Prescription drug use is commonplace throughout the United States. According to information provided by the Health Institute Policy at Georgetown, 66 percent of all adults in America use prescription medications. While prescription drugs are effective when prescribed and closely monitored by medical staff, these medications have a high addiction potential. Unfortunately, people who become addicted to prescription drugs can experience life-threatening complications. If you or a loved one is struggling with prescription abuse, it is crucial that you find prescription drug rehabs in Southern California.
What Are Prescription Drugs?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines a prescription drug as a substance intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease. These drugs are prescribed by a doctor and are purchased at a pharmacy. Prescription medications are prescribed specifically for one person, and that person should be the sole user of that drug. Additionally, prescription drugs are regulated by the FDA.
Prescription drugs are used to treat a variety of conditions. Some of these include mental disorders, pain relief from surgery and chronic disease, and sleep disorders. The benefit of these medications is to help people better manage their symptoms and lead to a better quality of life. Prescription drugs are powerful short-term tools when utilized as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
What Are the Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse?
By simple definition, prescription drug abuse is the use of these medications in ways not intended by the prescribing doctor. The signs of prescription medication abuse depend on the type of drug being abused. For example, people abusing prescription painkillers may experience the following signs:
- constipation
- nausea
- extended feelings of euphoria
- drowsiness
- loss of coordination.
Those abusing stimulant-based medications may experience these specific signs of abuse:
- hyperawareness and alertness
- high blood pressure
- irregular heartbeat
- insomnia
- agitation
For those misusing anti-anxiety medications, the common signs of abuse include:
- confusion
- unsteady walking
- slowed breathing
- slurred speech
- poor concentration
In general, people who abuse prescription drugs take higher doses than prescribed and will forge or steal medications. Also, they will engage in “doctor shopping,” where they go to multiple doctors to get extra prescriptions. Additionally, people will exhibit wide mood swings and will engage in high-risk and impulsive behavior. If you or a loved one are exhibiting these signs, you must seek rehab for prescription drugs.
Are Prescription Drugs Dangerous?
Many people feel that prescription drugs are “safe” because they are prescribed by medical professionals and used for legitimate medical purposes. In reality, prescription medications are powerful and can be extremely dangerous if misused. For example, opioids such as Oxycontin, Vicodin and fentanyl act on the central nervous system and significantly affect breathing, heart rate, and brain functioning. High doses of these medications can cause the heart to stop and people can slip into a coma.
For those who abuse anti-anxiety medications such as Xanax and Klonopin, the main issue is significant amounts of these medications are still in the bloodstream long after the effects wear off. If people take more of these medications, it can lead to overdose and death. Additionally, people may take multiple prescriptions at once in an attempt to amplify or negate their effects. This significantly increases the chance of overdose and death.
It is important to reiterate that if you or a loved one need help with prescription addiction, you must find a Southern California prescription drug treatment center to address and overcome your addiction.
How to Find Prescription Drug Rehabs in Southern California
Fortunately, prescription drug addiction treatment programs are found in most if not all rehabs. However, not all rehabs are created equal. It would help if you found a rehab for prescription drugs that features evidence-based treatment, experienced treatment staff, and a wide range of services and support. If you are looking for a Southern California rehab, Northbound Treatment Center should be your first choice. We are a top-tier Southern California addiction treatment provider with three decades of experience dealing with prescription drug addiction and other substance abuse and mental health issues.
Don’t wait another day to deal with your addiction to prescription medications. Call Northbound Treatment Center toll-free today and start your journey towards long-term recovery.
