Prescription Drug Abuse Treatment

Just because they are legally approved for use doesn't mean they can't be addictive and just as dangerous as illegal drugs when used improperly.

Prescription drugs can ease pain and aid in recovery, but they are also one of the most common roads to addiction around today. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), its National Survey on Drug Abuse indicated that the abuse of prescription drugs is rising rapidly in the United States. This new category of drug abuse usually focuses on prescription pain medications like Vicodin, Demerol, Oxycodone, OxyContin, Codeine or Morphine. While the different formulas vary in their addictive powers, they all carry a risk of dependency.

Experts don't know exactly why this type of drug addiction is increasing. The easy availability may be one reason. Doctors are prescribing more drugs for a wider range of health problems than ever before. The Internet has also made prescription drugs just a few mouse clicks away – often without a prescription. Also, these drugs may appeal to those who would never consider taking "street drugs," but see prescription meds as safer and legal. The drugs can be just as addictive, though, and "use" can quickly turn to "abuse."

Three Classes of Prescription Drugs Most Commonly Abused

Opioids - which are used to treat pain (includes codeine, oxycodone and morphine)
Central nervous system (CNS) depressants - used to treat sleep disorders and anxiety (includes barbiturates and benzodiazepines)
Stimulants - used for narcolepsy, ADHD and obesity (includes dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate)

Health Hazards of Prescription Drugs

Using prescription drugs for the wrong reasons has serious risks for a person's health. Those same drugs meant to help heal or return users to health do just the opposite when misused. This risk is even higher when prescription drugs are mixed with other substances like alcohol, antihistamines, and CNS depressants. Not only do users have to worry about the dangers of abusing prescription drugs, but abruptly stopping or reducing CNS depressants too quickly can lead to seizures. Taking them with other medications, such as prescription painkillers, some over-the-counter cold and allergy medications, or alcohol can slow a person's heartbeat and breathing. This could prove to be fatal.

Meanwhile, abusing stimulants may cause heart failure or seizures. Snorting or injecting Ritalin, for example, can be extremely dangerous because when the drug directly enters the bloodstream, it becomes more potent. In addition, since the drug is not sterile, injecting or snorting it may lead to infections or other problems.

Taking too much of a stimulant can also lead a person to develop a dangerously high body temperature or an irregular heartbeat, while taking several high doses over a short period of time may make the user aggressive or paranoid. Although stimulant abuse might not lead to physical dependence and withdrawal, the feelings these drugs give people can cause a difficult habit to break.

Warning Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse

Is the user taking more medication than prescribed?
Are they using the medication for something other than its intended purpose?
Are they unable to stop using the medication once the original need for the drug has passed?
Do they experience intense cravings for the drug?
Are they moody and irritable?
Do they lie about the amount of medication they're taking and/or manipulate doctors and others to get more?
Are they requesting or obtaining refills before they're needed (a sign they're unwilling to go without the drug for any period of time)?
Are they illegally purchasing pain medication?

Because many who become addicted to prescription drugs start using them for valid reasons, getting them to admit an addiction can be particularly difficult. But if the warning signs above indicate they have become dependent, getting professional help is crucial.

Treating Prescription Drug Addiction

Rehabilitation is an important part of the recovery process from prescription drugs. In addition to discontinuing drug use in a safe, medically-controlled way, treatment helps individuals establish a foundation of recovery and begin to function effectively in the family, workplace and community.

The goal of our drug rehabilitation program at La Paloma Treatment Center is to offer integrative treatment and education about chemical dependency to support the changes needed to live a drug free lifestyle and see long-term recovery.

Medication in Prescription Drug Detox

For those battling an addiction to prescription painkillers, the fear of experiencing ongoing pain can keep them from seeking treatment. The professionals at La Paloma work closely with these individuals to monitor pain and find alternative methods for dealing with it.

Rather than going "cold turkey," opiate use is tapered off under the watchful eye of our staff. Still, this can often produce what is called "rebound pain," a pain that feels more intense than the original pain for which the medication was initially prescribed. At this point, non-narcotic pain medications can be added in to alleviate discomfort. These include nonsteroidals like Mobic, Celebrex, Voltaren as well as Neurontin and Lyrica, which are different from nonsteroidals and particularly helpful for neuropathic pain. There are also anti-depressants that have some benefit for chronic pain, and many clients also find great relief from natural methods like acupuncture.

Key components of La Paloma Prescription Drug Rehab:

Helping individuals make important lifestyle changes
Teaching skills instrumental in successful abstinence
Developing tools for coping
Helping clients manage feelings
Identifying the warning signs for relapse
Designing effective strategies for prevention of relapse

Statistics show that without a solid plan to avoid or handle addiction triggers, patients often relapse into the behavior that brought them to the drug rehab facility. Conversely, research shows that 70 to 80 percent of La Paloma's clients abstained from using drugs and alcohol up to one year following treatment.

If you have questions about prescription drug rehab, contact our toll-free number 24 hours a day. Admissions counselors are standing by to get you on the road to recovery.