Prescription drugs are often among the most easily accessible, making them among the most commonly abused substances. They are also often referred to as “gateway drugs.” It’s essential to be aware that prescription drugs can lead to addiction. To learn more about the risks associated with prescription drug abuse and addiction, reach out to Solution Based Treatment & Detox today at 833.999.1941 to speak with a trained representative who can tell you more about our prescription drug rehab program.
Be Aware of Prescription Drug Risks
Prescription drug abuse can start innocently. A person may receive a legitimate prescription from a doctor for a medical condition, mental health issue, or after undergoing surgery.
Problems may arise when a person runs out of their initial prescription and their doctor or pharmacist refuses to refill it. A person may not realize that they have developed dependence or addiction. By the time this becomes clear, it may already be too late, and they have already found themselves in the cycle of abuse.
Most Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs
There are several categories of that lead to addiction and are commonly abused. These include opiates, anti-anxiety medications, sedatives, hypnotics, stimulants, and antidepressants.
Commonly abused prescription opiates include:
- Fentanyl
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
- Oxycodone (Percocet)
- Morphine
Commonly abused prescription benzos include:
- Xanax
- Klonopin
- Valium
Commonly abused stimulants, also called “uppers,” include:
- Adderall
- Ritalin
- Mydayis
- Vyvanse
- Dexedrine
Commonly abused antidepressants include:
- Paxil
- Prozac
- Zoloft
- Lexapro
A variety of tricyclic antidepressants, seizure medications, and nerve pain pharmaceuticals also have the potential for misuse and abuse.
Misconceptions About OTC Medications and Herbal Supplements
There is a wide range of prescription medications that people can abuse. Remember that over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, supplements, and so-called medicinal herbs also have the potential for misuse and abuse.
There is a common misconception that Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved pharmaceuticals are somehow more safe than OTC medications and herbal supplements.
There are plenty of examples of OTC medications and herbal products that are not scheduled as narcotics by the FDA that remain risky to misuse or abuse. Examples of commonly abused OTC medications include:
- Dextromethorphan (DXM)
- Loperamide (Imodium A-D)
- Pseudoephedrine
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
There are many reasons why a person might abuse a substance. Some abuse laxatives, for instance, because they struggle with an eating disorder. Those who struggle with allergies to pets, molds, or other irritants may misuse allergy medications like pseudoephedrine. They may then experience withdrawal effects or different adverse reactions and may form a dependence that can lead to a cycle of abuse.
Common Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse
Like other substances with the potential for misuse or abuse, prescription drugs can produce feelings of euphoria or other side effects that a person might initially see as desirable. Just like illicit substances, experimentation with prescription drugs can lead to dependence and addiction.
Common signs that a person is misusing prescription drugs that lead to addiction will vary depending on if a person is abusing opiates, which are depressants, compared to stimulants, which are uppers. Regardless of the type of prescription drug a person is using, there may be red flags that relate to changes in their psychological or emotional state and behaviors that indicate a problem. Examples include:
- Taking higher doses of a medication than prescribed
- Seeking additional prescriptions or “doctor shopping”
- Requesting early refills
- Repeatedly claiming to have lost a prescription
- Mood swings
- Angry outbursts
- Social isolation
- Lack of interest in hobbies
- Poor decision-making
If you notice any of these signs in a person you care about, it could be cause for concern.
Contact SBT Today About Prescription Drug Recovery Treatment
At Solution Based Treatment & Detox, our medical doctors and mental health practitioners have extensive experience assisting clients who struggle with addictions to prescription drugs. Sadly, prescription drug abuse is all too common.
Some who begin to abuse prescription drugs end up turning to street drugs which can result in an even more severe addiction, trauma related to adverse situations, and increased difficulty managing the effects of withdrawal and accepting the need for recovery.
Our prescription drug treatment program is designed to meet the individual needs of our clients. We operate a no-nonsense treatment center that ensures our clients get the help they deserve. To learn more about our recovery programs and services, contact SBT today at 833.999.1941.