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Pre-existing mental health issues can significantly increase the likelihood of abusing prescription drugs. If you struggle to manage your mental health symptoms, you might lean on medication for relief. You might use prescription drugs to reduce anxiety or numb feelings of sadness or hopelessness; however, in the long term, abusing these drugs can worsen these feelings. 5.9 million Americans abuse sedatives (4.8 million of those people abusing benzodiazepines).
- For example, if you are seeking opiates but cannot get what you want, it is common to turn to drug dealers who have the opiate you are looking for in pressed pills.
- If you are struggling with prescription drug abuse or even alcohol abuse, it is important to seek professional help and detox safely.
- Learn more about our prescription drug addiction treatment programs in the Los Angeles, California area.
- They inhibit the function of the central nervous system, leading to feelings of relaxation, calmness, drowsiness, and pain relief.
Drug and Alcohol Rehab in the Los Angeles, CA Area
They can help Sober living house people recover from short-term illnesses and injuries, or treat chronic conditions so that people can function and continue to live healthy, productive lives. Prescription medications are used to treat a variety of physical and mental health conditions, either for a short period of time, or on an ongoing basis. Patients can only access these medications legally with a written prescription from a licensed physician or doctor. All of our programs provide a variety of treatment modalities, including group therapy, individual therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), trauma-informed care, and holistic approaches.
Prescription Drug Addiction and Abuse
We’d be more than happy to walk you through your treatment options and provide more information about our medical detox, drug and alcohol rehab, and outpatient addiction treatment programs throughout the Los Angeles, CA area. And the most commonly abused medications fall into the categories of painkillers, sedatives, and stimulants. Stimulants increase energy, alertness, and attention, which is why they are a popular treatment for individuals coping with attention and sleep disorders. They also trigger the release of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which are related to pleasure and rewards. Individuals abusing stimulants will come to rely on the drugs to help them focus, give them energy, and trigger pleasurable feelings. If prescription stimulants are no longer available, they may turn to illegal stimulants like cocaine or methamphetamine.
Causes of Prescription Drug Abuse and Addiction
We offer yoga, breathwork, sound baths, and alternative therapies, including drama and art therapy, to teach you holistic skills to reduce anxiety, regain a sense of calm, and make thoughtful decisions. Every treatment plan is designed to focus on your individual needs and is updated daily to ensure that as your condition evolves, so does your treatment. The popularity of prescription drugs has been growing steadily; between 1997 and 2016, the number of prescriptions written for adults and children in America increased 85 percent, from 2.4 billion to 4.5 billion. According to a Consumer Reports survey, 55 percent of Americans regularly take prescription medications; many are taking multiple prescription drugs at any given time.
Physical dependence and addiction
- Because commonly abused prescription drugs activate the brain’s reward center, it’s possible to develop physical dependence and addiction.
- Pre-existing mental health issues can significantly increase the likelihood of abusing prescription drugs.
- They can help people recover from short-term illnesses and injuries, or treat chronic conditions so that people can function and continue to live healthy, productive lives.
- Opiates consists of primarily Oxycodone, otherwise known as “oxy”, and Hydrocodone, which is the deadliest class of prescription drug 1.
- If you or a loved one is using prescription drugs, you should be aware of the signs of drug abuse.
Over-the-counter drugs can be purchased off the shelf in pharmacies, grocery stores, convenience stores, without a doctor’s prescription. They are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but not as closely as prescription drugs, as they are not as powerful and don’t have the same potential for abuse as prescription drugs. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ Because commonly abused prescription drugs activate the brain’s reward center, it’s possible to develop physical dependence and addiction. If you or someone you know exhibits any of the signs of prescription drug abuse or addiction, it’s important to speak to a doctor and seek help.
Opioids
We encourage you to attend 12-step meetings and engage in other recovery methods, including Celebrate Recovery and SMART Recovery, to further build a community of like-minded individuals who can support your continued sobriety. Anti-anxiety medicines and sedatives can cause memory problems and low blood pressure. Stimulants can cause heart problems, an increase in body temperature, seizures, high blood pressure, aggression, hallucinations, and paranoia. 9.7 million Americans abuse painkillers (9.3 million of those people abusing prescription opioids). Opiates consists of primarily Oxycodone, otherwise known as “oxy”, and Hydrocodone, which is the deadliest class of prescription drug 1.
And for those who have survived an opioid or prescription drug addiction, emotional and mental health problems often linger in their lives, causing ruptures in mental health, self-care, work performance, and interpersonal relationships. While prescription drug abuse can be deadly, there is hope for you or your loved one who might be struggling. Know the signs and symptoms of addiction and seek help today to achieve long-term sobriety.
Initially, you might seek out prescription drugs to find relief from everyday problems, including lack of sleep, muscle tension, chronic pain, inability to focus, and poor emotional or mental well-being. It’s common to begin taking these drugs as prescribed, then feel like your prescription is not working as well as it used to or should. In those instances, you might start to abuse your prescribed drug or turn to other prescription drugs to achieve the desired effect 1. While alcohol and marijuana are the most commonly abused substances, prescription drugs (particularly opioids) and synthetic drugs pose the highest risks of overdose and mortality due to their potency 3. In recent years, the opioid epidemic in America has caused a dramatic increase in deaths from prescription drug overdoses, killing over 81,000 Americans in 2022 2.
Risk factors
Genetics play a key role in the likelihood of developing an addiction; having a family history of addiction significantly increases a person’s risk of developing prescription drug addiction. In order to purchase a prescription drug, you need a prescription from a licensed doctor or physician. Early identification of prescription drug abuse and early intervention may prevent the problem from turning into an addiction. We offer a full continuum of substance abuse addiction treatment including detox, residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programs.
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