Conversations about prescription drug abuse or addiction usually focus on opioids or prescription painkillers. Although the opioid epidemic and its challenges remain a problem across the nation, opioids are not the only widely abused prescription drug. Thousands of Americans die annually from drug-related overdose linked to several types of prescription medications. Recent data released from the annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicates more than 100 people each die from prescription drug abuse.
Why are Prescription Drugs Commonly Abused?
There are many different reasons why people abuse prescription drugs. In some cases, it is because the user believes it will help them lose weight, have more energy, study harder, or loosen up and have more fun. In other cases, people turn to prescription drugs to help manage chronic and overwhelming pain. Often, prescription drugs are more accessible than street (illegal) drugs that produce the same effects leading to higher rates of misuse and abuse.
Which Prescription Drugs Are Commonly Abused?
There are several classes of commonly abused prescription drugs. These include stimulants, benzodiazepines, sedatives (anti-anxiety medications), and opioids. Medical and mental health providers widely prescribe many drugs within these categories to address a wide range of illnesses and chronic conditions. When used as directed by the prescriber, prescription drugs are effective components of a treatment program. However, most have a high risk for abuse and misuse, which quickly leads to addiction.
Each class or “type” of the drug contains many medications that are familiar to most. For example, opioids such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, fentanyl, and morphine and sedatives including Ambien or benzodiazepines like valium, Diazepam, Ativan, Valium, and Xanax. Widely prescribed stimulant drugs include Adderall and Ritalin, and popular antidepressants include Prozac and Zoloft.
Can Prescription Drugs Cause Withdrawal?
As noted above, there are several beneficial uses for prescription drugs. Unfortunately, the rate of abuse and misuse of these medications frequently leads to addiction. The way prescription medications work within the body means your brain and other organ systems become overwhelmingly dependent on the presence of the drug to function “normally.” When you stop taking or try to reduce how much you take, withdrawal symptoms will occur as your body searches for the drug in your system.
Depending on the drug, withdrawal symptoms from prescription medications can be life-threatening. Specific severe side effects of the detox process point to the importance of seeking help at a professional Southern California addiction treatment program like Rise in Malibu, where medically supervised detox services are available. During detox, our caring and compassionate treatment team will help you manage the more difficult symptoms of prescription medication withdrawal while focusing on your goal to heal from addiction.
It is important to note that detoxing without support and supervision from prescription medications can be dangerous and potentially fatal. Although the idea of simply “quitting” seems more straightforward and less intrusive in your day-to-day life than choosing rehab, it is not uncommon for relapse to occur in these situations. At a professional detox program, medical and mental health providers are available to help you manage the intensity of withdrawal symptoms. In some cases, they may provide medical intervention to help reduce the severity of detox symptoms allowing you to progress through detox more comfortably.
At home or unsupported, it is necessary to manage relapse symptoms on your own. When detoxing cold turkey, prescription drug withdrawal symptoms often become too much to handle, and relapse occurs. Unfortunately, relapse in these situations can also lead to fatal medical complications. Also, detox itself is just the first step on a journey to recovery from prescription drug addiction. Once detox is complete, it is crucial to participate in a comprehensive addiction treatment program to improve your chances of maintaining lasting sobriety.
How to Find Prescription Drug Detox Programs in Malibu
If you or a loved one are addicted to prescription drugs, please reach out to Rise in Malibu today to learn more about how programs at our luxury California detox and addiction treatment program can help you heal. In addition to comprehensive detox services, we offer a wide range of evidence-based, holistic addiction treatment models allowing you to begin your journey towards lasting health and wellness in a comfortable, compassionate treatment environment that addresses your specific needs and goals.
We understand that everybody approaches addiction treatment with different needs and different mindsets. For this reason, we tailor all of our treatment programs based on your individual needs. We also know your needs may change as you progress through therapy, and we will work with you to adjust your treatment plan as necessary. Contact Rise in Malibu today to learn more about how we can help you overcome the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges of prescription drug addiction.
