Prescription drug addiction in the US has been an ongoing problem among all age groups, starting at a very young age. It can affect anyone regardless of background, ethnicity, education, or gender. A prescription drug is a medication that a doctor prescribes to treat a specific medical condition. Prescription drug misuse involves using a drug that you don’t have a legitimate prescription for or using it in a way that it was not intended to be used.
Some of the most commonly misused prescription drugs include opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants, anti-anxiety medications, and other sedatives. In many cases, people purchase these medications illegally or take them from a family member without permission. Combating prescription drug misuse can be a challenge because so many people have access to these kinds of medications. Nevertheless, it is important to be able to recognize the signs of prescription drug misuse and know what steps to take if you think someone you know may be struggling.
Prescription drug misuse is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious health complications, addiction, overdose, and even death. Fighting the prescription drug addiction crisis that has affected so many across America is crucial, and everyone must do their part. While confronting someone you know who may be struggling with addiction can be difficult, it could also be the encouragement they need to make a change. It may even save their life.
At Profound Treatment in Los Angeles, California, we treat a variety of different types of prescription drug addiction. At our facility, we utilize the whole-person approach, which aims to treat the individual first and the addiction second. This can help to get to the root cause of the issues that may have contributed to the addiction. It can also help promote full healing and long-lasting recovery.
What Is a Prescription Drug Addiction?
Many of those who misuse prescription drugs do so for recreational purposes or to get high. Some may like the way the drug makes them feel or act. Before long, they will build up a tolerance to the drug and require more and more of it to experience the same effects. This is a very hazardous behavior that can quickly lead to addiction.
Prescription drug misuse typically involves one of the following four practices:
- Taking more of a particular drug than was prescribed
- Using someone else’s medication (a medication you do not have a prescription for)
- Taking the drug for non-medical reasons or in a way that it was not prescribed (for example, for recreational purposes or to get high)
- Altering the drug to enhance its effects (for example, crushing it up or snorting it)
However, many others experience prescription drug addiction completely unintentionally. They may have begun taking the drug after receiving a legitimate prescription for it, only to struggle to discontinue use. For example, with opioids in particular, many people are prescribed this medication to treat severe pain, like after an injury or surgery. As time goes on, they may develop a dependency on the drug and may experience severe withdrawal side effects.
This experience, while it may have been entirely unintentional, can be very dangerous. It can even lead to overdose. Because of this, it is important to always check in with a doctor while taking prescription medication of any kind, especially highly addictive drugs like opioids. This can help ensure the medication is working as intended and can help prevent addiction.
Why Is Prescription Drug Addiction So Prevalent in the US?
It is becoming increasingly clear that prescription drug addiction is a very serious problem within the United States. There have been increased efforts to spread awareness and education regarding the dangers of prescription drug misuse. However, there is still a long way that we have to go as a nation to combat this issue. Part of that effort includes identifying and understanding why this has become such a prevalent problem in the United States.
Throughout the years, over-prescription has undeniably played a role in how many people have experienced prescription drug addiction. Some healthcare providers may have prescribed powerful prescription drugs like opioids in situations in which they were not truly needed. This could be due to underestimating the truly addictive nature of these kinds of medications. It could also be due to not recognizing how often many of those who struggle with addiction to prescription opioids later turn to other, even more dangerous and potent drugs to cope with cravings.
There is also the easy access to prescription drugs that so many have, which must also be considered. For example, many young people may have family members or friends who have legitimately prescribed medications. They may only have to go as far as the family medicine cabinet to use these drugs whenever they wish. In some cases, they may even have friends or family members willing to sell them these medications illegally.
It is important to also recognize the negative stigma and lack of resources that still affect many people struggling with drug misuse. Those who are struggling may be hesitant to reach out for help due to fear of being judged. Others may not understand the severity of prescription drug addiction or the dangers involved. All of these factors can contribute to drug prescription addiction continuing to run rampant throughout the nation.
Which Prescription Drugs Are Commonly Abused?
While there are many different kinds of prescription drugs that are abused, some of the most common include opioids, benzodiazepines, anti-anxiety medications, sedatives, and stimulants. It is important to understand how these substances are misused and why. In addition, it is critical to be able to recognize the common symptoms attributed to the use of each kind of drug.
Opioids
People can misuse opioids in different ways. Some may use them in the way in which they were intended for pain relief. However, through tolerance and later building up a dependence on the drug, they may begin taking more and more of the drug to experience the same effects. They may even combine opioids with other substances, increasing the risk of dangerous side effects and overdose.
Others may gain access to opioids illegally and use them recreationally due to the euphoric-like sensation they can cause. They may tell themselves they’re only going to do this occasionally. However, they may find it very difficult to stop and may experience withdrawal side effects if they attempt to discontinue use. Withdrawal side effects associated with opioids can be especially severe, making it all the more difficult to quit without medical intervention.
Some people are able to conceal the signs that they are misusing opioids very easily. For others, the signs of their addiction may be hard to miss. While these symptoms can vary from person to person, some common physical signs to look out for include:
- Pinpoint pupils
- Slowed or shallow breathing
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness
- Digestive issues
- Frequent nausea or vomiting
- Poor coordination
- Visible track marks from needles on the skin
Benzodiazepines or Benzos
Benzodiazepines, which are often called “benzos,” are a type of drug used to treat conditions like insomnia, seizures, and anxiety. Some common benzodiazepine medications that you may have heard of include:
- Valium (diazepam)
- Klonopin (clonazepam)
- Xanax (alprazolam)
- Ativan (lorazepam)
People often misuse benzodiazepines for the sense of euphoria they give or because they are trying to self-medicate for other conditions they may have. For example, they may be struggling with undiagnosed anxiety and are looking for something to help them quickly relax and find relief. However, before long, they will likely become reliant on the drug and will experience even worse anxiety if they don’t take it.
