Prescription Addiction and Rehabilitation
Statistics show almost 16 million people in our country abuse prescription drugs. Even though medications are prescribed by a doctor, many people are surprised to learn that these drugs can be just as addictive and deadly as illicit or illegal drugs like Heroin, Cocaine, and Methamphetamine. Often if a person finds they have developed a chemical dependency to prescription medications, the symptoms manifest in the same way as illicit drug abuse.
Because these medications are prescribed by a doctor or physician it can be hard to identify that you or your loved one has or is currently developing an addiction. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), prescription drug abuse is drastically increasing. This is why Red Rock Recovery is dedicated to providing services to those who recognize they may need help through this type of addiction.
Signs of Prescription Drug Addiction and Abuse
Prescription drug use can lead to abuse and or chemical dependency/addiction. Those curious about if they meet criteria for this issue must exhibit at least two of the following symptoms within a one year period to be diagnosed with a substance use disorder according to the DSM 5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) used by licensed clinicians to diagnose and treat various substance use disorders
- Prescription drugs are often taken in larger amounts than directed or for longer than intended
- Unsuccessful efforts to stop, cut down or control prescription drug use
- More time is spent in activities necessary to obtain, use or recover from the effects of prescription drugs
- Recurrent prescription drug use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school or home
- Prescription drug abuse results in a failure to fulfill obligations at work, school or home
- Prescription drug use continues despite persistent or recurrent social, personal or financial problems, which are either caused or exacerbated by addictive behavior
- Using prescription drugs in dangerous or physically hazardous situations
- Continued drug use despite knowledge of physical or psychological harm that’s likely to have been caused or exacerbated by prescription drug abuse
- Developing a high tolerance for prescription drugs
- Experiencing withdrawal when prescription drug use is stopped or reduced
Opioids
- Fentanyl (Duragesic).
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin).
- Oxycodone (OxyContin).
- Oxymorphone (Darvon).
- Hydromorphone (Dilaudid).
- Meperidine (Demerol).
- Diphenoxylate (Lomotil).
- Morphine Sulfate.
Depressants
- Pentobarbital sodium (Nembutal).
- Diazepam (Valium).
- Alprazolam (Xanax).
- Zolpidem Tartrate (Ambien).
- Sertraline (Zoloft).
Many people do not identify their prescription medication problem until it is too late. These and many other medical issues could transpire or persist without proper clinical and medical treatment. Call today to discuss rehab options with a trusted professional.
