Prescription Drug Addiction
Over 131 million people, around 66% of the adult population in the United States, use prescription drugs today. Prescription medications can assist in the management of chronic and short-term conditions. Unfortunately, the widespread availability of potentially addictive drugs has turned into a gateway to addiction. In fact, prescription drug addiction is a major threat to public health in the U.S. today.
To keep yourself and your loved ones safe from prescription drug abuse, it is important to understand what its causes are and how to recognize the signs so that you can seek professional help as soon as possible.
What Is Prescription Drug Addiction?
Prescription drug addiction is a chronic disease that affects millions of people throughout the country. It is characterized by the compulsive use of prescription drugs, even when they are harmful to the person’s health.
Some of the most commonly abused prescription medications include painkillers like opioids, as well as sedatives, stimulants, and benzodiazepines. Prescription drug addiction can lead to a variety of serious problems, including:
- Overdose
- Addiction
- Physical and mental health problems
- Social problems
- Financial problems
An estimated 16.3 million people misuse prescription medications each year, with 16,706 overdose deaths involving prescription opioids alone recorded in 2021. This, of course, only reveals a fraction of the problem when discussing prescription drug abuse.
What Prescription Drugs Are Addictive?
Many people require prescription medications to treat a variety of ailments and conditions, so it is important to know which of these drugs pose a risk for addiction. Knowing what medications have a potential for abuse can help you stay safe and informed with your prescriptions.
Some of the most commonly prescribed medications that have a high potential for abuse and addiction include:
- Opioids, such as Codeine, Oxycodone (Xtampza ER, Oxaydo, Roxicodone), Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab, Lorcet-HD, Hycodan, Vicoprofen), Morphine (Arymo ER, MorphaBond ER, MS Contin), Tramadol (Ultram, ConZip), and Fentanyl (Duragesic, Abstral, Subsys).
- Benzodiazepines, including Xanax (Alprazolam), Valium (Diazepam), and Ativan (Lorazepam).
- Stimulants, including Adderall (Mixed Amphetamine Salts), Ritalin (Methylphenidate), and Desoxyn (Methamphetamine).
- Sleep Medications, such as Ambien (Zolpidem), Lunesta (Eszopiclone), and Sonata (Zaleplon).
- Muscle Relaxants, including Soma (Carisoprodol), chlorzoxazone, cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone, methocarbamol, and orphenadrine.
If you are concerned about the use of one of these prescription drugs in yourself or a loved one, it is important to reach out for help. These medications pose a risk of developing dependence and addiction if misused.
At Spokane Heights detox and residential treatment center, we provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to begin their recovery journey. Our experienced staff is dedicated to providing the best care possible to help each person reach their goals. With our compassionate team of professionals, you or your loved one will get the highest quality of care available.
If you or someone you know is struggling with prescription drug abuse, please reach out for help today.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of
Prescription Drug Addiction?
Prescription drug addiction is a serious problem that can have devastating consequences for affected individuals, as well as their families and communities. This is why it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of prescription drug addiction so that you can get help if you or someone you know is struggling.
Some of the most common physical signs of prescription drug addiction include:
- Changes in appetite, sleep patterns, or physical appearance
- Slurred speech, impaired coordination, or difficulty concentrating
- Bloodshot eyes, pupils larger or smaller than usual
- Nausea, vomiting, or constipation
- Frequent doctor visits or unexplained trips to the pharmacy
In addition to these, the person may display behavioral signs of prescription drug addiction, including:
- Taking more or less of a medication than prescribed
- Doctor shopping or going to multiple doctors to get prescriptions for the same medication
- Taking a medication that is not prescribed for you
- Taking medications without a doctor's knowledge
- Doctor shopping or going to multiple doctors to get prescriptions for the same medication
- Selling or giving away prescription drugs
- Engaging in risky or illegal activities to get money for drugs
Finally, emotional and psychological signs of prescription drug addiction can include:
- Feeling anxious, depressed, or irritable when not taking the medication
- Craving the medication
- Denying that there is a problem with medication use
- Blaming others for problems caused by drug use
- Isolating from friends and family
If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be addicted to prescription drugs, it is important to seek help from a qualified professional. Treatment for prescription drug addiction is available and can be effective with the right support and care.
Have any questions?
When Do You Need Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment?
