Plano - Prescription Drug Abuse
Prescription drug abuse affects people from all walks of life, with physical and social problems resulting from the misuse of prescription medications. Prescription drug abuse may require detox and rehabilitation, with patients guided through medication and psychotherapy programs in order to get clean. From the initial stages of intervention and detox through to the later stages of relapse prevention and aftercare support, drug treatment centers can manage every stage of the recovery process.
Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem in American society, with early intervention and ongoing support needed to break the bonds of addiction. Get support for drug addiction today when you call Plano Drug Treatment Centers at (877) 804-1531.
How are Prescription Drugs Abused?
There are a number of ways that people abuse prescription drugs. Common methods of abuse include:
- Taking larger doses than prescribed
- Combining doses
- Purchasing prescriptions or drugs on the black market
- Taking drugs intended for another person
- Using a different method of administration than intended.
Prescription drugs are normally made available in tablet or pill form, with some people crushing up medications in order to snort or inject them for a more potent effect. Generally speaking, prescription drugs are abused when they are taken in a different way than intended by a doctor or medical professional.
Types of Prescription Drug Abuse
The vast majority of prescribed drug abuse cases fall into three distinct categories.
Opioid painkillers
Opioid are the most widely abused prescription drugs, including substances like morphine, codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone and buprenorphine. These drugs are generally taken for their euphoric qualities, with common trade names in the United States being Actiq, Avinza, Kadian, Oxycontin, Vicodin, Dilaudid, Exalgo, Oxyfast, Duragesic, Fentora, Lorcet, Lortab, Norco, Demerol, Dolophine, Methadose, Percocet and Roxicodone. Some of these formulations also include acetaminophen, which has been known to cause a number of fatal overdoses when used in large doses.
Central nervous system (CNS) depressants
CNS are the second most widely abused class of drugs, including benzodiazepines like Valium and Xanax and barbiturates such as Amytal and Nembutal. CNS drugs are also known as sedatives or tranquilizers, with these drugs often taken recreationally for their sedative and hypnotic effects.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the third most widely abused class of drugs, including amphetamines prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While most of these drugs are made available through the medical system, they may also be available through the black market as an alternative to illicit drugs.
Signs and Symptoms of Prescription Drug Abuse
The signs and symptoms of drug abuse are widely dependent on the particular drug in question. Stimulants have very different effects than depressants, with dosage levels also influencing symptoms. If you are worried about a friend, family member or co-worker, there are some general signs to look out for, including:
- Mood swings
- Changes to sleeping patterns
- Changes to eating habits
- Spending time obtaining prescriptions
- Losing touch with old friends
- Loss of interest in favorite activities
- Anxiety
- Depression.
If you or anyone you know is living with a medical drug abuse problem, it's important to make contact with a drug treatment center as soon as possible.
Medical Drug Abuse Treatment Programs
Drug treatment is often split into two separate components, detoxification and rehabilitation. Detox enables drug discontinuation, with rehab dealing with the precedents of drug addiction. Medications are often used during detox to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, with medications also used during rehab in certain cases.
Typical treatment programs include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Motivational therapy
- Family therapy
- Art therapy
- Music therapy
- Moral reconation therapy
- SMART recovery
- 12-step counseling
- Individual counseling
- Relapse prevention.
All of these programs can be useful in treating prescription medication abuse, with some treatment centers specializing in particular recovery programs. Learn more about these and other treatment options when you call Plano Drug Treatment Centers at (877) 804-1531.