Drugs like Percocet, OxyContin, Valium, Adderall, and Xanex have been over-prescribed and thus the abuse of these drugs has risen, along with overdose rates. These drugs are legally prescribed to treat things like chronic pain, ADHD, and severe anxiety and can be an asset to some who suffer from these ailments. However, misuse can create short-lived feelings of “euphoria” and lead to tolerance. Once tolerance is reached, the user requires larger doses to achieve the same effect. They are now in the cycle of addiction.
Because these drugs don’t have the same stigma attached to them as street drugs like heroin or meth, the tendency to deny there is a problem is greater in prescription drug abusers. It often begins with taking a little more than prescribed, then escalating to much higher doses, and can lead to “doctor shopping,” substituting street drugs, or even overdose. Understanding the risks associated with misuse is crucial, especially with medications like Valium. For more information on the effects and duration of this drug, explore How Long Does Valium Last to gain a deeper understanding of its impact and the importance of seeking help.
If you are experiencing prescription drug addiction, you have likely tried to stop and found the withdrawal to be unbearable. In fact, withdrawal from these drugs can be life-threatening and should be done under medical supervision. Withdrawal from opiates like OxyContin and Percocet can entail extreme agitation, sweating, muscle spasms and aches, severe nausea and vomiting, dehydration, and abdominal pain. Withdrawal from benzodiazepines like Xanax or Valium can cause dangerous symptoms like seizures, hallucinations, delirium, insomnia, and nausea. Similarly, Clonidine withdrawal can present with anxiety, insomnia, rapid heart rate, and increased blood pressure. These symptoms combined with strong cravings are difficult to overcome on your own and often lead to relapse.
Treatment for Prescription Drug addiction should start with Supervised Detoxification. It is very dangerous to do on your own, not to mention painful. At Pathways Recovery Center we’ll make sure you’re medically stable. You will be monitored by our on-site clinical and nursing staff who are experienced in implementing medication-assisted detox. This will ensure the safest and least painful withdrawal experience.
In our private, intimate facility designed for serenity and comfort, you’ll begin intensive therapy to not only address addiction, but the underlying factors that led to it. At Pathways Recovery Center, we believe that healing addiction means healing the whole person. You’ll undergo assessments to determine each of the contributing biological, social, and psychological factors that have kept you in the cycle of addiction. Using evidence-based therapies like CBT and DBT, we’ll help you learn new coping skills and positive thinking patterns that will help you overcome your cravings, master your emotions, and heal. At PRC, we’ll get you the social support you need to stay free from addiction with tools like 12 Step programs and group therapy. You are not alone!
Dr. Moses Nasser, a double board-certified physician in Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine, with expertise in holistic healing, addiction medicine, and psychiatric care, holds an X-waiver to prescribe buprenorphine and has extensive experience in mindfulness-based customer service and medication-assisted treatment.
Additional Resources on Alcoholism:
Misuse of Prescription Drugs Research Report
Prescription Drug Abuse
