Prescription Drug Addiction

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Regardless of whether you were originally prescribed the drug you are now addicted to or obtained the drug via other methods, prescription drug addiction and opiate abuse are incredibly serious and dangerous. If you wish to overcome your addiction and live a happier, drug-free life, the caring, dedicated team at Pacific Bay Recovery can help.

For years, we have assisted individuals throughout Southern California gain the strength and will needed to overcome their prescription drug addictions through opiate detox. No matter what type of prescription drug or pain killer addiction you may have, we have the training and support system needed to help you achieve a lasting recovery.

Our facility always offers complimentary and confidential evaluations for those experiencing painkiller abuse. If you would like to learn how we can help you at Pacific Bay Recovery, please do not hesitate to contact us at (619) 350-8220 today.

FAQs on Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription drug abuse and addiction is a serious chemical dependency. A prescription drug is any medication regulated by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), requiring a doctor’s prescription. Prescription drugs work by either suppressing or promoting certain brain chemical reactions.

What are the main prescription drugs abused?

Three different classes of drugs are most susceptible to abuse. These include:

• Opiates – Also called narcotics and prescribed for severe or chronic pain.
• Stimulants – Used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• Sedatives – Benzodiazepines used for sleep and to treat anxiety disorders.

What are the warning signs of prescription drug abuse?

Drug-seeking behaviors alert others to prescription drug addiction. These behaviors include:

• Losing prescriptions and asking for early refills.
• Stealing or borrowing medications from friends, family members, and co-workers.
• Consuming the entire prescription much faster than indicated.
• Breaking or crushing pills.
• Visiting multiple doctors.
• Forging or stealing prescriptions.
• Inconsistent answers to questions regarding medication usage.
• Ordering medications off the Internet.
• Changes in sleep patterns.
• Noticeable mood swings related to the absence or availability of drugs.
• Frequent alcohol use.
• Increasing irritability when drugs are not available.

What are the symptoms of sedative abuse and/or addiction?

Visible symptoms include:

• Confusion, drowsiness, and intoxicated appearance
• Poor decision-making and judgement
• Memory problems
• Rapid eye movements

What are the symptoms of stimulant abuse?

When someone is abusing a prescription stimulant, symptoms include high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, agitation, irritability, seizures, hostility, elevated body temperature, and unexplained weight loss.

What are the symptoms of opiate addiction?

Opiate analgesics can produce common symptoms of abuse, such as low blood pressure, depression, constipation, diarrhea, disorientation, and confusion.

What are the effects of prescription drug addiction?

Prescription drug addiction and abuse are often accompanied by serious emotional problems and mental health issues. The abuse of drugs can result in problems with relationships, job loss, employment difficulties, financial trouble, and legal issues.

What causes prescription drug addiction?

While most people take prescribed medicines as they are recommended, a few people are predisposed to become addicted when they use prescription medications. Often the prescription is written following an injury, surgery, or for a real medical condition. Most people do not intend to become addicted, but after feeling the pleasurable effects of the drug, they begin to take more and more of the medication.

How common is prescription drug addiction?

According to statistics, around 2.6 million people in the U.S. abuse drugs. In a 2007 survey, 6% of persons aged 17 to 25 years report abusing prescription drugs within the past month. Prescription drug abuse causes many overdose deaths, with reports of around 23,000 per year.

What are the consequences of prescription drug use among teenagers?

The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse reports that teens who abuse prescription drugs are twice as likely to drink alcohol and five times as likely to smoke marijuana. In addition, these teens are 20 times as likely to use illegal street drugs.

What medications can treat prescription drug addiction?

Antagonist medications are used to prevent opioids from activating their receptors. These drugs are available by mouth or in an injectable, long-acting form. This drug eliminates withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings by working on the same areas of the brain as the addictive substance. Partial opioid agonist drugs helps with prescription drug cravings and curbs desire to abuse a medication.

Don’t wait any longer if you are suffering addiction and looking for a caring prescription detox clinic.

Pacific Bay Recovery is a prescription rehab center located in San Diego, California, and specializes in assisting patients who are looking to achieve recovery from their addiction. No matter if you have opiate, prescription or painkiller addiction, our caring staff possess the experience and effective treatments to help you gain your life back. Call us today for a free, confidential evaluation at 619-350-8220!