.
If you or someone you know is struggling with stimulant abuse, please reach out for help today.
Prescription Sleep Medications
Stimulants are a class of psychoactive substances that increase activity in the central nervous system, leading to heightened alertness, attention, and energy. These substances can temporarily elevate mood, reduce fatigue, and enhance cognitive functions. Stimulants work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain.
Sleep medications, also known as hypnotics or sedatives, are a category of drugs designed to help individuals with sleep-related difficulties. These medications address issues such as insomnia, which involves difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep.
Some sleep medications that can cause prescription drug abuse include:
Ambien
Ambien is a brand name for the medication zolpidem, which belongs to the class of non-benzodiazepine hypnotic drugs. It is commonly prescribed to treat insomnia, a sleep disorder characterized by difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep. Ambien causes relatively rapid onset of action, making it effective in helping individuals initiate sleep.
Lunesta
Lunesta is a brand name for the medication eszopiclone, which is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic which treats insomnia. It belongs to the class of drugs known as “Z-drugs,” which are similar in action to benzodiazepines but have a slightly different chemical structure. Lunesta helps individuals with difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep.
Sonata
Sonata is a brand name for the medication Zaleplon, which is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic that treats insomnia. Like Lunesta and Ambien, Sonata belongs to the class of medications known as “Z-drugs.” These medications help individuals with difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep.
If you or someone you know is abusing sleeping medication, please reach out for help today.
Prescription Muscle Relaxants
Muscle relaxants are a category of medications that act on the central nervous system to induce muscle relaxation or reduce muscle spasms. These medications relieve discomfort and pain associated with musculoskeletal conditions, such as muscle strains, sprains, or injuries.
Here are some muscle relaxants that carry a potential for abuse:
Soma
Soma is a brand name for the medication carisoprodol, which is a muscle relaxant. Similar to chlorzoxazone, carisoprodol relieves discomfort and pain caused by muscle injuries, strains, or sprains. It is typically used in combination with rest, physical therapy, and other measures to address musculoskeletal conditions.
Chlorzoxazone
Chlorzoxazone is a muscle relaxant medication used to relieve discomfort and pain caused by muscle injuries, strains, or sprains. It is typically prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes rest, physical therapy, and other measures to alleviate muscle-related symptoms.
Cyclobenzaprine
Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant medication used to relieve muscle spasms and associated pain due to acute musculoskeletal conditions. It is often prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes rest, physical therapy, and other measures to address muscle-related symptoms.
Metaxalone
Metaxalone is a muscle relaxant medication used to relieve discomfort and pain caused by muscle injuries, strains, or sprains. It is commonly prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes rest, physical therapy, and other measures to address musculoskeletal conditions.
Methocarbamol
Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxant medication used to alleviate muscle spasms and associated pain. It is commonly prescribed as part of a treatment plan for acute musculoskeletal conditions, such as muscle strains and sprains. Methocarbamol works by depressing the central nervous system, leading to muscle relaxation.
Orphenadrine
Orphenadrine is a skeletal muscle relaxant used to treat muscle spasms and associated pain. It is typically prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for acute musculoskeletal conditions, such as muscle strains and sprains.
If you or someone you know is abusing muscle relaxants, please reach out for help today.
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Common Signs and Symptoms of Prescription Drug Addiction
Prescription drug abuse involves using prescription medications in a way that is not prescribed by a healthcare professional. This can include taking higher doses than prescribed, using someone else’s prescription, or using the medication for non-medical reasons. When someone engages in prescription drug abuse, there may be certain signs and symptoms that indicate their problem. These signs vary depending on the type of medication abused. They most often fall into one of three categories; physical, psychological, and behavioral.
Physical Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse:
- Changing Appearance: Unexplained weight loss, pallor, or a disinterest in proper hygiene.
- Tolerance: Taking more of the medication over time to achieve the same effect.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Experiencing physical and psychological discomfort when not using a prescription drug.
- Drowsiness or Sedation: Regular drowsiness, slurred speech, nodding off, or appearing intoxicated.
Psychological Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse:
- Euphoria or Intoxication: Individuals abusing prescription drugs may experience a sense of euphoria or intoxication. They may seek the drug to achieve pleasurable feelings or a "high."
- Paranoia: Individuals abusing certain substances may become paranoid or excessively suspicious of others, even in the absence of evidence.
- Anxiety or Agitation: Some individuals may experience heightened anxiety or agitation as a result of prescription drug abuse, particularly with medications that affect the central nervous system.
- Impaired Judgment: Individuals under the influence of prescription drugs may exhibit impaired judgment, making risky decisions they wouldn't otherwise make.
- Denial or Minimization: Some may deny or minimize the extent of their drug use. They may be defensive when confronted about their behavior.
Behavioral Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse:
- Preoccupied with the drug: Spending lots of time and energy obtaining and using the medication.
- Social Isolation: Spending less time with friends and family.
- Doctor Shopping: Going to multiple doctors to get prescriptions.
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family obligations.
- Mood Swings: Unexplained shifts in mood, irritability, or depression.
- Lying and Deceit: Hiding or lying about medication use.
