Every addiction has its warning signs. It goes beyond the physical symptoms – although they’re there, too. For example, do you know what prescription drug abuse looks like? Most importantly, would you know how and where to get help?
It Matters How You Define Prescription Drug Abuse
With the news focusing on opioid pain pill addiction, many people develop a mistaken sense of security. They don’t realize that other medicines can also lead to addiction. Typically, opioids, sedatives, and stimulants have a high abuse potential. These include drugs for pain management, anxiety disorders, and ADHD.
You move from use to abuse when taking the medications for their side effects. For example, you may use a prescription painkiller, grind it into a powder, and snort it for a euphoric high. Maybe you’re taking your child’s leftover ADHD medication. Some people will visit friends and secretly raid the medicine cabinet in the hopes of finding stimulants or sedatives. If this is the case you may need addiction treatment in Philadelphia.
Drug-Seeking Behavior is a Warning Sign
If you’re wondering about a loved one’s involvement in prescription drug abuse, look for specific behaviors. The individual goes to multiple pharmacies to fill prescriptions for the same drug. Besides that, they might be asking friends or family members for a specific drug until they can afford a refill. Similarly, your loved one may be going to multiple doctors with the same medical complaint.
Overcoming an Addiction
Drug abuse treatment for every addiction should include the assistance of medical professionals. Some withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous to your health. Most importantly, others can be painful. Trying to overcome a physical dependency at home by yourself is likely to result in relapse.
At a detox center, you have the option of undergoing medical supervision during the withdrawal process. Pharmacological support eliminates much of the pain and severe discomfort. It also keeps you healthy and safe. Right after finishing this aspect of treatment, it’s vital to move to the rehab side of care.
Rehab helps you break the psychological addiction. It takes a little longer. Certainly, it is more labor-intensive. However, this process is vital to avoid returning to prescription drug addiction because of an inability to handle triggers.
Are You One of the Millions of Americans Struggling with a Dual Diagnosis?
Every prescription drug addiction treatment facility should assess for the presence of a mental health disorder. Anxiety, depression, and other conditions can contribute to the development of addiction. The treatments you undergo must focus on both disorders concurrently for best results.
- Possible therapeutic interventions include:
- Behavioral therapies that help you switch out negative thoughts or actions with healthy ones
- Family therapy as a way to re-open avenues of communication among loved ones
- One-on-one talk therapy that allows for psychotherapy, goal-setting, and sober living planning
- Group therapy for accountability and peer support during healing
- Life skills training that helps you structure your day for productivity without using or seeking drugs
If you struggle with prescription drug abuse today, there’s help. Don’t wait to reach out!