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.
(310) 929-9546
