Whether an individual suffers from a physical or mental condition, chances are there is a medication available to help. Doctors routinely write prescriptions on a daily basis for individuals to help them get relief from their impairments. Unfortunately, some individuals continue taking medications even after their conditions subside. Quite often, individuals abuse prescription drugs as a way to get high and we are seeing a dramatic rise in the number of overdose-related deaths as a result.
Some of the most commonly abused medications are:
- Opioids
- Central nervous system (CNS) depressants
- Stimulants
Patients suffering from pain are often prescribed opioids as a form of treatment. These medications include hydrocodone, codeine, and fentanyl. CNS depressants, like tranquilizers, hypnotics, and sedatives, are often given to individuals to treat sleep disorders and anxiety. Individuals with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder are often prescribed stimulants to treat their condition.
When taken properly, individuals receive relief from the symptoms they experience. If a person does not truly experience symptoms, they are seeking the medications for the sole purpose of getting high. Some ways individuals abuse prescription drugs are:
- Taking medications that are not prescribed for them
- Taking a higher dosage than is recommended
- Taking medication in a manner not prescribed. This including crushing tablets, snorting, or injecting them
- Using medications for purposes not prescribed
Taking prescriptions that you do not need or in doses that are not recommended can lead to addiction or death. Since 1999, we have seen the number of deaths involving opioid pain relievers quadruple, far outnumbering the number of deaths associated with cocaine and heroin.
The type of symptoms experienced by individuals abusing prescription drugs depends on the type of drugs they are using. Each type of drug presents its own unique set of side effects and each person is affected differently. Some of the most common symptoms of abuse are:
| OPIOID ABUSE | SEDATIVE ABUSE | STIMULANT ABUSE |
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The only way to ensure you do not suffer this unfortunate fate is to stop abusing prescription drugs. Although it may seem impossible, there are several treatment options you should consider to help.
Individuals dealing with prescription drug abuse have a few treatment options available. Each type of medication requires a different withdrawal process to ensure no negative side effects occur. At Asana Recovery, we have an exceptional detox program with 24-hour patient monitoring to ensure safety and comfort throughout the process. After completing detox, patients often rely on inpatient treatment that couples counseling, therapies, and activities to help addicts live a healthier life.
If you are not sure where to start, call us today at (949)438-4504 to how Asana Recovery can help.
