Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment

What are Prescription Drugs?

In 2022, more than 7,000 people in California died from opioid overdoses, with 87% of those deaths involving fentanyl, highlighting the critical need for effective prescription drug treatment centers.

The three most commonly abused classes of prescription drugs are:

• Opioids: These prescription painkillers are used to treat pain by affecting the central nervous system (CNS). Unfortunately, they also carry a high risk of addiction and often require specialized opioid addiction treatment programs.
• Depressants: Medications like tranquilizers, sedatives, and hypnotics, which are prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders, can lead to dependency and require comprehensive care at a prescription drug rehab center.
• Stimulants: Often prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), stimulants can also lead to prescription drug addiction when misused.

At West Valley Detox, we offer a variety of addiction treatment programs tailored to individuals struggling with prescription drug addiction. Our prescription drug rehab programs combine medical detox and medication-assisted treatment to support individuals through the withdrawal process and help manage cravings.

What Causes Addiction to Prescription Medication?

Many individuals worry about becoming addicted to medications prescribed for medical conditions, such as painkillers prescribed after surgery. While prescription medications are essential for managing pain or other health conditions, they can be highly addictive if misused. In fact, 1 in 4 people who receive long-term opioid prescriptions for non-cancer pain in primary care settings struggle with addiction. You can lower your risk of prescription drug addiction by carefully following the instructions provided by your doctor.

Several risk factors contribute to the misuse of prescription drugs, including:

• Certain pre-existing mental health issues
• Family history of substance use problems
• Past or current addictions to other substances, including alcohol and tobacco
• Easy access to prescription drugs in the home
• Limited knowledge about prescription medication and its potential for harm
• Peer pressure or social environments where drug use is prevalent

Hundreds of other contributing factors can push a person to misuse their medications. One common cause of prescription drug abuse is increasing doses to cope with post-surgery pain. When individuals misuse prescription drugs, they raise their risk of serious health complications, including organ failure, cardiovascular disease, overdose, and death, if they do not seek help from a prescription drug treatment center.

At West Valley Detox, we understand the complexities of prescription drug addiction and offer comprehensive addiction treatment programs to address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. Whether you’re struggling with opioid painkillers or other prescription medications, our specialized prescription drug rehab program is here to help.

What are the Signs & Symptoms of Prescription Drug Addiction?

The signs and symptoms of prescription drug addiction can vary depending on the type of medication being misused. Prescription drugs fall into several categories, such as opioids, stimulants, and depressants, each with its own unique effects on the body. Recognizing these symptoms early is crucial for seeking timely drug addiction treatment. More than 16 million people in the United States misused prescription drugs in 2020, with opioids, stimulants, and sedatives being among the most commonly abused medications.

Here are some common negative effects and symptoms associated with the misuse of various prescription medications:

Opioids (commonly prescribed for pain relief):

• Low blood pressure: A common side effect of opioid misuse, leading to dizziness or fainting.
• Slowed breathing: Respiratory depression can occur, which may result in insufficient oxygen supply and potentially lead to coma or death.
• Constipation: Long-term opioid use can significantly affect the digestive system.
• Vomiting and nausea: These are common signs of opioid misuse, particularly during withdrawal.
• Increased sensitivity to pain (hyperalgesia): Over time, opioid misuse can worsen the perception of pain.
• Drowsiness and confusion: A typical effect, leading to difficulty concentrating and performing daily tasks.
• Seizures and tremors: These severe symptoms can occur with excessive or long-term misuse.

Stimulants (often prescribed for ADHD or narcolepsy):

• High blood pressure: Stimulants increase heart rate and blood pressure, leading to potential cardiovascular complications.
• Increased body temperature: Misuse can cause overheating and sweating.
• Aggressiveness and paranoia: Users may experience heightened irritability, suspicion, and anxiety.
• Hallucinations: In severe cases, stimulants can cause individuals to see or hear things that aren’t there.
• Erratic mood swings: Sudden shifts in mood are common, often ranging from euphoria to irritability.
• Insomnia: Sleep disturbances or inability to sleep can result from stimulant misuse.
• Heart problems: The overuse of stimulants can lead to heart arrhythmias, heart attacks, or strokes.

