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After struggling from addiction to medication for years, you’ve finally decided to enter recovery through prescription drug rehab in Orlando. Prescription drugs come in a variety of forms and can be used to treat a number of conditions. While prescription drugs are often necessary and effective, prescription drug addiction is a growing problem in the United States.
16.3 million people misuse prescriptions in a year. 22.6% of them or 3.7 million people misuse prescriptions for the first time. Some prescription medications, such as opioid pain relievers and stimulants, require a prescription from a doctor or other medical professional who has been properly trained in effective prescription writing.
Why Do People Suffer from Prescription Drug Abuse?
People abuse prescription drugs for a variety of reasons including trying to get high or using them for non-medical purposes. Some people have an underlying mental illness or other substance use (also known as co-occurring disorders), which can negatively impact a person’s prescription drug addiction rehab options.
“Doctor Shopping” and Prescription Drug Abuse
Doctor shopping is the process of obtaining prescription drugs from multiple physicians, or through emergency rooms or urgent care centers. It is dangerous to combine prescription drugs with any other prescription drug and can be especially dangerous for those who suffer from addiction. Prescription drug abuse prevention includes keeping prescriptions in a secure place where others cannot reach them.
Signs of Prescription Drug Misuse and Addiction
Signs of prescription drug abuse can vary depending on what type of medication it is. For example, someone abusing prescription painkillers might experience:
- Intense cravings for the drug
- Inability to control prescription drug use
- Withdrawal symptoms when coming off prescription drugs
- Seeking prescription drugs through illegal means (such as stealing them)
- Frequent use of prescription medications with other substances
- Inability to fulfill major responsibilities at work, school, or home
- Lying about prescription drug abuse
- Decline in personal hygiene
What are the Long-term and Short-term Effects of Prescription Drug Abuse?
The long-term effects of prescription drug abuse could be even worse than the short-term effects. Prescription drug abuse can be taxing on the body, especially if the person has been abusing them for extended periods. The goal of prescription drug rehab is to help people to overcome substance abuse once and for all. Prescription drug rehab usually consists of a combination of medication and counseling with a licensed clinician.
The long-term and short-term effects of prescription abuse include the following:
- Impaired judgment
- Liver damage from acetaminophen, a common ingredient in prescription painkillers and OTC medicines such as ibuprofen
- Heart problems from prolonged use of stimulants such as those used to treat ADHD or narcolepsy
- Brain damage or seizures for those who inject prescription stimulants
Prescription Drug Abuse Withdrawal Symptoms
If you suddenly stop taking prescription drugs after developing a dependency on them, you may experience:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Muscle pain, stiffness, or shaking
- Irritability or frustration
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
What Prescription Drugs Are Commonly Abused?
Prescription medications that are commonly abused include tranquilizers such as Valium, narcotic painkillers such as Oxycontin, stimulants such as Ritalin or Adderall, prescription diet pills, and sleeping pills. Prescription drugs are the third-most abused illegal substance after marijuana (with 19.4% of the population using) and cocaine (with 15.9% users).
- Adderall – Adderall is the most popular stimulant for self-medication. Prescribed as a treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), this cocktail of amphetamines’ primary illicit use occurs via snorting. Many people use this drug as a “study aid”.
- Ativan – A benzodiazepine, Ativan is the brand name for a tranquilizer (lorazepam) intended to treat acute anxiety. This prescription drug’s biggest appeal is its rapid onset; Ativan users are intoxicated within minutes of ingesting this substance.
- Morphine – A well-known analgesic, morphine is a synthetic narcotic prescribed under many brand names, including Astramorph, Avinza, DepoDur, Duramorph, and Kadian, among others.
- Oxycodone – Oxycodone or “oxy” is the opioid that makes powerful and highly addictive painkillers, such as OxyContin®. The makers of OxyContin have been subject to multiple lawsuits regarding the drug’s role in the national opioid overdose epidemic.
- Ritalin – Ritalin is a brand name for a stimulant (methylphenidate) used by 24.5% of prescription stimulant abusers. Intended for use as an ADHD treatment, Ritalin is used non medically as a study aid or to stay alert.
- Vicodin – Hydrocodone is paired with acetaminophen (Tylenol®) to make this highly addictive painkiller. Hydrocodone is an opioid, the deadliest class of prescription drugs.
- Xanax – Also referred to as “xans” or “xannies”, Xanax is a brand name for alprazolam, a benzodiazepine. Doctors and psychiatrists prescribe this tranquilizer to treat anxiety and panic disorder.
How Can Individuals Overcome Prescription Drug Abuse through
Treatment at Orlando Treatment Solutions?
Prescription drug addiction rehab usually begins with a detox program. During this time, you’ll be given medication that helps manage withdrawal symptoms. If you’ve been abusing prescription medications for a while, you may also need other treatments such as inpatient rehab or outpatient treatment to treat the root causes of prescription drug abuse and learn how to live a sober life.
Partial Hospitalization Programs
Partial hospitalization programs for prescription drug abuse treatment are a great option for those who cannot commit to residential treatment but require intensive treatment. So even after detoxing from prescription medications, some people choose to learn how to live their lives without abusing prescription drugs in an environment where they’ll be around individuals facing similar challenges and obstacles.
Intensive Outpatient Treatment Programs (IOPs)
Intensive outpatient treatment programs (IOPS) blend the benefits of inpatient and outpatient treatment programs. IOPs are considered a level below PHPs but offer considerable help for those seeking intensive treatment in an outpatient setting. This may include those with mental health conditions in addition to substance abuse.
Outpatient Treatment Programs
While residential treatment helps you heal and recover from prescription drug addiction, outpatient treatment for prescription drug abuse in Florida gives you support and encouragement as you return after treatment.
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Prescription Drug Addiction Rehab atOrlando Treatment Solutions
Orlando Treatment Solutions embraces the obstacles you face ahead and aims to provide you with the tools for recovery. If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse, contact our facility today.
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Orlando Treatment Solutions has helped over 2,000 people who have struggled with substance use (alcohol and drug addiction) and mental health find freedom.
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