Long-term benzodiazepine misuse can have a lot of severe health consequences, some of which cannot be reversed. Some examples of this could include cognitive impairments like permanent memory loss or learning disabilities.
Some signs that someone may be misusing benzodiazepines include:
- Irritability
- Sudden mood swings
- Panic attacks
- Anxiety
- Muscle pain
- Seizures
- Respiratory problems and even respiratory failure
Anti-Anxiety Medicines and Sedatives
In addition to benzodiazepines, some other medications that can be used to treat anxiety and can also become addictive include sedatives and barbiturates. Some commonly misused sedatives you may have heard of include:
- Zaleplon (Sonata)
- Zolpidem (Ambien)
- Eszopiclone (Lunesta)
In addition, while not as commonly known, some barbiturates that can be misused include phenobarbital and pentobarbital. These drugs promote a sense of relaxation. However, when they are misused, they can lead to an array of unpleasant and even dangerous side effects, including:
- Disorientation
- Confusion
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Slowed breathing
- Extreme drowsiness
Stimulants
Prescription stimulants are commonly used to treat conditions like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. They include amphetamines such as Adderall, Dexedrine, and Vyvanse, as well as methylphenidates like Ritalin and Concerta. These medications have a stimulating effect on the nervous system and may help an individual stay up and experience a heightened sense of focus. Many young people, especially students, misuse stimulants like Adderall because they believe it will help them perform better.
Other people misuse stimulants simply for the intention of recreation or because they want to experience the euphoric effects it can lead to. This is a dangerous practice that can quickly lead to tolerance, dependency, and addiction.
Some common signs that someone might be misusing stimulants include:
- Weight loss
- Hyperactivity
- Staying awake for long periods of time
- Dilated pupils
- Decrease in appetite
- Increased heart rate
Prescription Drug Addiction Signs and Symptoms
In addition to physical symptoms, someone who is misusing prescription drugs may exhibit signs through their behavior. It is important to be able to recognize these signs and to approach your loved one if you think they are misusing prescription drugs.
Complications With Family and Other Relationships
Misusing prescription drugs can lead to strained relationships and complications with friends and family. This could be due to the person getting caught lying or sneaking around to obtain a certain substance. They may also go as far as taking a family member’s prescription medication without permission.
The individual may also have a hard time keeping up with personal responsibilities or responsibilities they have to those closest to them. They may not prioritize their partner or their family members in the way that they should. These behaviors can lead to broken trust and many issues that can be difficult to repair.
School or Work Issues
Many people who are struggling with an addiction to prescription drugs will struggle to keep up with work or school. They may start showing less of an interest in their work or studies or show up late without having any excuse. The quality of their performance may begin to decrease. They may be reprimanded by their boss, teachers, or other superiors.
Financial Problems
Due to missing out on work, some people struggling with addiction may face termination from their jobs. Or they may struggle to hold on to jobs for any significant amount of time. This can lead to serious financial problems and issues staying on top of bills. They may ask those closest to them about borrowing money.
Legal Problems
Misusing prescription drugs is illegal. If you are caught in possession of a controlled substance that you do not have a prescription for, you can face serious legal trouble. In the case that you were selling or buying prescription medication illegally, you can face even greater legal consequences.
The legal repercussions associated with prescription drug misuse can be very costly and stressful. They can make it more difficult to find a job in the future.
Doctor Shopping
Another sign to look out for when it comes to someone who may be struggling with prescription drug misuse is what is known as doctor shopping. When someone has been misusing a particular substance for a long amount of time, they may have trouble getting another prescription for it. Thus, they may constantly speak with new doctors in hopes of finding one who will fulfill their prescription.
Prescription Drug Addiction Risk Factors
It is hard to say why some people seem to be at greater risk of experiencing drug addiction than others. Family history and genetics can certainly be major factors. Co-occurring mental health disorders such as undiagnosed anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may also cause someone to turn misusing prescription drugs.
Is There Treatment for Prescription Drug Addiction?
Struggling with a prescription drug addiction can be a very overwhelming, scary, and isolating experience. Many people don’t know how to get help and fear that they will be looked at differently if they admit they have a problem. The good news is that there is hope and a variety of different treatments available. This includes both inpatient and outpatient treatment, followed by a continued treatment program.
How Can I Help a Loved One Addicted to Prescription Drugs?
It can be intimidating to confront a loved one who you know is struggling with a prescription drug addiction. However, it is crucial that you do not stand idly by as the situation progresses. Approach your loved one in a calm and controlled manner and let them know that you’re worried about them and why. Next, encourage them to seek professional help with their addiction while reminding them that you will be there to offer support.
Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment at Profound Treatment
At Profound Treatment in Los Angeles, California, we offer a safe and comfortable environment where you or your loved one can begin the healing and recovery process. We recognize that each person’s experience with addiction looks a little different and that everyone heals in different ways. Thus, we make a point to offer an individualized treatment plan for each person who enters our facility. We also offer holistic treatment methods that can be used in conjunction with more traditional treatment methods to promote full and complete healing.
Taking the first step towards seeking help with an addiction of any sort can be very intimidating. If this is your situation, you may worry about how you will be perceived or what the future may bring. There may be a lot of different factors that may be holding you back. However, taking that first step is one of the best and most courageous things you can do for your health. At Profound Treatment, we aim to help guide you the rest of the way as you begin to heal. We can help you begin to live a happier and healthier life today. Call (310) 340-2609 today to learn more.
(310) 929-9546
