People often associate substance abuse with alcohol or street drugs like heroin. However, people also abuse and become addicted to legal drugs such as prescription pills.
While prescription pills can heal us, if used the wrong way, they can become addictive. Addiction is dangerous, no doubt. It is best treated when an addiction seeks professional help at an addiction treatment facility. Keep on reading to learn more about the dangers of prescription pill abuse and how it can be treated.
What Is a Prescription Pill Addiction?
Prescription drug abuse occurs when a person misuses prescription medications by going away from a doctor’s prescription or recommendation. This could be taking the pill without a prescription, taking more than prescribed or using it for a different ailment.
Prescription drug abuse is one of the most common drug problems in the United States. And right now, prescription drugs are the most abused drugs after alcohol and marijuana.
In a 2015 survey conducted by SAMHSA, about 18.9 million Americans between the ages of 12 and above-misused prescription drugs and 1% of them had a prescription drug use disorder.
Are Prescription Pills Addictive?
Yes. In several cases, prescription drug abuse occurs due to a pursuit of the euphoric feeling some drugs give. We’d like to note that not everyone who is prescribed prescription pills will become addicted.
When individuals seek these drugs’ effects, they usually misuse them by consuming higher doses than what’s prescribed for an ailment. Continually taking the medicine over a long period often builds a tolerance.
A tolerance reduces the drug’s effects and decreases the euphoric feeling from using it at lower doses. As a result, the individual will require a higher amount to reach the same high.
When the body builds tolerance, resisting taking the pill becomes challenging. The addiction is built by increasing doses and the body’s central nervous system getting accustomed to the drug’s presence.
As soon as dependence begins, misuse becomes compulsive and tough to overcome. When you or someone you love has reached this point, it’s best to seek out prescription pill addiction treatment.
Commonly Abused Prescription Pills
According to the National Institute Of Drug Abuse, the most popular prescription drugs abused are of 3 categories. These are:
- Opioids
Opioids are painkillers that work by acting on the body’s opioid receptors to reduce pains. These drugs produce euphoric feelings and can become addictive if taken regularly or abused. Common opioids are; codeine, hydrocodone, morphine, and oxycodone.
- Depressants
Popular depressants are phenobarbital (Luminal), diazepam (Valium), and alprazolam (Xanax). They treat anxiety, sleep disorders, and panic attacks by slowing down brain activity.
- Stimulants
Stimulants, on the other hand, increase brain activities, thus increasing alertness, attention and energy. They are commonly used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), sleep disorders and narcolepsy.
Examples are amphetamines/dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Dexedrine) and methylphenidates (Ritalin and Concerta).
Prescription Pills Addiction Treatment
Prescription pill addiction treatment may vary depending on your needs and the type of drug abused. Essential parts of treatment at rehabs often include:
- Counseling
Rehabs provide individual, group and family counseling to help uncover and address underlying factors that led to the drug abuse. Specialists will also provide professional advice and strategies to resist cravings and live healthily.
- Detoxification
Depending on the usage and degree of the drug misuse, detoxification may be necessary as part of treatment.
Detoxification is the process of removing toxins from your body. It can be dangerous to do this alone so you should always detox in the care of a professional facility.
- Medications
Sometimes, medications may be needed to treat addiction. For instance, opioid addiction can be treated using medicines like buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone.
- Support Groups
Recovery can come with challenges. Patients need the support of loved ones and group organizations to get through recovery.
There are 12 step programs like Smart Recovery and Narcotics Anonymous, communities for people recovering from addiction. Facilities also offer support groups where clients can connect with others.
- Aftercare
Addiction requires lifelong treatment as people may relapse after detox. Thus, aftercare is necessary even after rehab to help people maintain recovery and prevent/manage relapses.
Prescription Pill Addiction Treatment at Hillside Mission
It takes a lot of courage to admit you need prescription pill addiction treatment. When you reach out for help, know that you can get the treatment you need.
At Hillside Mission, we provide unique and person-centered addiction treatment to help people with their recovery. The treatment takes place under the care of our compassionate and professional staff and in a serene and well-structured environment.
We offer evidence-based treatment, and our services include detoxification, inpatient program and aftercare. Hillside Mission also incorporates holistic treatments and group supports to help clients with long term recovery.
Need personalized treatment that works and promises long term recovery? Get in touch with Hillside Mission today!
