Prescription drugs can be lifesaving tools in the right circumstances. But they can also be potentially hazardous substances if they are taken too frequently or otherwise abused. If you or a loved one are taking prescription drugs excessively or without a prescription, understanding prescription drug abuse treatment options and who to contact is vital.
What is Prescription Drug Abuse?
Prescription drugs are any prescribed medications given to treat physical and/or mental illnesses, pain, and other symptoms. Prescription drug abuse occurs whenever someone uses prescription medication in a way that is not intended by their prescribing physician.
For example, someone may take a loved one’s prescription medication painkillers despite not being prescribed those painkillers themselves. Alternatively, someone may crush prescription medication and snort it instead of swallowing a pill as directed.
In any case, prescription drug abuse can be highly dangerous and even life-threatening in some circumstances. Some prescription drugs that may be abused include:
Symptoms and Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse
The signs and symptoms of prescription drug abuse can vary depending on the drug(s) taken. However, common symptoms include:
- Slowed breathing rate
- Poor or slow coordination
- Constipation or other digestive problems
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- A high or elated feeling
- An increased tolerance for medication, especially for pain relief medications
- Slurred speech
- High blood pressure and high body temperature
- Insomnia
- Agitation and mood swings
- Anxiety and/or depression
In the worst-case scenarios, prescription drug abuse can lead to serious injuries, addiction, and death. Therefore, if you recognize the symptoms of prescription drug abuse in yourself or someone you love, it’s important to get help ASAP.
The Need for Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment
Any prescription drug abuse requires fast treatment. Professionals can provide invaluable assistance to those in the grip of prescription drug addiction behavioral patterns.
If left unchecked, prescription drug addiction can cause:
- Physiological side effects and symptoms
- Mental and physical addiction to the substance
- Changes in lifestyle (e.g., losing one’s job because of a prescription drug addiction)
- Loss of access to medication for another medical concern
- Legal difficulties, including arrest
- Relationship problems
You should contact professionals for yourself or on behalf of a loved one if you believe prescription drug abuse treatment is necessary. The right professionals can provide a variety of therapeutic options, help support you or a loved one during the withdrawal and detoxification processes, and give you the behavioral tools you need to avoid relapsing in the future.
With the right prescription drug abuse treatment program, you’ll have a higher quality of life, better well-being mentally and physically, and a greater potential for long-term recovery and wellness.
Approaches to Prescription Drug Abuse Treatment
Prescription drug abuse treatment can be pursued in different ways depending on what a patient needs. According to the National Institutes of Health,1 some common examples of prescription drug abuse treatments include:
- Inpatient rehab treatment. With this type of treatment program, those addicted to prescription medications spend time at a wellness treatment facility 24/7. They receive guidance and therapy sessions from trained therapists and other professionals, and they engage in exercises to help them build positive behavioral patterns. They also receive medical support when needed to assist throughout the withdrawal.
- Outpatient rehab programs. Outpatient programs enable patients to keep going to work and live in their homes, but they frequently check into a rehab clinic several times per week. There, they speak to therapists, work with rehabilitation specialists, and submit to drug tests to ensure they don’t relapse.
- Therapy, which can include individualized therapy, group therapy, family therapy, etc. In any case, therapy is a powerful tool to help individuals realize the root causes of their prescription drug abuse and develop new, emotionally effective ways to dispel the temptation for prescription drug abuse in the future.
- Medication-assisted treatment or MAT. According to the FDA,2 medication-assisted treatment involves combining medications with counseling and behavioral therapy, and it’s particularly effective when treating prescription opioid use disorders.
With so many different treatment plans, when you check into a rehab clinic like Clear Life Recovery, your addiction treatment counselors will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. They’ll ensure you receive treatment tailored to your unique needs and medical requirements. For example, if you require initial assistance with the withdrawal process, your early treatment may focus on detoxification or helping your body get rid of the remaining prescription medication.
Pop Culture and Prescription Drug Abuse
Unfortunately, pop culture, such as TV shows, music videos, and other media, can have harmful impacts on young adults and others regarding prescription drug use and abuse. For example, a television show may have one or more of the characters snorting pain medication in a “cool” setting, like a party.
Not only is this inaccurate regarding the use and effects of abused medications, but it can also cause some individuals to consider abusing prescription drugs themselves. If you’re a parent, watch out for the pop culture and media influences your children are exposed to. Build trust with your kids so they feel they can tell you if they have a problem, and you can pursue treatment together.
Getting Help with Prescription Drug Abuse Treatment at Clear Life Recovery
Getting the help you need sooner rather than later is always a good idea – don’t wait for your prescription drug addiction to cause further damage to your life and body.
At Clear Life Recovery, our rehabilitation specialists will develop a personalized treatment plan for your needs and help you build a better life moving forward. Contact us today to learn more.
Sources:
[1] https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/misuse-prescription-drugs/how-can-prescription-drug-addiction-be-treated
[2] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/information-about-medication-assisted-treatment-mat
