Most of us know that prescription drug addiction is a significant factor in many people’s lives. Prescription drugs can be used to treat a variety of conditions. Contrary to what we think, many of these drugs that we are prescribed to treat a variety of conditions are, in fact, highly addictive. Without careful management, it is easy for a person to unknowingly or unintentionally become addicted to a drug that they are supposed to be taking. Once this happens, it can be challenging to kick the addiction because the drug is needed for the original purpose but also is the source of the addiction.
At Hillside Mission Recovery, we know that new prescription drug addiction can be a painful experience. That is why we want to offer our clients all of the tools they need in order to get clean and sober. That’s why in this blog post, we’re going to discuss why prescription drug addiction is so common, what causes addiction to prescription drugs or prescription drug abuse, and the signs that go along with it. We also cover how to find prescription drug treatment centers near you. No one should have to suffer from an addiction to a drug that they were prescribed for legitimate medical conditions.
Why is Prescription Drug Addiction so Common?
One of the primary reasons why prescription drug addiction is so common is that millions of people take prescription drugs that inevitably have a chance of becoming addictive every day. This means that just by taking the drug, there’s a chance that a person can become addicted to the drug and begin to abuse it. Some can use the drugs prescribed without any problems and get the help that they need for their particular illnesses or medical conditions. However, many develop an addiction over time without even knowing it and ultimately wind up needing help to break the cycle.
The wide array of medications available and the number of conditions that they can treat means that there is a significant chance that any individual taking medication could become addicted. This, coupled with day-to-day life stressors and outside factors, means a high chance and a high likelihood for someone to become addicted to prescription medication. Also, because the scale and scope of addiction are different for each individual, a person may be addicted to a drug without realizing it or without anything seeming different.
What Prescription Drugs Are Commonly Abused?
Currently, the most widely abused prescription medication in America is opioids. Opioids are the most commonly prescribed medication in the country and, as such, are the most frequently abused.
Beyond the wide availability of these drugs, one reason they are abused is due to their effects on the body. Some improve cognition and focus, others produce a feeling of euphoria, and many are simply coping mechanisms for day-to-day problems.
Benzodiazepines, a common class of anti-anxiety medication, which includes drugs like Xanax, are also commonly abused. However, these drugs are not nearly as addictive or as potentially life-threatening as opioids.
What Are the Signs of Prescription Drug Addiction?
The signs of prescription drug addiction can be different for everyone, but there are some basic signs that you can look out for if you believe that someone you know may have a drug problem. A person taking a higher dose of a medication or taking a dose more frequently without consent from a doctor is a clear sign that they may have a problem using the drug.
Secondly, they may begin to change how they ingest the drug, such as crushing a pill and snorting it rather than taking it orally as intended. This behavior suggests a person is looking for a way to increase the intensity of the drug’s effects or looking to speed up its impact on the body.
Thirdly, you will likely see a change in a person’s day-to-day life. Behavior, such as becoming withdrawn from friends and family, neglecting day-to-day responsibilities, and seeking drugs over other activities, are all signs of addiction.
They may even develop behavioral signs such as paranoia, anxiety, or depression based on the use of the drug. The exact symptoms can vary depending on what drug they are using and for how long, as well as the individual’s medical history. In many cases, prolonged use of prescription drugs can lead to drastic and often life-altering consequences.
How to Find Prescription Drug Treatment Centers?
If you or someone you know is suffering from prescription drug addiction, it’s important to know how to find treatment that suits your needs. You could spend hours looking for addiction treatment near you or come straight to Hillside Mission Recovery. We offer a luxury rehab in Southern California for people suffering from drug addictions of all types and are here to help you 24/7.
Our programs begin with an individualized evaluation followed by a detoxification process that is supervised by our medically trained staff. Once detox is complete, the next step is to move on to your personalized treatment plan, which works to rid you of the drug and the causes behind the drug use. After treatment ends, we offer a range of aftercare services that are designed to help you continue recovery once the primary treatment portion has been completed. We believe everyone deserves a successful chance to restart their life. Contact Hillside Mission Recovery today if you are ready to get clean of prescription drug addiction.
