Being addicted to prescription drugs is not a unique problem. Prescription drug addiction is a serious issue that affects millions of people worldwide every year. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, as many as 19.4% of Americans reported misusing legally prescribed drugs or consuming illicit prescription drugs in 2020. Many of these people end up addicted to the medications they take. The consequences of such an addiction can be severe, and it is important to understand how it develops and what treatments are available if you or someone you love is suffering from prescription drug abuse.
How Prescription Drug Abuse Happens
Addiction to prescription drugs occurs when an individual begins to take more than prescribed or takes them without consulting their doctor. This type of misuse can lead to tolerance, meaning that higher doses are required in order to achieve the same effect. Additionally, psychological dependence can occur, where the individual believes they need the drug in order to feel normal or cope with life’s stressors.
While these drugs can be beneficial when taken as directed, they can become addictive if taken in excess or without a doctor’s supervision. In some cases, the body becomes physically dependent on the drug, leading to symptoms of withdrawal when the drug is stopped suddenly.
Commonly Misused Prescription Drugs
Commonly abused and addictive prescription medications include opioids (such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine), benzodiazepines (such as Xanax, Valium, and Ativan), and stimulants (such as Adderall, Ritalin, and Concerta).
While each type of these commonly abused prescription drugs poses its own risks for addiction if misused or taken without medical advice or supervision; there are ways to minimize your risk including always following your doctor’s instructions regarding dosage amounts and frequency of use. If you find yourself exhibiting signs of addiction such as increased tolerance or difficulty stopping use despite negative consequences—it’s important that you seek help from an addiction specialist immediately so that you can begin treatment before it becomes unmanageable.
Contact The Serenity Treatment Center of Louisiana for Help
If you or someone you know may be addicted to prescription drugs, it is important to know that there are treatments available that can help address both the physical and psychological aspects of this disorder. Medications such as buprenorphine and naltrexone have been proven effective at reducing cravings and helping individuals manage their withdrawal symptoms while behavioral therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) have also been found successful at treating underlying issues related to addiction such as depression or anxiety.
At The Serenity Treatment Center of Louisiana, we go above and beyond to assure that treatment is successful. We understand the many challenges associated with all types of addiction, plus we know how the problem can impact on family, work, and social relationships. It is for that reason we emphatically believe that choosing the right facility is a critical choice. With two campuses here in Baton Rouge, we have the space and staff to help you treat your addiction.
Contact our team by calling us at (225) 361-0899 or filling out our online form.
