Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment in Orlando, FL

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.

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.

• References

  https://drugabusestatistics.org/prescription-drug-abuse-statistics/