When the Prescription Ends—Prescription Drug Abuse and Addiction
When the Prescription Ends—Prescription Drug Abuse and Addiction
Prescription drugs can be useful for a lot of patients in different situations. Some patients need long-term help and rely on prescription medication, while others need short-term relief. Whatever the case may be, prescription drugs can serve a purpose…but they can also be abused.
Below is more information about prescription drug abuse and how those with a substance use disorder can become addicted to medications that are intended to help.
What is Misuse?
As per the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration:
As defined in NSDUH, misuse of prescription drugs includes use in any way that a doctor did not direct the respondent to use them, including (1) use without a prescription of the respondent's own; (2) use in greater amounts, more often, or longer than the respondent was told to take them; or (3) use in any other way a doctor did not direct the respondent to use them.
Why Do People Use Drugs Past Their Prescription or Misuse Prescription Drugs?
While prescription drugs are useful for pain relief, treatment of mental health disorders, and more, they also can provide a high that those prone to addiction may become reliant on. This can cause physical and mental dependence on the medication.
It’s important to realize this isn’t a weakness or moral failing. Prescription drugs like painkillers can easily trigger someone that is prone to addiction—even if they didn’t realize they had a substance use disorder before being prescribed the medication.
What Prescription Drugs Are Commonly Abused?
There are a lot of prescription drugs that those suffering from prescription addiction may use. Some of the categories of drugs include:
· Opioids (ex. Oxycontin)
· Benzodiazepines (ex. Xanax, Klonopin)
· Stimulants (ex. Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin)
· Marijuana
Each of these drug categories have their medical uses, but also are used illicitly.
Can Someone Stop on Their Own?
It is highly recommended that patients that are addicted to prescription medications do not stop on their own. For some patients, the withdrawal symptoms may be mild and manageable but for others, they can be serious and even deadly. It’s best to receive detoxification treatment when stopping the misuse of prescription medication.
Get Help Today
Whether you have continued using a prescription medication beyond when your doctor prescribed or you became addicted using the prescription drug illicitly, there is help.
Front Door Health provides treatment for those suffering from substance use disorders related to prescription medication. We will ensure you receive the proper detoxification treatment services to keep you safe. From there, our top addiction specialists and mental health providers will visit your home to provide in-home treatment.
If you would like to learn more about prescription medication addiction, contact Front Door Health today. We’d be happy to answer any questions and get you started on your road to recovery.
info@frontdoorhealthcenter.com
