Prescription drug abuse has emerged as an epidemic sweeping across nations, insidiously affecting lives and dismantling families. It begins subtly, often with a legally obtained prescription for managing pain, anxiety, or sleep disorders. However, the line between use and misuse quickly blurs, leading individuals down a perilous path toward dependence and addiction. This complex issue demands a comprehensive approach to understanding its roots, recognizing the signs of abuse, and seeking effective treatment. Royal Life Detox offers specialized care tailored to address the unique needs of those grappling with prescription drug addiction.
What is Prescription Drug Abuse?
Just as with illegal narcotics or street drugs, some of the most commonly abused substances are prescription-based. When it comes to pain medications or opiates, many men and women, and even youth, say that they started their addiction in their own homes by abusing the prescriptions that their doctors provided. Many prescription medications are very addictive, and even if they do not appear to be causing addiction or drug abuse, they can lead to painful withdrawal when discontinued.
Abusing prescription medications is as common, if not more so, than addiction and abuse of street drugs or substances. Prescription drug abuse rehab is where people go to transition from a repetitive self-defeating lifestyle brought about by the emotional, spiritual and physical bondage to a prescription drug(s), into a repetitive self-fulfilling recovering lifestyle brought about by the emotional, spiritual, and physical enrichment that emerges from a serene recovery lifestyle. As with illegal substance treatment, oftentimes medical detox followed by intensive therapy is required to help resume life the way it once was before the drugs.
Types of Prescription Drug Abuse
While there are thousands of different prescription substances, some are more commonly abused than others. Problematic prescription drug abuse often involves the following:
- Prescription stimulants
- Prescription opioids
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
Prescription Stimulant Abuse
Prescription stimulants, such as Ritalin and Adderall, are commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Illicit and prescription stimulants work by increasing the activity of certain chemicals in the brain, resulting in increased energy and alertness. While they may have legitimate medical uses, using them without a prescription or in higher doses than prescribed can lead to serious health consequences. However, they can also be abused for their stimulating effects. This has become a growing problem, especially among college students who use these drugs to increase focus and productivity.
Side effects of prescription drug abuse involving stimulants include:
- Increased energy
- Reduced appetite
- Fast heart rate
- Itching
- Insomnia
- Agitation
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
Misuse or abuse of stimulants can lead to addiction, which is characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior and continued use despite negative consequences. It can also result in tolerance, meaning that higher doses are needed to achieve the desired effects. Using stimulants without proper medical supervision can lead to dangerous interactions with other drugs or underlying health conditions. This can further increase the risk of serious side effects or even overdose.
It is important to recognize the signs of stimulant abuse and seek help if you or someone you know may be struggling with this issue. Treatment options for stimulant addiction include therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and support groups. It is also crucial to practice safe medication use and only take prescription drugs as directed by a healthcare professional.
Prescription Opioid Abuse
Opioids are potent narcotic painkillers. Morphine, heroin, and opium are derived from poppy plants and are considered ‘natural’ opiates. Methadone, Percocet, and Vicodin are synthetic (man-made) opioids. Illicit and prescription opioids work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and blocking pain signals. However, they also activate the brain’s reward center, causing a surge of dopamine and feelings of pleasure. This can lead to dependence, addiction, and cause severe withdrawal.
Side effects of prescription drug abuse involving opioids include:
- Euphoria
- Tolerance
- Increased sensitivity to pain
- Confusion
- Poor coordination
- Memory problems
- Breathing issues
- Coma
- Death
Misuse or abuse of opioids can also lead to serious health complications, such as respiratory depression, irregular heart rate, and even death. It is important to only use prescription opioids under the guidance of a healthcare professional and to follow dosage instructions carefully.
If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction, seeking help at Royal Life Detox can be life-changing. Our team of medical professionals specializes in detoxing from opioids safely and comfortably. We offer individualized treatment plans that include medication-assisted therapy, counseling, and support groups.
Barbiturate Abuse
Barbiturates are typically sedative drugs that treat things such as seizures or insomnia. Barbiturates work by slowing down the activity of nerves and brain cells. They bind to GABA receptors, which are responsible for inhibiting nerve impulses in the brain. This allows for a calming effect on the body and can help with anxiety and sleep disorders. However, barbituates are highly addictive, and the body can develop a tolerance to these drugs quickly, with withdrawal effects occurring as quickly as 8 hours after the last dose.
