Prescription Drug Addiction
Every year, over 4 billion prescriptions are filled in the United States to address a variety of health issues. Most people believe that a medication prescribed by their doctor is safe; however, most medications have a long list of side effects, including the risk of prescription drug dependence and addiction. There are many dangers of prescription pill addiction, and prescription drug addiction is a growing concern that can affect anyone. Even when someone experiences adverse effects, they may be unable to stop using it. Fortunately, there are effective prescription drug addiction treatment options available that can assist anyone overcome addiction, regardless of severity, to find long-term relief from their symptoms.
Addiction Treatment that
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Individualized treatment programs delivered in a comfortable, relaxed setting promote healing in your recovery journey.
What Is The Most Common Prescription Drug Addiction?
There are over 20,000 different types of prescription drugs available, and unfortunately, some carry a risk for dependency, including the five most addictive prescription medications. The most common prescription drug addictions include depressants, such as benzodiazepines and sleep medication; painkillers, including opioids like morphine; and stimulants, such as amphetamines. Also, cough medications containing dextromethorphan (DXM) can be misused when consumed in large quantities.
Among these, painkillers are the most commonly abused, with 95.9% of those addictions linked to opioids. Currently, the United States is in an opioid crisis, as these substances are the leading cause of drug overdoses. Opioids are a class of drugs prescribed to manage moderate to severe pain and include methadone, codeine, tramadol, morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl. Their potential for addiction stems from their pain-relieving effects and the euphoric feelings they can induce. The risk of developing tolerance and its impact on the brain’s reward system can ultimately lead to opioid use disorder.
Although healthcare providers use prescribing practices to reduce the chances of addiction, opioid use disorder still develops. Prolonged opioid use can result in psychological and physical dependence, leading to intense cravings and a compulsive urge to use despite negative consequences. Overcoming physical dependence can be challenging due to severely unpleasant and painful withdrawal symptoms, including chills, sweating, anxiety, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and agitation.
Some people who abuse prescription opioids may progress to heroin use once their prescription is no longer available. Heroin, another form of opioid, can fill the addiction and is often easier to obtain through illegal channels. Others may engage in “doctor shopping,” a practice of visiting different prescribers or pharmacies to get large amounts of opioids. It is important to note that all opioids carry a risk for overdose. As a central nervous system depressant, high doses of opioids can significantly slow or even stop breathing, potentially leading to fatal outcomes.
Addiction Treatment that
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Individualized treatment programs delivered in a comfortable, relaxed setting promote healing in your recovery journey.
What Is the Fastest-Growing Drug Problem in the United States?
Many people associate drug addiction with illicit drugs such as heroin or cocaine, but prescription drug abuse, such as sleeping pills and pain medications, is far more common. The U.S. Department of Justice has identified prescription drug abuse as the nation’s fastest-growing drug problem. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have declared it an epidemic. People who use prescription medications might assume they are safe because they are provided by healthcare providers and are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, certain medications carry a significant risk of dependence and addiction.
Even when prescription medications are used as directed, they can lead to drug dependence. Frequently abused medications can cause the body to develop a tolerance over time, causing an increase in dosage to achieve the same results. The body can then develop dependence as it adapts to its presence so much that a person experiences withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop. While dependence and addiction may appear similar, they are quite different. Addiction is characterized by behavioral changes, causing cravings, compulsive behavior, and alterations to brain function and structure. It can range from mild to severe and often requires professional prescription drug addiction treatment to overcome.
Addiction Treatment that
Just Works
Individualized treatment programs delivered in a comfortable, relaxed setting promote healing in your recovery journey.
How Many People Get Addicted to Prescription Drugs?
Approximately 18 million people 12 and older have abused prescription drugs in the past year, representing more than 6% of the U.S. population. Studies show that teens are more likely to abuse prescription medications, but older adults and elderly patients also face a significant risk of misuse and addiction. With nearly 45.8% of American adults using prescription drugs, healthcare specialists find that the high rate of use and availability is driving the high rates of prescription drug abuse and addiction.
Prescription drug abuse occurs when medications are used in a manner or dosage other than prescribed. This can range from using someone else’s prescription for pain to snorting or injecting to get high or mixing it with other substances to get a greater euphoric effect. Misusing medications increases the risk of developing dependence and addiction. The annual statistics for prescription drug abuse by type are as follows:
- Painkillers: 9.7 million.
- Opioids alone: 9.3 million.
- Sedatives: 5.9 million.
- Stimulants: 4.9 million.
- Benzodiazepine alone: 4.8 million.
As previously noted, drug dependence and addiction are distinct concepts. These figures reflect medication drug misuse; however, about 2 million people, or 11.9% of those who misuse medication, are classified as having an addiction. A 2022 CDC report found that of the 4% of U.S. adults who needed opioid use disorder addiction treatment, only 30% received treatment without needed medications, and 25% received recommended medications. Fortunately, research shows that 75% of people with addiction recover and lead fulfilling lives.
Addiction Treatment that
Just Works
Individualized treatment programs delivered in a comfortable, relaxed setting promote healing in your recovery journey.
What Are the Effects of Addiction to Prescription Drugs?
Prescription drug addiction, whether short-term or long-term, can lead to severe health complications. Various prescription medications come with a range of side effects that can impact physical health, mental well-being, social interactions, and financial stability. Any form of drug addiction alters the brain chemically and structurally, rewiring it to compulsively seek and take the substance even when experiencing negative effects.
The effects of prescription drug abuse are far-reaching. The most common long-term effects include:
- Mood swings.
- Social isolation.
- Deteriorating physical and mental health.
- Strained interpersonal relationships.
- Job loss and/or homelessness.
- Financial difficulties.
- Legal problems.
- Inability to meet personal, work, and home responsibilities.
- Risk of overdose.
- Neurological problems.
- Heart-related complications.
- Liver damage.
- High blood pressure.
- Hallucinations.
- Paranoia.
- Aggressive and violent behavior.
Why Choose Resurgence for Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment?
While prescription drug addiction usually occurs when abusing medications, physical dependence may develop even when medications are used as directed. Regardless of circumstances, seeking help to treat prescription medication addiction at Resurgence Behavioral Health can be incredibly effective. We offer a variety of treatments to meet all individual needs. Our full continuum of care includes medical detox, inpatient treatment, outpatient rehab, and aftercare programs to assist you throughout recovery.
At Resurgence Behavioral Health, our programs are designed to address the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of addiction. Our holistic approach to prescription drug addiction treatment aims to uncover the root causes and help you fully heal. Clients can expect a peaceful, private setting to receive various evidence-based therapies, coping skills training, and recovery education to find long-term recovery.
If you or a loved one are struggling with prescription drug dependence or addiction, please do not hesitate to reach out to Resurgence today at 855-458-0050 for a confidential consultation with one of our addiction specialists.
Addiction Treatment that
Just Works
Individualized treatment programs delivered in a comfortable, relaxed setting promote healing in your recovery journey.