There are many signs that someone may need prescription drug addiction treatment, but it is important to note that only a qualified medical professional can diagnose and treat prescription drug addiction. Some of the most common signs of prescription drug addiction include:
- Taking more of the medication than prescribed.
- Experiencing cravings for the medication.
- Taking the medication more often than prescribed.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop taking the medication.
- Taking the medication for a longer period of time than prescribed.
- Continuing to take the medication even though it is causing problems in your life, such as problems at work, school, or in your relationships.
Experiencing any of these signs is a strong indicator that your drug use has gotten out of control and it is time to seek professional help. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available to those who are struggling with prescription drug abuse.
Self-Assessment: Am I Addicted?
How Long Is Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment?
Prescription drug addiction treatment can vary in length depending on the individual’s needs and the severity of their addiction. However, most treatment programs will last anywhere from 30 to 90 days.
For those with severe addictions, their treatment process will usually take longer, as they will require more in-depth care and continuing support. Individuals with more mild addictions, however, may not need intensive or long-term treatment.
When you choose a treatment facility, your provider will work with you to determine what levels of care and length of treatment will work best for your recovery. It is important to understand that sobriety is a life-long commitment, but one that is well worth the effort.
What Is Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Like?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to the addiction treatment process. Because of this, everyone’s recovery journey will look different depending on their specific situation and treatment needs.
With that being said, the prescription drug addiction treatment process can generally look something like this:
- Detoxification: This is the first step of treatment and typically lasts for 7-10 days. During detoxification, the individual is gradually weaned off of their abused substance while under constant medical supervision to prevent withdrawal symptoms and relapse.
- Inpatient treatment: This is the most intensive type of treatment and typically lasts for 30-90 days. During inpatient treatment, the individual will live at their treatment facility and receive 24-hour care and structure.
- Outpatient treatment: This is a less intensive type of treatment that can be done on a part-time basis and is usually used as a step-down form of care. Outpatient treatment typically lasts for 12-18 months and can include support groups, therapy, and medication.
- Aftercare: This is a type of support that is provided to individuals after they have completed treatment. Aftercare can include individual or group therapy, support groups, and case management.
These are just a few of the most common forms of treatment used to help people recover from prescription drug abuse. When you decide to seek treatment for a prescription drug addiction, you will have many levels of care to choose from depending on what services best fit your needs.
Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment at Royal Life Centers
It is important to find a treatment program that offers comprehensive and individualized care so that you can be sure each of your needs are being met. At Royal Life Centers, we offer this and so much more to each of our clients.
We will work with you to build an individualized treatment plan that is capable of addressing each aspect of your addiction and building a solid foundation for long-term recovery. Some of the treatment options you will have to choose from at our facility include:
- Medical detox
- Residential inpatient
- Partial hospitalization
- Intensive outpatient
- Outpatient
- Sober living
Making the decision to seek help for an addiction can be scary, but it is the right thing to do. Our compassionate team is available to answer all of your recovery questions and walk you through the treatment process. Reach out now to get started today!
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 Spokane Heights is just one of the many esteemed treatment facilities offered by Royal across Washington. Our comprehensive range of services includes top-notch facilities for early-stage detoxification, inpatient treatment, outpatient care, and aftercare. With the flexibility to transition between centers, our guests can seamlessly continue their journey toward lasting sobriety.
Spokane Heights specifically caters to detoxification and inpatient treatment for those struggling with prescription drug addiction. Explore our other nearby options to discover the perfect fit for your needs:
- Royal Life Centers at Spokane Heights is our detox and inpatient treatment center in Spokane, Washington.
- Royal Life Centers at Cascade Heights is our aftercare and outpatient treatment center in Mead, Washington.
- Royal Life Centers at The Haven is our detoxification and inpatient treatment center in Lacey, Washington.
- Royal Life Centers at Sound Recovery is our aftercare and outpatient treatment center in Lacey, Washington.
- Royal Life Centers at Puget Sound is our detox and residential inpatient treatment center in Sumner, Washington.
For more information on our treatment centers and how you can get help today, call our 24/7 admissions team at 888-907-0898.
Looking for Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment?
If you or someone you love is struggling with prescription drug addiction, please reach out to us to find out more about how our prescription drug detox services can help. We work with most private insurance policies and we have 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. Because We Care.
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