Individuals who use addictive prescription drugs are at risk when taking the medication. They must be vigilant and conscientious of their habits, be careful to follow all prescription directions and be aware of the symptoms of addiction. Individuals who misuse prescription medications are at a higher risk of developing an addiction than individuals who follow all prescription instructions. Contact Evolve Indy today if you are ready to get help with your prescription drug abuse. Our partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient treatment are ideal for individuals just starting their journey. In addition, individuals can access supportive medical professionals and addiction treatment through our comprehensive addiction treatment.
What are Prescription Drugs?
Prescription drugs are necessary medications for individuals struggling with several disorders. Unfortunately, while the goal and prescribing medication is always to help the client, sometimes the best medicine can be addictive. Prescribing physicians give exact requirements for taking the drug, how frequently, and what medications are contraindicated. Individuals who have been prescribed addictive medicines as part of their medical treatment plan should make sure that they follow the prescription procedures precisely to ensure their safety.
Why is Prescription Drug Abuse Common?
Prescription drug abuse is expected because of how easy it is for individuals to abuse them. However, individuals who use prescriptions that aren’t theirs aren’t the only people who commonly abuse prescription drugs. The most prevalent prescription drug abuse comes from the individuals the medication is supposed to be helping brought on by medication misuse. Medication misuse occurs when an individual does not follow the instructions for taking medicine. As a result, individuals can misuse their prescription by taking too much, taking medicine too frequently, altering how the drug is taken, and, finally, taking the drug with another contraindicated medication. Medication misuse can lead to tolerance, which requires a higher dose to create the same effect, dependence. The body becomes dependent on the medication for relief or the high, and abuse.
Which Prescription Drugs are Most Commonly Abused?
The most common prescription drugs abused by people include stimulants, opioids, and central nervous system depressants.
Stimulants
Stimulants are most often prescribed to individuals with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and individuals with narcolepsy who require therapeutic interventions. Stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin can create a rush and aid in focus, but excessive amounts of the drug can cause a racing pulse, elevated blood pressure, and body temperature. In addition, stimulants are addictive and, when used over time, can stunt growth, cause nutrition concerns, and if overdosed on, cause a stroke or heart attack.
Opioids
Opioids and opiates are naturally occurring and synthetically made painkillers. Their addictive nature has caused multiple problems and often leads individuals, who are cut off,f to illegal drugs. Illegal stimulants include heroin and fentanyl. Individuals who abuse opioids and opiates are at risk of overdose due to bodily depression. An excessive amount of opioids in the system can cause an individual’s heart rate and breathing to slow, render an individual unconscious, and be fatal.
Central Nervous-System Depressants
CNS Depressants are used to control an individual’s mood and personality disorder. These depressants can help individuals maintain a steady mood, and help with personality disorders like depression and anxiety. CNS Depressants can also support individuals with insomnia. These drugs are addictive but are often not fatal unless combined with other substances. CNS depressants include drugs like Klonopin and Halcion. In addition, this type of depressant includes medicines that act as sedatives, tranquilizers, and hypnotics.
Are There Prescription Drug Treatment Programs?
Individuals seeking help concerning prescription drug abuse can find addiction treatment in many locations. The most common Lee addictive prescription drugs fall under familiar categories for individuals who abuse street drugs. Many treatment facilities will be familiar with the type of drug. They will be able to support an individual with their prescription drug abuse just as they would someone who abuses illegal drugs.
At Evolve Indy, intensive outpatient and outpatient treatments are designed to support individuals through the treatment process. When an individual is ready to make a change, we support them through every step of the process.
Contact an admissions counselor today to see how we can support you on your journey of recovery.