Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment in Los Angeles

A common misconception is that prescription drugs are harder to get addicted to because they are prescribed by medical professionals. Unfortunately, many prescription drugs are just as potent as illicit drugs and have similar addictive qualities. Misinformation like this is part of the reason why prescription drug addiction is such a pervasive form of substance use disorder (SUD). Profound Treatment is here to help those struggling with SUD achieve sobriety and long-term wellness.

What Is Prescription Drug Addiction?

Prescription drug abuse refers to using a medication that is intended for prescription use in a way that your doctor did not intend. This could mean anything from taking a friend’s prescription painkillers for a nagging backache or over-using your own prescribed medication to achieve a high. Even if you don’t intend to get high, misusing prescription drugs is considered abuse and is often illegal. Prescription drug abuse can easily lead to addiction if continued.

Addiction to prescription drugs happens when you become psychologically and chemically dependent on prescription drugs. This is a serious issue that can lead to negative effects on your mental and physical health and even result in death. Many prescription drugs, like painkillers, are extremely potent, which is why you should only take them when prescribed by a doctor and follow the strict instructions of your medical provider and the manufacturer. This type of addiction should be treated in a safe environment by addiction professionals like our team at Profound Treatment.

Prescription Drugs That Can Lead to Addiction

There are a variety of prescription drugs that have addictive properties. Some of the most commonly abused include:

  • Opioids
  • Fentanyl
  • Oxycodone (Oxycontin®)
  • Hydrocodone (Vicodin®)
  • Tramadol
  • Codeine
  • Morphine
  • Central nervous system (CNS) depressants
  • Xanax
  • Ativan
  • Klonopin
  • Sleeping Pills
  • Valium
  • Stimulants
  • Adderall
  • Ritalin
  • Concerta
  • Vyvanse

Signs and Symptoms of Prescription Drug Addiction

The symptoms of prescription drug addiction vary depending on the drug being abused. Some warning signs to look out for are:

  • Stealing pills
  • Going to multiple doctors for the same issue
  • Claiming to lose prescriptions
  • Frequently needing early refills
  • Recurring pain from an old injury that requires painkillers
  • Needing a higher dose to get relief
  • Drowsiness or confusion
  • Extremes highs and lows in energy and mood

If you think you or a loved one may be addicted to prescription drugs, reach out to a medical professional or addiction specialist.

Dangers of Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription drug addiction poses significant dangers, impacting both physical and mental health. Medications like opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants, when misused, can lead to severe consequences. Opioid addiction, for instance, is often associated with a heightened risk of overdose, as these drugs depress the respiratory system, potentially leading to death. Benzodiazepine misuse can result in profound sedation, memory impairment, and dangerous withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. Stimulants, such as those prescribed for ADHD, can lead to cardiovascular issues, anxiety, and psychosis when abused.

Long-term misuse of prescription drugs can also lead to chronic health problems, including liver and kidney damage, cognitive decline, and increased vulnerability to other forms of substance abuse.

Treatment Options at Profound Treatment in Los Angeles

Successful treatment for prescription drug addiction may need to incorporate several components, including medical detoxification, inpatient treatment, counseling, and aftercare services. At Profound Treatment, we offer all of these services through our residential rehabilitation program.

When you first come to Profound Treatment, you may need to detox. Detoxing is the process of letting the substances leave your system under medical supervision. This process can be unpleasant; you may experience withdrawals during this time. Our medical care team will be with you every step of the way to make sure you are safe and as comfortable as possible.

Following Detox

After detox, you’ll enter into our residential rehab program. You’ll live at our state-of-the-art facilities, where you’ll have access to 24/7 care. During this time, we’ll get you set up with counselors, therapists, and support groups so that you can start doing the mental work that recovery requires. In therapy for substance addiction, your therapist may utilize techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address underlying issues and thought patterns that might contribute to your addiction.

After your residential rehabilitation is complete, you may be ready to move on to a less intensive step in the ongoing treatment process. This could be outpatient treatment, where you go to a treatment facility for a few hours a day but do not live there, or you might move on to an aftercare program. Aftercare programs allow you to live your normal life, living at home and working, but keep you connected to resources to continue your recovery journey. For example, you might continue therapy a couple of nights a week, attend workshops, or join community-based support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Continuing to utilize these resources after primary treatment is vital to maintaining sobriety and wellness.

Prescription drug addiction can happen to anyone. It is not a sign of weakness or a moral failure. At Profound Treatment, we understand that most of the time, prescription drug addiction begins with a legitimate need for medication that spirals into abuse and dependence. You don’t have to feel any shame or guilt when asking for help with these issues. Our team treats prescription drug addiction with compassion in a safe and non-judgmental environment. Our goal is to help you regain balance and control over your life so that you can take steps toward maintained wellness. Take the first step today. Call Profound Treatment at (310) 340-2609 to learn about our residential treatment program.

