Prescription Drug Addiction: Signs, Symptoms & Treatment

Prescription drugs are a powerful tool in medicine. When used correctly and with a doctor’s help, they can manage pain, anxiety, and other health issues, making life easier and more manageable.

However, the line between helpful use and misuse can sometimes get unclear. This is especially true when patients use these medications in ways that their doctors don’t intend.

Misusing prescription drugs is a serious problem. This includes taking more than prescribed or using them for fun. The issue is getting worse. Prescription drug addiction is becoming increasingly prevalent in our society with 16.3 million people misusing a prescription each year.

What often begins as a medical treatment can quickly turn into a substance use disorder. This can have serious effects on health, relationships, and overall well-being.

What is Prescription Drug Addiction?

Prescription drug addiction happens when a person relies on prescription medications. They use these drugs in ways that are not intended for medical purposes.

These drugs help manage pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders. However, they can cause problems if taken in higher doses than prescribed. People can also misuse them for reasons other than treating a health issue.

Certain prescription drugs are more commonly misused and can lead to addiction. These include:

• Opioids – Opioids, such as oxycodone or morphine, are often given for pain relief. However, taking large amounts can create a feeling of euphoria. This makes them very addictive.
• Benzodiazepines – Benzodiazepines, like Xanax or Valium, help treat anxiety and sleep problems. However, people can misuse them for their calming effects.
• Stimulants – Stimulants, such as Adderall or Ritalin, are given for ADHD. Some people misuse them to improve focus or gain energy.

Signs of a Prescription Drug Addiction

These signs depend on the type of drug being misused, but many overlap across different medications.

Increased Use

One of the most obvious signs of addiction is the increased use of prescription drugs. This could mean taking more than prescribed. It might also mean taking the medication more often. You could continue taking it even after finishing the prescribed course.

Doctor Shopping

People with prescription drug addiction often visit many doctors to get prescriptions for the same medicine. This behavior lets them collect medications like Adderall or Valium. They often do this without the doctor knowing about other prescriptions.

Mood Changes

Prescription drug addiction can have a significant impact on someone’s mood and emotional state. When the drug is not available or is wearing off, a person may experience mood swings. They might also feel irritable. In some cases, they could feel anxious or depressed.

Physical Signs

Several physical signs may indicate prescription drug misuse. These can include drowsiness, slurred speech, or poor coordination. For example, a person using opioids might have trouble staying awake or speaking clearly. Their movements may look slow or unsteady.

Similarly, stimulant misuse—such as taking higher doses of Adderall—can lead to hyperactivity, rapid speech, or jitteriness.

Neglecting Responsibilities

As the addiction takes hold, duties like work, school, or social obligations often fall by the wayside. A person may start skipping work, neglecting their studies, or avoiding social gatherings in favor of using drugs.

Isolation

As the addiction progresses, a person may begin to withdraw from friends and family, preferring to hide their drug use. This can be a way to avoid confronting the issue or to continue using the drugs without interruption.

People using sedatives like benzodiazepines or opioids may start isolating themselves due to embarrassment or guilt over their behavior.

Tolerance and Withdrawal

As addiction grows, the body gets used to the drug. This means the person needs to take more to feel the same effects, leading to dangerous levels of drug use, increasing the risk of overdose.

When someone tries to stop or cut back on drug use, they may feel withdrawal symptoms. These can include sweating, shaking, nausea, and more serious physical effects, depending on the drug.

The Impact of Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription drug addiction is more than just being physically dependent on the drugs. It can affect all the parts of a person’s life.

Mental Health

Chronic use of prescription drugs, especially opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants, can contribute to or worsen conditions like anxiety and depression.

For example, a person misusing Xanax may feel very anxious or irritable. This is especially true when the drug is not available.

Opioids like Vicodin can create a short feeling of happiness. However, using them for a long time can cause mood swings and emotional instability.

Physical Health

Prescription drug addiction can also take a serious toll on physical health.

For example, using opioids for a long time can harm the liver and cause breathing problems. Benzodiazepines can affect how the brain works and how well a person can coordinate their movements.

The risk of overdose is very high with opioids. Taking too much can make the body stop breathing, which can be deadly. These drugs can put a strain on organs. This can raise the risk of chronic illnesses and long-term health problems.

Broader Effects

Prescription drug addiction doesn’t just affect the individual—it also impacts their relationships with family, friends, and coworkers.

People who struggle with addiction often pull away from loved ones. They may lie about their drug use. They can also become angry when someone confronts them about their behavior.

This loss of trust can cause isolation and deep emotional pain for the person with addiction and their loved ones.

Financial problems are also a common side effect of prescription drug addiction. The cost of obtaining prescription drugs, especially without a prescription, can become overwhelming. Additionally, many people use illegal ways to pay for their addiction. This can lead to debt, legal problems, and even criminal charges.

Finally, addiction can bring on legal issues. Using prescription drugs in ways not prescribed can lead to many legal issues. These include doctor shopping, prescription fraud, and drug-related arrests.

Treatment for Prescription Drug Addiction in Palm City, Florida

Rehab centers like Palm City Wellness offer treatment options designed to help individuals recover physically, emotionally, and mentally.

The goal is not only to stop drug use. It also provides a complete approach. This approach addresses the root issues that lead to addiction. It supports long-term recovery as well.

Detoxification

The first step in many rehab programs for abusing prescription drugs is detoxification. This medically supervised process helps the body rid itself of drugs.

For those addicted to opioids or benzodiazepines, detox can be challenging due to withdrawal symptoms.

Detoxification makes sure this process is safe. Medical professionals help manage symptoms and make the transition comfortable. This is an essential step before starting other forms of treatment.

Therapy

Once the body is clear of the substance, therapy becomes the focus. There are different types of treatment used to treat prescription drug addiction and underlying mental health disorders.

Individual therapy helps people find the root causes of their addiction in a one-on-one setting. This allows them to work through trauma, stress, or mental issues that may have led to their substance abuse.

Group therapy provides a space for people to share their experiences, learn from others who might be facing similar challenges, and help build community and accountability.

Family therapy includes loved ones in recovery. It helps fix relationships damaged by addiction. It also teaches families how to support the person recovering.

Support Groups

Beyond formal therapy, support groups play a vital role in the recovery process. Programs like 12-step programs, such as Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, or SMART Recovery, offer support and community.

These groups provide a place for people to share their struggles, celebrate wins, and find support during recovery.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

For those recovering from opioid addiction or other substance dependencies, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can be an important tool.

MAT uses medications like methadone or buprenorphine. These help manage withdrawal symptoms and also reduce cravings. This allows people to focus on their recovery. They can do this without feeling overwhelmed by the physical parts of addiction.

Personalized Treatment Plans

A personalized approach makes sure that each person gets the right care and the best treatments for their needs. Prescription drug rehab in Palm City offers the structure, support, and resources needed for individuals to overcome addiction.

Find Prescription Drug Rehab in Palm City, FL Today

If you or someone you care about is having a hard time, remember that the first step is the hardest. However, it is also the most important step. Don’t wait for the addiction to get worse—seeking help early can make all the difference.

At Palm City Wellness, we’re here to help. Our caring team provides prescription drug rehab in Florida. We help you or your loved one through recovery.

We know that everyone’s journey is different. We are dedicated to giving you personalized care for long-term success.

Reach out today and take the first step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.

References:

1. National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS): Prescription Drug Abuse Statistics
2. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Prescription Drug Abuse
3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Why Do Adults Misuse Prescription Drugs?