Prescription Medication Addiction

Prescription medication addiction is an often overlooked substance dependency. The reason for this is that it is prescribed by a doctor. Prescription drugs are usually prescribed for several symptoms, such as:

• Pain
• Depression
• ADHD/ADD
• Weight loss

Prescription drugs work by either increasing or suppressing a certain chemical reaction in the brain.

What are the Signs of Prescription Medication Addiction?

  • Repeat scripts
  • Misplaced or missing prescriptions
  • Stealing prescriptions from family and friends
  • Regular doctors visits for prescription
  • Crushing medication
  • Doctor “hopping” – seeing multiple doctors at a time for scripts
  • Forging prescriptions
  • Depression
  • Mood swings
  • Sleep patterns changing
prescription medication addiction

What Type of Prescription Medications are Usually Abused?

These are “uppers” and usually prescribed for ADD/ADHD. Symptoms of stimulant abuse, include:

  • Agitation
  • Elevated body temperature
  • Seizures
  • Hostile behavior
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability
  • Paranoia
  • Weight loss

These are prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. The symptoms of sedative abuse, include:

  • Confusion
  • Drowsy appearance
  • Involuntary eye movement
  • Memory loss
  • Poor decision making
  • Opiates

These are prescribed to patients who have acute pain or psychiatric issues. The symptoms of opiate abuse, include:

  • Confusion
  • Constipation
  • Depression
  • Disorientation
  • Low blood pressure
  • Shortness of breath

Opiate withdrawal is severe and dangerous and includes:

  • Bone and muscle pain
  • Cardiac arrest
  • Drop in body temperature
  • Diarrhea
  • Seizures
  • Vomiting

Treatment for Prescription Medication Addiction

The first step is reaching out and getting help from people who understand the severity and discomfort of being addicted to prescription medication. ARCA has years of experience with successfully treating people from all walks of life and helping them get their lives back for good. Our rehabilitation program starts with an intensive detox to ease withdrawals and cravings which is followed by cognitive behavior therapy, group therapy, and more. For more information about prescription medication addiction, give us a call today for a free assessment.

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