Side effects of prescription drug abuse involving barbiturates include:
- Vertigo
- Muscle weakness
- Slurring speech
- Decreased consciousness
- Respiratory depression (slowed breathing)
- Coma
- Death
Misuse or abuse of barbiturates can lead to serious, potentially life-threatening consequences. For this reason, barbiturates are extremely dangerous and the likelihood of surviving an overdose is very low. This is why it is important to only use these drugs as prescribed by a doctor and to never mix them with alcohol or other depressants which increase the chances of overdose.
If you or someone you know is struggling with barbiturate addiction, seek help immediately. There are many treatment options available that can help individuals safely detox from the drug and address the underlying issues that may have led to their misuse. Remember, your health and well-being should always be a top priority, so please take caution when using any type of medication.
Benzodiazepine Abuse
Benzodiazepines, or benzos are typically used for anxiety disorders or depression. They include medications such as Valium, Klonopin, and Xanax. Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called GABA, which helps to calm the brain and body. This can provide relief for those who suffer from anxiety or panic attacks. However, when abused, benzodiazepines can lead to serious physical and mental health issues.
Side effects of prescription drug abuse involving benzodiazepines include:
- Feeling unsteady
- Memory issues
- Poor concentration
- Slurring
- Seizures
- Overdose
- Death
A major danger of benzodiazepine abuse is the potential for overdose. As tolerance builds up over time, individuals may take higher doses to achieve the desired effect. This can lead to respiratory depression, coma, and even death. In addition to overdose risk, long-term use of benzodiazepines can cause permanent changes in brain chemistry. This can result in cognitive impairment, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating.
If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or others, you may have a problem abusing prescription medications and require medical help to safely detox. Due to the high risks of life-threatening benzo withdrawal symptoms, it is very imperative to detox with the assistance of trained medical staff.
Prescription Drug Abuse Rehab at Royal Life Centers
At Royal Life Detox, the journey toward recovery is grounded in compassion, clinical excellence, and evidence-based practices. Understanding that each individual’s path to prescription drug addiction and recovery is unique—shaped by personal history, types of substances abused, and the presence of co-occurring mental health disorders—our treatment programs are meticulously designed to address the multifaceted nature of addiction.
From detoxification services that ensure safe withdrawal from substances to comprehensive therapy sessions aimed at uncovering underlying issues fueling the addiction, Royal Life Detox provides an environment where healing can flourish. Through personalized care plans that include both traditional and holistic therapies, individuals are empowered to rebuild their lives free from the chains of prescription drug abuse and addiction.
What Happens After Medical Detox?
Following medical detox at Royal Life Detox, guests will begin a comprehensive, collaborative approach to substance abuse treatment designed to support physical, mental, and spiritual wellness. We offer a variety of detox options for treating drug addiction beyond just prescription drugs. Each of our programs aim to help promote a lasting, sober lifestyle through sobriety and beyond. Our addiction specialists, from our therapists and case managers to our facility staff, are dedicated to providing the best in care and support.
Our holistic, evidence-based approach to psychotherapy incorporates individual and group sessions. We use other holistic methods, such as art, music and animal therapy to help our guests to learn to express themselves and communicate. At Royal Life Detox, we believe that emotional healing is just as important as physical healing. Our treatment features state-of-the-art activity, movement, and adventure therapies to create one program that treats mind, body, and spirit.
Guests may begin their recovery journey in our residential inpatient program and continue with us through PHP, IOP, OP, and sober living at our graduate housing residences. At Royal Life Detox, the guest is always our top priority, and we consistently do all we can to effect lasting change, that they might continue to lead healthy, sober lives long after they have left our care. This is not just our goal, but our mission.
Prescription Drug Detox in Arizona
At Royal Life Detox, we specialize in offering compassionate and comprehensive drug addiction treatment options for those struggling with prescription drug abuse. Recognizing that each person’s road to recovery is unique, we tailor our programs to meet the specific needs of our guests.
If you or a loved one has a dependency or addiction to prescription drugs, please reach out to us about your detox and treatment options. Royal Life Detox admissions staff is available 24/7 to answer your questions and address your concerns.
Because We Care.