Depressants (such as sedatives or tranquilizers):

• Slowed breathing: This can be especially dangerous when depressants are mixed with other substances like alcohol.
• Memory problems: Individuals may experience difficulty remembering things, even after short-term use.
• Loss of coordination: Depressants can cause drowsiness, confusion, and a lack of physical coordination, increasing the risk of falls or accidents.
• Anxiety and paranoia: Over time, depressant misuse can lead to increased anxiety and suspiciousness, especially during withdrawal.
• Confusion and drowsiness: A hallmark of depressant misuse, making it difficult to focus on tasks or engage with others.

General Symptoms Across Prescription Medications:

• Coma or death: Overdose, especially with opioids or depressants, can lead to life-threatening situations if not treated immediately.
• Severe withdrawal symptoms: Physical dependence on prescription drugs can cause intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms when use is reduced or stopped.
• Erratic behavior and mood swings: Individuals may become unpredictable, showing signs of irritability, aggressiveness, or emotional instability.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek professional help at a prescription drug treatment center. At West Valley Detox, we offer comprehensive addiction treatment programs tailored to individuals struggling with prescription drug misuse.

How Prescription Drugs Can Become Life-Threatening

While prescription medications are intended to treat specific medical conditions, they can become extremely dangerous—and even life-threatening—when misused or combined with other substances. Understanding the risks associated with prescription drug misuse is essential for preventing harmful side effects or fatal outcomes.

Prescription drugs can be hazardous and may lead to serious health complications, including death, under the following circumstances:

Taken in High Doses:

Taking more than the prescribed dosage of a medication, especially opioids, sedatives, or stimulants, can overwhelm the body’s systems. This can lead to overdose, causing respiratory failure, heart complications, or even death. Opioid addiction, for instance, is a leading cause of overdose-related fatalities due to respiratory depression.

Taken with Other Prescription Drugs:

Certain medications can interact dangerously when combined. For example, mixing sedatives like benzodiazepines with opioids significantly increases the risk of overdose, as both drugs depress the central nervous system (CNS). This can result in slowed breathing, extreme drowsiness, and potentially fatal outcomes. Discussing any combination of medications with a healthcare provider is important to avoid harmful interactions.

Combined with Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines:

Over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, or pain relievers, can also interact with prescription drugs, leading to dangerous side effects. For instance, combining OTC cold medicine with certain antidepressants or stimulants can elevate blood pressure to dangerous levels, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Taken with Alcohol:

Combining prescription drugs with alcohol is particularly hazardous. Alcohol use disorder can intensify the effects of many medications, such as opioids and sedatives, increasing the risk of overdose. It can also interfere with how the liver metabolizes certain drugs, leading to toxic levels in the bloodstream. Even small amounts of alcohol combined with prescription medications can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents or injury.

Used with Illegal or Recreational Drugs:

The combination of prescription drugs with illegal substances, such as cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine, is highly dangerous. For example, mixing opioids with stimulants like cocaine can place excessive strain on the heart, leading to heart attack, stroke, or sudden death. Recreational drug use, when combined with prescription medications, can amplify the risk of unpredictable and life-threatening side effects.

These risks underscore the importance of taking prescription medications only as directed by a healthcare provider. Misuse or dangerous combinations can lead to severe health issues, including organ failure, overdose, and death.

What is the Treatment for Prescription Drug Addiction?

The options for treating prescription drug abuse vary but typically start with the detoxification process. After the detox process is complete, recovery work with substance use disorder professionals aims to change the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to and maintain prescription drug use. This part of the recovery process is best supported in a residential level of care, where there is around-the-clock supervision, intensive addiction therapy, and ongoing medical support.

West Valley Detox & Treatment Services can offer Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for prescription drug addiction for any individual needing additional support in reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. MAT is supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and can be used in combination with the above treatment therapies.