Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment

Prescription medication can include a wide range of drugs. Prescription drugs with abuse potential include painkillers, anxiety medication or ADHD pills. The most common addictive prescription drugs include benzodiazepines, stimulants, sedatives and opioids. 

Depending on the type of medication, prescription drugs work by sending signals to the brain that release dopamine. This “happy chemical” can provide feelings of relaxation or euphoria, leading users to take more for a greater high. Over time, this can increase your tolerance and lead to side effects or addiction. As with many substance use disorders, prescription drug addiction can put someone at a high risk of coma or death. 

The misuse of prescription drugs has become a significant problem in the United States, with 16.1 million people misusing these substances within the last year. The symptoms of prescription drug abuse will vary depending on a person’s specific drug. However, there is some overlap to help you identify substance abuse in yourself or a loved one:

• Irritation, aggression or hostility
• Mood swings
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Depression and anxiety
• Reduced heart rate
• Low blood pressure
• Weight loss
• Insomnia or sleep disturbances
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Memory problems

A person can also experience withdrawal symptoms if they take prescription drugs long-term and suddenly stop taking them. Withdrawal symptoms can potentially be dangerous, so it’s essential to work with your doctor to ween off the medication or seek treatment from a professional addiction specialist.

A person who’s addicted to prescription drugs will also display noticeable signs, including:

• Drug-seeking behaviors, such as attempting to find a dealer or going to various doctors for multiple prescriptions
• Using more of the medication at a time than prescribed or increasing in frequency
• Hiding medication
• Increased tolerance and substance use
• Lying about substance use to loved ones
• Denying addictive behaviors
• Socially isolated from friends and family
• Lack of interest in once enjoyed hobbies or activities
• Poor personal hygiene
• Stealing from loved ones or committing crimes to fund the addiction
• Risky behaviors, such as driving under the influence or participating in unsafe sexual behaviors

If you notice these signs of prescription drug abuse in yourself or a loved one, consider contacting an addiction specialist for help. These professionals can help you manage your withdrawal symptoms and help you alter your behaviors to get back to the life you had before you started misusing prescription drugs.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

MAT programs use different medications to help individuals overcome withdrawal symptoms and focus on treatment. You’ll be under professional supervision during the program to ensure your comfort. A medical professional can alter your medication type based on the severity of your addiction and withdrawal symptoms. While participating in this program, you’ll also start other aspects of your treatment to help you progress sooner so you can get back to your life.

You can also use MAT programs to help prevent relapse. These medications can trick your brain into thinking that you’re still taking certain substances or make taking them less desirable, helping you sustain your recovery.

Residential Treatment

Patients with a severe addiction or a non-sober home life can choose residential treatment, meaning they’ll stay at an addiction treatment facility for a set time, usually between 30 to 90 days. The length of your stay will depend on the severity of your addiction.

Residential programs are ideal for individuals who don’t have a good support network at home or those who need to cut themselves off from access to prescription drugs. You’ll attend therapy regularly during your stay, giving you structure that you may lack at home. The structure will make it easier to overcome your addiction and give you the skills you need to adjust to sober living.

Addiction can happen to anyone, and you’re not alone. DreamLife Recovery is here to help you find relief from prescription drug addiction. We offer multiple types of treatment, including residential and MAT programs, therapy and aftercare for relapse prevention. We’ll help you get to the root cause of your addiction to ensure you have the best chance at success.

Our treatments are affordable and extensive, making them accessible and effective for people from all walks of life. Our treatment professionals are dedicated to your recovery and have the necessary skills to help you achieve and sustain sobriety. Contact us. today to learn how we can help!

Find the help you need with our collection of prescription drug addiction resources:

• Understanding Why Painkillers Are so Addictive
• Can You Become Addicted to Tramadol?
• The Dangers of Mixing Gabapentin and Alcohol
• Understanding Gabapentin