Prescription Drug Addiction
Here at Recovery Ways, we are experienced in providing prescription drug addiction treatment to patients of all ages and backgrounds. Our staff is comprised of Masters level clinicians who are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality care and treatment. We have individualized treatment plans for all of our patients to help them overcome any substance abuse issue and offer them therapy to understand their addiction and different ways of dealing with any co-occurring disorders.
There are many different drugs that are prescribed to patients and for many different reasons. Most prescriptions are kept in an easily accessible spot in the home where anyone who wasn’t prescribed the drugs can get to them. This is why prescription drug abuse is on the rise, especially among teens. Most teens have abused prescription drugs more than illicit street drugs according to a national study. Just because they are prescribed by a doctor, doesn’t mean that they aren’t dangerous. Increasing doses, “self-medicating,” or just recreational use of these drugs can lead to addiction, overdose, and many other serious risks. Many people react to different prescriptions in different ways due to their body chemistry, which is why they are monitored by a doctor, and should not be taken without a prescription.
The most commonly abused prescription drugs are depressants, opioids and morphine derivatives, stimulants, and antidepressants. Due to the potential for addiction and abuse, many of these drugs are categorized by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration in the same category as opium or cocaine. As a group, they are the second most abused drug. Most people who abuse prescription drugs start by using them legitimately.
Prescription drug abuse usually starts with the addict taking the prescribed medication as told but over time develop a tolerance or craving for the drug. Since these can be prescribed sometimes it is difficult to realize if you or a loved one is addicted. When all you can think about is how you are going to get more and stopping use causes you withdrawal symptoms, you should reach out for help getting clean. If you have started stealing medications, buying the medication from someone else or off the street, or “doctor shopping,” visiting multiple doctors complaining about pain so you get multiple prescriptions, then the Medical staff at Recovery Ways is ready to help you.