Prescription Drug Abuse
Prescription drug abuse is the fastest growing addiction problem in the United States, especially among youth, baby boomers and the elderly. There are legitimate medical reasons for taking prescription medications, but after a significant period of time it is difficult to discern treating a medical issue versus feeding a growing addiction. With prescriptions readily available, and cheaper than most street drugs, prescription drug abuse is growing at an alarming rate. Because prescription drugs are normally prescribed by a doctor, there are also misperceptions about their safety.
There are three classes of prescriptions that can lead to abuse:
- Opioids – used to treat pain (Codeine, Oxycodone and Morphine). Opioids act the same way on brain receptors as heroin. Opioid abuse, with or without alcohol can lead to unintentional death.
- Central Nervous System Depressants – used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders (Benzodiazepines, Hypnotics and Barbiturates). CNS Depressants are highly addictive and chronic abusers should only discontinue use under the supervision of a health professional.
- Stimulants – used to treat ADHD, narcolepsy and obesity (Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine® and Adderall®) and Methylphenidate (Ritalin® and Concerta®)). Addiction, psychosis, seizures and cardiovascular problems can all result from stimulant abuse.
Dependency of prescription drugs can develop over a period of time. Dependency causes cravings, and addiction is usually characterized by individuals taking higher doses than prescribed and/or at more frequent intervals. Their bodies become accustomed to the effects of the drug, and higher doses are required to get the desired effect. A distinct sign of abuse is crushing, snorting, or injecting drugs that are prescribed in pill form.
Prescription Drug Detox
Prescription drug withdrawal requires medical attention, as many drugs are not designed to be stopped abruptly and can cause harm to the individual. Withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the prescription drugs in the system, but the symptoms are highly predictable and manageable by a trained medical staff. Withdrawal symptoms are the number one reason that people are unable to stop a prescription drug addiction, and managing the withdrawal is the key to success.
Withdrawal symptoms can include:
Opioids
- Cold shakes
- Bone pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
CNS Depressants
- Racing thoughts
- Seizures
- Death
Stimulants
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
Since there is no way to predict how an individual will respond to prescription drug withdrawal, close medical attention is advised. Our health professionals are trained to help individuals get through the detox process – which can last up to 7 days – as painlessly and comfortably as possible.
Treatment for Prescription Drug Addiction
If you or someone you love is suffering from prescription drug addiction please call the Pasadena Recovery Center at (866) 663-3030. We’re available to talk with you twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. We promise confidentiality and professionalism. Our comprehensive treatment program will address each client’s issues on an integrated basis, understanding that addiction often has underlying emotional and behavioral issues that need to be resolved.
At Pasadena Recovery Center, our dedicated staff understands the disease of addiction and we’re proud to offer lifesaving treatment at an affordable cost. Our goal is to reintroduce sober individuals into society with the skills necessary to lead meaningful, productive lives, through a compassionate and comprehensive treatment program. There is hope and we’re here to help, so please take the first step towards a better life by contacting us today.