Treatment Options at Profound Treatment in Los Angeles

For those seeking prescription drug addiction treatment in Los Angeles, we offer:

  • Residential detox: An outpatient program that uses carefully-selected medication to help you detox from prescription drug addiction
  • Inpatient treatment: A live-in stay at our treatment center that involves individual counseling, group sessions, and more

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Prescription drug abuse is a growing concern worldwide, prompting various initiatives and strategies to address this public health crisis. One key approach to combatting prescription drug abuse is enhancing prescription monitoring programs (PMPs). These programs help healthcare providers track and monitor patients’ prescription histories, identifying any potential patterns of misuse or abuse. By utilizing PMPs, healthcare professionals can detect and intervene in cases of inappropriate prescribing or drug-seeking behaviors, preventing misuse before it escalates.

Another significant effort in combating prescription drug abuse is increasing public awareness and education. Educating patients and the general public about the risks of prescription drug abuse, proper medication use, and safe storage and disposal practices can help prevent misuse and reduce the availability of these drugs for non-medical purposes.

Additionally, healthcare providers play a crucial role in educating patients about the potential dangers of prescription drug abuse and discussing alternative pain management options to reduce reliance on prescription medications.

Furthermore, regulatory measures such as implementing prescription drug monitoring programs, increasing penalties for illegal prescribing practices, and promoting responsible prescribing guidelines among healthcare professionals are essential steps in curbing prescription drug abuse.

Collaborative efforts between healthcare providers, policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations are essential in creating a comprehensive approach to tackle prescription drug abuse effectively. By implementing these strategies and fostering a culture of responsible medication use, we can work towards reducing the incidence of prescription drug abuse and improving public health outcomes.

Prescription drug addiction can have profound effects on the brain, leading to significant changes in its structure and function. When an individual becomes addicted to prescription drugs, their brain undergoes adaptations to accommodate the presence of these substances.

One of the key mechanisms at play in addiction is the hijacking of the brain’s reward system. Prescription drugs can artificially stimulate the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, creating intense feelings of pleasure and euphoria. Over time, the brain becomes reliant on these drugs to experience the same level of pleasure, leading to a cycle of addiction.

Additionally, prescription drug addiction can alter the chemical balance in the brain, affecting its communication pathways. Prolonged drug use can disrupt neurotransmitter levels, impacting mood, behavior, and cognitive function. Changes in brain chemistry can result in cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and impaired decision-making abilities.

Chronic drug abuse can also lead to structural changes in the brain, affecting areas responsible for self-control, motivation, and impulse regulation. These alterations can perpetuate the cycle of addiction, making it challenging for individuals to break free from the grips of prescription drug dependence. Overall, prescription drug addiction exerts a powerful influence on the brain, reshaping its normal functioning and perpetuating the addiction.

When a loved one is struggling with a prescription drug addiction, it can be a challenging and emotional situation to navigate. The first step is to educate yourself about addiction and the specific prescription drugs involved. Understanding the effects of the drug, potential withdrawal symptoms, and treatment options will help you support your loved one effectively.

It is important to communicate openly and empathetically with your loved one about their addiction. Express your concerns without judgment and offer your support in seeking help. Encouraging them to speak to a healthcare professional or addiction specialist is crucial in addressing their addiction and developing a treatment plan. Additionally, consider attending therapy or support groups together to strengthen your relationship and learn coping mechanisms.

Finally, set boundaries to protect your own well-being while supporting your loved one through their recovery journey. Remember to take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally throughout this process. Stay patient and understanding, as overcoming prescription drug addiction is a difficult and ongoing process that requires love, support, and dedication from both you and your loved one.

Treatment for prescription drug addiction can vary. Insurance coverage can greatly impact the out-of-pocket costs for treatment. Many insurance plans offer some form of coverage for addiction treatment, which can help offset some of the costs.

It is important for individuals seeking treatment to thoroughly research their options and speak with their insurance providers to better understand the costs involved. Overall, while the cost of treatment for prescription drug addiction can be substantial, the long-term benefits of recovery and improved quality of life often outweigh the financial investment.

When it comes to prescription drugs, the question of addiction often arises. While not all prescription drugs are addictive, it is important to be aware of the risks involved with certain medications.

Prescription drugs that have a high potential for addiction are typically known as controlled substances, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants. These drugs can be habit-forming and have the potential for abuse if not taken as prescribed.

On the other hand, many prescription drugs are not considered addictive when used appropriately under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Medications such as antibiotics, antihistamines, and antidepressants are not typically associated with addiction when taken as directed for the intended purpose. It is crucial to follow their healthcare provider’s instructions closely and to never misuse or share prescription medications.

While not all prescription drugs are addictive, it is essential to be informed about the risks associated with certain medications. Responsible use of prescription drugs, along with open communication with healthcare providers, can help prevent misuse and potential addiction.

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