Prescription drug abuse in the United States has grown immensely over the past few decades. More than 47,000 Americans died from an opioid overdose in 20171. Prescription drugs likely to lead to abuse became widely prescribed in the second half of the 1990s. Substances such as painkillers and anti-anxiety medication are the primary culprits of this issue. Opioid prescription addiction has necessitated a wider availability of intervention options, which includes Costa Mesa treatment centers. Addiction can affect an individual’s health in a number of ways and can ultimately depend upon the type of substance that is being consumed.
The Effect of Opioid Abuse on the Body
In terms of opioid painkillers, there are many options available on the market that individuals can ultimately become addicted to:
Oxycontin
Oxycontin is one of the most widely prescribed medications that can be mild to extreme, ranging from constipation and nausea all the way to severe conditions such as coma and death. It can also slow your heart rate and create changes in your behavior, potentially leading to confusion and unusual thoughts.
Vicodin (Hydrocodone)
Hydrocodone is another common opioid that is often abused and can lead to changes in one’s mood and thought process, including anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and suicidal thoughts. It may also lead to dizziness, nausea, and difficulty breathing.
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is another prescription opioid painkiller that has received more attention for its potential for serious abuse. This drug can lead to issues such as chills, slowed heart rate, and difficulty thinking. While it provides pain relief and relaxation for the user, abusing Fentanyl and taking higher doses can lead to dizziness, lowered body temperature, and fainting.
Dilaudid (Hydromorphone)
Dilaudid is an opioid that can also lead to high levels of abuse, as it is two to eight times stronger than morphine2. As with other opioid painkillers, Dilaudid can lead to dizziness, nausea, and slowed breathing. Symptoms of an overdose on Dilaudid include a rapid heartbeat, changes in blood pressure, and even coma or death.
The Effect of Benzodiazepine Abuse on the Body
Benzodiazepines are a class of prescription drugs used to treat anxiety and are categorized as controlled substances prone to abuse. Some examples of benzodiazepines are:
Xanax
Xanax is one of the more popular options on the market. Its use and abuse can lead to negative impacts on the brain. These impacts include difficulty with speech, balance issues, and trouble concentrating on simple tasks. Xanax can also lead to irritability, decreased inhibitions, and engaging in more risky behavior.
Valium
Valium is another benzodiazepine that is abused and leads to many negative health consequences, including hallucinations, trouble sleeping, confusion, and memory loss. Long-term use or abuse of Valium can also lead to seizures, nightmares, and impaired judgment.
The Importance of Utilizing Costa Mesa Treatment for Opioid Prescription Addiction
Entering a treatment program can be an intimidating prospect. So many times individuals who are struggling with prescription drug addiction often attempt to become sober on their own. Unfortunately, this is a less effective route to pursue. And it can also be dangerous for those who are severely addicted to their drug of choice. Withdrawing from opioids and other prescription drugs can be life-threatening3. This makes it especially important to consider entering treatment to address this issue.
Entering a trusted treatment program can provide individuals suffering from opioid prescription addiction with a more effective path to achieving lasting sobriety. Intensive therapy combined with medically-supervised detox can offer the safest and most powerful antidote to drug addiction. In addition to helpful in-patient services, the best drug treatment program will also offer patients outpatient services and follow-up appointments to ensure a person continues to live a life free from drug addiction.
Clear Life Recovery offers effective strategies and solutions for individuals seeking to overcome this debilitating condition. We offer detox services, individual and group therapy sessions, and peer support groups as a way to tackle drug addiction. We also offer a holistic approach that incorporates spiritual, physical, and mental health treatment to address all aspects of a substance use disorder. Your addiction doesn’t need to define your entire life. Contact the caring professionals at Clear Life Recovery to begin your journey to the life you deserve.
Sources:
1. https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/opioid-overdose-crisis
2. https://www.drugrehab.com/addiction/prescription-drugs/hydromorphone/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526012/
