Prescription Drugs Addiction
Prescription Drugs Addiction: Misuse, Overuse, and Abuse
Prescription drugs addiction results from the misuse of prescribed medications whether in dosage other than prescribed, by using someone else’s prescription, or just to get high. In short, the medication was used in other purpose and not in a way intended by the prescribing doctor. Visit our addiction treatment programs page to learn more about getting help.
There are three classes of medication misuse, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) :
- opioids—prescribed for pain treatment
- central nervous system [CNS] depressants (including tranquilizers, sedatives, and hypnotics)— for anxiety and sleep disorders
- stimulants—usually prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
In 2017, an estimated 18 million people have misused such medications at least once in the past year, according to the Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality report. Stonegate Center is aware of the problem brought about by prescription drugs addiction. This is why the center is always ready to help whenever you or your loved one has decided to seek treatment and stop the abuse. .
High Among Young Americans
According to a NIDA, the misuse of prescription drugs was found highest among young adults ages 18 to 25, 14.4 percent of which had drugs for nonmedical use in the past year.
Prescription drugs addiction is of grave concern, not only because it mainly affects the young population, but also due to the high number of emergency room visits. When medications are abused, there is a tendency to overdose sometimes fatally resulting to deaths.
The early detection of a suspected prescription drug misuse is therefore necessary to help the person. An immediate intervention could prevent the misuse to worsen, overdose, and even death.
A Case of Addiction
People, especially young adults, have a number of reasons why they misuse prescription drugs. Largely, prescription drug addiction results when:
- there is pressure from peers to experiment on drugs
- there is a need to feel relaxed or to relieve stress/tension
- there is a strong desire to lose weight (especially to avoid body shaming)
- there is an urge or curiosity to experiment on substance effects
- there is a desire to maintain dependence or addiction
- there is a need to focus on academics or work
How does Prescription Drug Addiction Manifest?
There are many physical ways to tell if a person is already a prescription drug addict. While symptoms exhibited vary depending on the drug misused, there are some common ones:
- Euphoria
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Increased sensitivity to pain
- Needing more dosage of the medication
- Slurred speech
- Unsteady walking or stance
- Slowed breathing
- Appetite loss or reduced
- Agitation
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Irregular heartbeat
- High blood pressure
Loved ones should also watch out for certain behaviors such as: stealing, forging or selling prescriptions, poor decision-making, hostility or excessive mood swings, constant alibis of “losing” a prescription thus needing another one, etc.
Before prescription drug addiction worsens, you or your loved ones should seek help. Stonegate Center is ready to give you expert advise on how to handle such an addiction. Located at Azle, Texas, Stonegate Center is only half an hour drive from Fort Worth.
It’s Complicated
Prescription drug addiction also brings a number of complications to one’s health. The abuse of such medication always increases the risk of overdose that can be fatal. Also, most adults rarely take the prescription drug alone. They sometimes take it together with alcohol or other illegal substance to get high.
Getting treatment before one descends into the deepest recesses of prescription drug addiction is paramount. Stonegate Center is ready to accept you or your loved ones should you decide to seek treatment and intervention. Feel free to come to us and we will listen as our own admissions specialists are in recovery themselves and have overcome some form of addiction to live full and empowering lives in sobriety.
Give us a call at (817) 993-9733 or email us at admissions@stonegatecenter.com and come join the Stonegate Center family.
We are happy to help you!
Get Treatment in 4 Easy Steps
Initial Contact
From the moment you make initial contact with our experienced admissions team, we want you to feel a part of our recovery family. You can call our helpline at (817) 993-9733 or email us at info@stonegatecenter.com or fill our contact form.
Treatment Options
Stonegate Center is structured as a 90-day residential treatment program. We recognize that not all prospective clients can to commit to that length of stay. We require a 45-day minimum commitment with options to extend care based off medical necessity.
Insurance Verification
Call us at (817) 993-9733 or fill out our confidential insurance verification form to check your insurance policy coverage. Insurance PPO plans cover most of the addiction treatment costs. Other types of insurance may require out-of-pocket fees.
Phone Screening
During the final phase of the admissions process, a Pre-Screen phone call will be conducted with our licensed Admissions Specialist, which involves a series of questions designed to ensure that we're the right fit.
General Disclaimer: Stonegate Center website is designed for general education and information purposed only and does not render or offer medical advice, professional or psychiatric opinions. Information provided on this site should not be used for diagnosing or treating health conditions. The content on this website is not a substitute for professional health care and is only designed to support, not replace, the existing relationship you have with your health care provider or physician. If you have or suspect you may have a health condition or addiction problem, seek help from your health care provider or physician. Anyone who feels at risk for suicide should call 911 immediately. The articles found on this website are meant to discuss issues of general nature and interest. Stonegate Center is not responsible for the advice, opinions, views, recommendations or suggestions of any of the writers or contributors of the articles on this website. The purpose of this website is to publish relevant information that might be helpful for individuals and families who are seeking drug and alcohol addiction treatment. Stonegate Center is not associated with any government or federally-funded entities. The phone number provided on this site serves the communities of Texas, the surrounding areas and anyone residing in the USA seeking treatment for substance use disorder. You consent to our Terms & Conditions by using this website.
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