Treatment for Prescription Drug Addiction

Since 1999, more than 1 million people have died from drug overdose, according to the CDC. Prescription drugs continue to form a significant percentage of those overdose deaths. As many as 6% of Americans misuse prescription drugs each year, and around 12% of prescription drug users are addicted to those drugs. Painkillers see around 9.7 million annual people addicted, while stimulant misuse is at around 4.9 million, or 1.73% of Americans. 18.4% of Americans over the age of 12 have deliberately misused prescription drugs at least once.

Commonly Misused Prescription Drugs

Some prescription drugs, like opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants, are commonly misused because of their powerful effects.

Opioids

Opioids, such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, and fentanyl, are often prescribed to relieve pain but can create a feeling of euphoria that leads to addiction. While not everyone becomes addicted after using opioids once or twice, some people feel a strong urge to keep using opioids to maintain that euphoric feeling. Over time, this can cause physical dependence, with symptoms like cravings and mood changes when trying to stop.

Benzodiazapines

Benzodiazepines, or benzos, like Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium, are prescribed to treat anxiety and seizures. They work by calming the brain, but when misused, they can lead to serious side effects. Although benzos are usually safe when taken as directed, misuse can result in slurred speech, poor coordination, and extreme drowsiness. In some cases, overdose can be fatal, especially when combined with other substances.

Stimulants

Prescription stimulants, like Adderall and Ritalin, are typically used to treat ADHD but can also be misused for their effects on focus and energy. Some people take stimulants to improve concentration or enhance physical performance, but this misuse can lead to dangerous side effects like jitteriness, anxiety, and insomnia. Overuse can also cause risky behavior, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of stroke.

How to Spot a Prescription Drug Addiction

A prescription drug addiction may lead to a number of possible symptoms, including:

Taking higher doses or more doses than needed, including doctor shopping or seeking the medication outside of the recommended prescription

Trying to stop using the substance, but not being able to

Suffering from cravings for the substance

Increased tolerance, or needing more of the drug to get the same effect

Spending more time using the drug, or spending more time recovering from using the drug

Using a substance even when it gets in the way of home, school, work, or relationships

Giving up social activities or hobbies to spend more time using a substance

Prescription drug addiction can have a major impact on both physical and mental health. The effects on physical health depend on the type of drug being misused, while mentally, people often feel isolated, ashamed, or depressed. Many people start taking prescription drugs as directed by their doctor but eventually develop an addiction.

Treating a Prescription Drug Addiction

Treatment for prescription drug addiction depends on how serious the addiction is and the type of drug being misused. Both inpatient and outpatient treatment options are available. A successful treatment plan usually includes:

Detox

During detox, the person will stop taking the drug and clear it from their body. Sometimes, this is done gradually to make the process easier, instead of quitting the drug all at once.

Therapy

Therapy helps people identify what triggers their addiction and teaches them ways to cope so they don’t go back to using the drug in the future.

Peer Support

People who have overcome addiction and are on their own recovery journey can offer valuable support because they understand the challenges you may be going through.