Prescription Drug Addiction

Signs and symptoms for prescription drug addiction will vary depending upon the actual drug and the frequency and length of addiction. Many people with a prescription drug use disorder can mask their dependency for quite some time, making it difficult to recognize when a problem is present. As such, it is incredibly important to be vigilant if you believe you or your loved one is misusing prescription medications.

Prescription drug abuse warning signs can consist of a combination of behavior and physical signs such as:

• Disregard of harm caused
• Loss of control
• Denial of addiction
• Obsessive actions and thoughts
• Anxiousness
• Depression

Opioid addiction symptoms can consist of the following:

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Feeling high
• Confusion
• Poor coordination
• Sensitivity to pain
• Drowsiness
• Lower breathing rate

Prescription drug detox is the first step in becoming substance-free. An evaluation is necessary to begin the detox process, ultimately determining your individualized addiction recovery plan. Evaluations include an assessment of symptoms, medical history, and substance use history. Once complete, you will be under the care of doctors and nurses to supervise and facilitate your detox.

Some people may try to detox from the comfort of their own homes. While detoxing at home is not impossible, doing so in a professional rehab facility is far more effective. Removing yourself or your loved one from the environment in which they abused drugs is beneficial to the overall process.

Also, detoxing at home means many users try to quit “cold turkey” and could experience more severe withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and more. Detoxing from prescription benzos such as Xanax can lead to death. It is important that you are under the care of medical professionals to safely and comfortably detox.

Prescription drug addiction treatment and rehab programs combine different recovery services, supportive environments, and counseling. Depending on the specific needs of the individual, the treatment programs will vary.

Treatment is usually categorized into:

1. Cognitive Behavior Therapy – which helps patients understand the root causes of what drove them to abuse drugs

2. Holistic Therapies – which focus on the mind, body, and spirit and is used to achieve physical healing

Rehab can consist of either inpatient, outpatient, or intensive outpatient rehab.

Inpatient Therapy: You will stay at a treatment facility with access to counseling, group therapy, and other recreational therapies.

Outpatient Therapy: For some who may need an outpatient program due to home or work needs, this option allows one to commute to treatment with a set schedule and access to therapy, groups, and other services.

Intensive Outpatient Therapy: Most IOP programs require an attendance minimum of nine hours every week for treatment. This can be split between either a full week or several days throughout the week. Intensive outpatient treatment can last as long as needed.

Prescription drug abusers can receive treatment and recover. While prescription drugs have the power to derail a person’s life, substance abuse recovery is possible. Treatment is often the first step to reclaiming a life worth living.