Prescription Drug Addiction

PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE AND ADDICTION

Drug prescriptions introduce individuals to more kinds and quantities of drugs than they might otherwise encounter in their daily lives. These drugs can become a part of an individual’s daily routines, even after their treatments have concluded and their prescriptions have run out. Whether to continue to treat their originating issues or simply to maintain the “highs” that came along with the medications, individuals may find themselves looking for new ways to obtain these drugs. However, the use of prescription drugs — including opioids, sedatives and stimulants — does not make those drugs safer to use outside of doctor direction.

Individuals may continue a pattern of prescription drug use without every realizing — or admitting — they have an abuse or addiction problem. Statistics document these trends. Recent studies show that as many as 52 million Americans have used prescriptions drugs for non-prescribed uses and that over 50 percent of prescription drug users obtained their drugs from family or friends. Also, over a seven-year period, prescription drug abuse has contributed to an over 130 percent increase in emergency room visits. The prevalence of prescription drugs, ease of acquisition and wide variety of highs make detox extremely challenging to accomplish without professional help.

TYPE OF PRESCRIPTION DRUG ADDICTION

NIDA lists three basic types of prescription drugs that are frequently abused:

Opioids – These prescription narcotics are typically prescribed to treat both acute and chronic pain, but the substances are also highly addictive. The two most common opioids taken for nonmedical purposes are oxycodone, which is found in brand-name drugs like Vicodin and Percocet, and fentanyl.

CNS Depressants – Central nervous system (CNS) depressants are primarily used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders, but their addictive nature makes them dangerous whether taken for a medical condition or nonmedically. Benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax and Ativan) are the most common drugs abused in this category, but addiction can also become a problem with non-benzodiazepine sleep medications like Ambien and Lunesta and barbiturates such as Mebaral and Luminal.

Stimulants – Prescriptions for these drugs are usually given to treat attention deficit disorders and less frequently, a sleep disorder known as narcolepsy. Brand names included in this category are Ritalin and Adderall. These substances have become known as “study drugs,” because students have begun taking them to improve their focus and alertness while studying for tests. However, nonmedical use of these drugs can be both addictive and dangerous.

SIGNS OF PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCY

When someone becomes dependent on a prescription drug, symptoms often appear that could indicate a problem. These might include:

• Loss of interest in spending time with friends or participating in activities
• More time spent in isolation
• Work or school responsibilities begin to suffer
• Changes in mood or sleep patterns
• Increased time used for getting and using the substance
• Needing more of the substance to achieve the same effects (tolerance)
• Doctor shopping to obtain more prescriptions or forging scripts
• Taking pills from friends or family members
• Crushing the pills to snort or inject for a more intense “high”

When an addiction is suspected, it is vital to seek professional assistance as soon as possible. These drugs all have a high risk for overdose and other dangerous complications, especially when they are combined with other substances like alcohol.

SYMPTOMS OF PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE

Prescription drug abuse can lead to a wide range of negative physical and emotional side effects, including but not limited to:

LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES OF PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE

Effects of abuse, by substance, include the following symptoms and will vary in severity by length of use.

SYMPTOMS OF WITHDRAWAL FROM PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

When a person that is addicted to one of these substances stops taking it, the body may react to the absence of the drug by exhibiting withdrawal symptoms. These side effects can range from mild to severe, and some can be life-threatening. This is particularly true of benzodiazepine withdrawal, which might include seizures, hallucinations and suicidal thoughts.

Even if the withdrawal symptoms are not dangerous, they can be uncomfortable enough to prompt the individual to use the drug once again to stop the unpleasant sensations. The pain, discomfort and potential risks associated with withdrawal make this process much more successful when it is done under the supervision of medical professionals trained to manage the withdrawal process. Once detoxification, full elimination of the drug from the body, is completed and withdrawal symptoms have subsided, addiction treatment can begin in earnest.

Withdrawal symptoms from prescription medications vary by substance but will often include:

THE NEED FOR A SUPERVISED DETOX FROM PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS

Your body will go through many changes as you cease to use your substance of choice. Since your body has come to rely on these substances, stopping use typically means your entire body chemistry must readjust. With those chemical changes, you will likely experience a combination of emotional and physical trauma, in various degrees of severity and at various times, that will vary from individual to individual. You might start feeling better then immediately worse, leaving you no meaningful way to judge the success of your detox.

To get through this time — and simply know where you stand — you will need the support of knowledgable, trained professionals who know the detox process, its unique challenges and your personal struggles first-hand. You’ll need a mix of comfort, medical care and education — on the process of healing, and how to move forward meaningfully — often all on the same day. You’ll need not only someone to treat you but to stand with you when it gets hardest. Serenity Oaks Wellness Center’s experienced, capable and caring staff have helped thousands through their detox and into healthier lives and would also like to help you.

SERENITY OAKS WELLNESS CENTER’S INTEGRATED APPROACH TO PRESCRIPTION DRUG DETOX

Behaviors play as significant a role in addiction as chemical dependency. The presence of certain behaviors may predispose individuals to chemical dependency, while the absence of other behaviors may sustain and prolong that addiction. Further, chemical dependency changes the fundamental ways in which our bodies and minds function, making will-power and simply “deciding to stop” often very ineffective self-treatments, especially if attempted alone.

We believe that treatment methods which help build healthy responses to triggers — as well as provide compassionate medical support — give you the greatest chance at a lasting sobriety. Treating behaviors alone leaves the propensity for addiction intact, while treating chemical dependency alone leaves you vulnerable to future temptations. An approach which supports you medically, while also giving you the tools, positive experiences and self-confidence you’ll need to flourish drug-free, not only addresses all aspects of your recovery, but also prepares you to succeed in the face of real world challenges.

Our doctors, counselors and staff understand the toll addiction takes and the courage it requires to admit you have a problem and need help. We value that trust and strive to create more than a doctor-patient relationship, but a partnership and friendship to provide the support you need when you need it most. Call our counselors today to discuss all of your recovery options. You’ve already taken the first steps towards wellness, let Serenity Oaks Wellness Center help you complete the journey.