When Do You Need Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment?
To overcome prescription drug addiction, the first step for many people is understanding that they have a problem. Realizing the dangers of addiction and getting help immediately is the best way to achieve sobriety.
Here’s when it’s time to get help for a prescription drug addiction:
- You’re no longer in control: Your life revolves around getting and using prescription drugs. You take higher doses than recommended and you’ve tried to quit in the past.
- Mental health issues: Drug abuse can be harmful to mental health. If you’re feeling anxiety or depression due to drug use, it’s time to get help.
- Relationship issues: When drugs cause a rift between you, your friends, or your family.
- Neglecting obligations: When you begin neglecting responsibilities, such as work, school, or household duties, it might be time for treatment.
- Legal trouble: If your drug use has led to an arrest, getting help now is the best course of action.
- Legal trouble: If your drug use has led to an arrest, getting help now is the best course of action.
If you or a loved one suffers from prescription drug addiction, please contact the team at Royal Life Center for assistance in entering professional treatment. After all, you need to take control of your own addiction recovery because it’s your life. After that, our team can help. Despite the dangers of drug abuse, nonetheless, you can get sober because you deserve a happy life.
Self-Assessment: Am I Addicted?
How Long Is Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment?
The time it takes to overcome prescription drug addiction is different for everyone. Most complete a recovery program that spans between a few weeks and a few months. Which prescription drug someone was abusing, how long they used it for, and the amounts taken at a time can all affect how long recovery takes. Many will say that recovery never ends. Maintaining sobriety is something that can take consistent time and effort.
After completing prescription drug rehab, individuals may also continue with aftercare, counseling, and support groups. Professional recovery facilities assist in developing relapse prevention plans. This helps equip clients with strategies to avoid triggers and stay sober.
The overall goal is to provide the tools and also the resources necessary for someone to sustain a healthy, drug-free life, recognizing that recovery is a lifelong commitment deserving of ongoing attention and support.
What Is Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Like?
Getting treatment for prescription drug addiction is a structured process. It starts with an evaluation with a therapist at a drug treatment facility. This consultation serves to determine the severity of addiction and any co-occurring mental health disorders. This evaluation helps create a personalized treatment plan. Your plan is unique to your needs. It includes the therapies and treatments that offer the best chance at successful recovery. Only a licensed therapist should create a treatment plan.
Following your evaluation, treatment can begin. For many, it starts with detox. For individuals physically dependent on prescription drugs, medically supervised detox may be necessary. This phase involves safely managing withdrawal symptoms and preparing individuals for further treatment. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): For certain prescription drug addictions like opioids for pain management, MAT may help. It combines medications like buprenorphine, suboxone, or methadone with counseling to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Psychotherapy for Prescription Drug Addiction
One of the primary techniques used to treat prescription drug addiction is psychotherapy. Evidence-based psychotherapies like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), and contingency management address the psychological aspects of addiction. Holistic Programs: Treatment often includes holistic approaches such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, and nutrition counseling to promote overall well-being. Individual therapy and group therapy are also used in treatment.
Upon completing primary treatment, individuals have the option for aftercare plans, which may include ongoing counseling, support groups, and relapse prevention strategies to maintain sobriety. Our programs help foster success in aftercare thanks to our supportive staff. Other guests can also be there for you on your journey to sobriety.
Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment at Royal Life Centers
Prescription medication abuse is an issue that affects millions of people every year in the United States alone. It can lead to significant physical and mental health problems as well as negatively impact relationships and employment if left untreated. Fortunately, there is help available for those struggling with substance abuse at Royal Life Centers’ network of addiction treatment centers. We have the skills and experience you need for recovery.
Our prescription drug addiction programs offer treatment tailored specifically toward individuals struggling with prescription pill abuse. In doing so, we work to ensure that each of our guests can achieve lasting recovery from their addiction. We also teach our guests healthy coping skills. This helps them live healthy fulfilling lives free from substance use disorder. Are you ready to get sober? Contact us today. Our programs can help you achieve your goal of sobriety.
Are you looking for help with addiction? Let us support you on the path to lasting recovery
Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment in Washington State
Royal Life Centers at The Haven resides in the majestic Puget Sound area of Washington State.Our prescription drug treatment programs in Washington State focuses on providing excellent care for those battling misuse of prescription drugs. We recognize that addiction is a complex disease that requires an individualized approach to treatment and recovery.
Our team of addiction therapists in Washington State will work with you one-on-one to develop an effective treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and circumstances. Throughout our addiction treatment programs, we offer a full continuum of care that starts at detox and continues into outpatient treatment. We also provide access to recovery support programs, mental health services, and much more. Our programs help people from all walks of life get sober. Our team’s professional credentials and dedication make Royal Life a top option for recovery. If you are ready to get sober, don’t wait. Call us today and learn more about our treatment center.
Looking for Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Services?
If you or someone you love is struggling with prescription medication addiction, please reach out to us to find out more about how our prescription drug recovery services can help. We work with most private insurance policies and offer affordable self-pay rates if you do not have insurance. Give us a call and we will figure out the best treatment plan for you or your loved one. The sooner you call, the sooner you can get sober.
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