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 starts with taking a little more than you’re prescribed, then a lot more, and ends with “doctor shopping”, substituting street drugs, and sometimes overdose.
Prescription drugs can be a healthy component of treatment for people experiencing chronic pain, severe anxiety, recovery from surgery, and other problems. However, due to their highly addictive nature it’s very easy to slip into misuse and addiction. Prescription drug users will find they hit a point of tolerance, meaning the dose of drugs they’re prescribed is no longer effective for their ailments. Users may find themselves taking more than prescribed, further increasing their tolerance and forcing them to make irrational decisions to acquire more. As dependence develops, users may find they can’t even feel normal or function without the drug.
Here are some warning signs that Prescription Drug Abuse has become a problem:
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 benzodiazepenes like Xanex or Valium can cause dangerous symptoms like seizures, hallucinations, delerium, insomnia, and nausea. 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!
Contact our addiction specialists today to learn more about substance abuse treatment at 1-888-711-0966 or [email protected]
Additional Resources on Prescription Drug Addiction:
National Institute on Drug Abuse – Misuse of Prescription Drugs Research Report
Mayo Clinic – Prescription Drug Abuse
Alcohol abuse and dependence affect over a quarter of Americans every year. Alcohol is the most widely available drug of abuse in our country. Treatment for alcohol requires medically assisted detoxification and an intensive program designed by Pathways to help each client learn to live a joyful life, free of alcohol.
Read MoreThe United Nations recently put the number of people worldwide abusing Methamphetamine at approximately 24.7 million. The effects of meth abuse are quickly visible and often lead to incarceration, physical deterioration, and complete demoralization. Pathways provides a serene and quiet environment for the meth detoxification process, as well as intensive therapy to prepare clients to leave Meth behind for good.
Read MoreCocaine is the most trafficked drug in the world and it is estimated that at least 5 million Americans use it. It is highly addictive and often ends in psychosis and financial ruin. Long term cocaine use can lead to heart disease, stroke, seizure disorders, chronic headaches, and many cognitive deficits. As the use of cocaine increases, you may feel stronger cravings as your brain changes to adapt. Once your mind and body begin to depend on the drug, you may have trouble functioning without it. Pathways can help you beat cocaine through intensive treatment that has been proven effective.
Read MoreSince 1999, heroin related overdose rates have multiplied more than seven times. Many heroin users were once legitimately prescribed opiate painkillers like OxyContin and found heroin a cheaper and easier to acquire substitute. Heroin use has become increasing dangerous due to the presence of Fentanyl, a substance that leads to fatal overdose with shockingly small quantities of the drug. Treatment for heroin addiction requires medically supervised detoxification.
Read MoreThe U.S. is currently experiencing an unprecedented Opioid epidemic. Due to the over-prescribing of painkiller like OxyContin and Vicodin, many people with legitimate pain management issues have become addicted to opiates. Dependence on opiates leads to tolerance of the drugs. Once the user has developed tolerance of opiates, they higher and higher doses to achieve the same effect. Some users find themselves turning to heroin to supplement the increased amount of the substance they need. Opiate addiction often leads to overdose and requires medically supervised detoxification.
Read MorePathways Recovery Center Believes That Anyone Suffering From Addiction Can Recover And Experience The Joy Of Life Again. Join Us In Fighting Addiction One Person At A Time.
Call us today or fill out the form and speak to one of our Admissions Specialists for a free and confidential consultation.
1033 N Soldano Ave. Azusa, CA 91702
1-888-711-0966
admissions @pathwaysrecovery.center
