What is prescription drug addiction?
Addiction of any kind is the inability to function without the consumption of a substance, but prescription drug addiction is often an unintentional type of addiction. Prescription drugs become the center of the brain’s focus and users must seek them out through any means possible. Addiction can tear apart relationships and completely unravel an individual’s finances, among other things. Addiction can reorder a person’s life completely and make it difficult for them to perform the necessary steps required in a functional and healthy lifestyle.
Prescription drug addiction is considered a disease of the brain because these prescription-specific drugs are often associated with rerouted neurological function and altered sensory perception. Often those who are affected by prescription drug addiction are patients who suffer from severe pain after a traumatic injury, those who are chronically depressed, or those who have difficulty sleeping.
Types of Prescription Drugs
The types of prescription drugs that are most often seen in addiction treatment include anti-depressants or CNS drugs, opiates, and stimulants such as diet pills. There are other types of addictive prescription medications, but these are some of the most common classifications we see at Genesis Recovery.
The Most Addictive Prescription Drugs
Of the specific prescription drug types above, the most addictive drugs are the following:
- Vicodin
- Xanax
- Adderrall
- Prozac
- Ritalin
- Ambien
- Klonopin
- Ativan
- Codeine
- Fentanyl
- Morphine
- Methadone
- Oxycodone
- Percocet
- Dextromethorphan
- Pseudophedrine
Doctors and medical facilities have put new rules into place to slow the availability of prescription drugs. Purchasing cold medicine, sleep tablets and allergy medications may require identification before purchase. Yet prescription drugs remain popular, and more and more people are finding out ways to access these drugs.
We understand that previous illness, trauma, and mental health issues can be a precursor to developing these addictions, and want our clients to know that the availability of prescription drugs can make this addiction one of the most difficult to break away from. We offer supportive and all-encompassing prescription drug addiction treatment that provides all clients with the essential tools they need to avoid relapse. We also educate our clients on their particular addiction and want them to deconstruct and understand the physical and emotional triggers that lead to abuse over time.
Signs and Symptoms of Prescription Drug Addiction
Because of the widespread availability of various types of prescription drugs, it can be difficult to see addiction beginning to form in our close friends and family. These addictions can even be difficult to see within ourselves, as injury, sleep disorders, mood disorders and weight management can all mask the addiction. As a result, our dependency on these drugs may come as a surprise until our addiction is well under way.
Noticing these signs and symptoms within ourselves as we make use of these prescription drugs can save us years of lost time. It is critical that when you or a family member are prescribed medications, the prescribing physician explains in detail the dependency that’s associated with each drug. If you or a loved one are already predisposed to developing an addiction, you should be highly aware of this before opting to take prescription drugs. Prescription drugs should only be taken under necessary circumstances as directed by your physician.
Symptoms and Behavior Changes Due to Addiction:
- Memory loss
- Chronic fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Speech problems
- Muscle spasms
- Periods of increased energy or the complete opposite
- Spectrum mood swings
- Frequent unnecessary hospital visits
- Isolation
- Extreme weight loss
These symptoms vary with each prescription drug addiction and can change if individuals take prescription drugs in combination with other addictive substances. If you are experiencing these symptoms, call to speak with an intake counselor at Genesis Recovery. Let’s get you started on a treatment plan to stop the addiction.
How We Treat Prescription Drug Addiction
At Genesis Recovery, our clients range from their late teens to well into their fifties and beyond. A combination of treatments are required to help any addiction, and prescription drug addiction requires a variety of behavioral therapy methods. To begin treatment, we start with an introductory counseling session to learn more about the individual and their particular lifestyle, needs and addiction type. Only then can we can begin a thorough detoxification treatment.
Because there are a variety of prescription drug types, the withdrawal symptoms will vary and so will the detox steps required. During your consultation, our medical team will talk you through the steps and answer any questions you may have before beginning treatment. After detox is successfully completed, we work to incorporate group therapy and individual creative therapies that will cater to an individual’s personality and needs. Mindfulness and meditation, yoga and art therapy are among some of the effective alternative treatments that can allow an individual to focus on their body, mind, and spirit.
These treatments will help the individual wean themselves off of the addictive prescription drug and find out what their addictive triggers are, both emotionally and physically. We also offer alternative holistic methods to replace the need for these drugs and to better understand where addiction comes from.
Call Genesis Recovery today to find out more about our prescription addiction treatment in San Diego. There are treatments available, and it is possible to see recovery!
