If you believe you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction or another prescription drug addiction, you are not alone. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that every day, more than 130 people die from opioid overdoses and in 2017, “an estimated 1.7 million people in the United States suffered from substance use disorders.”

Most Addictive Prescription Drug

While opioids have garnered a lot of attention in recent years due to the rapid increase in addiction, these are not the only addictive prescription medications. Others can be addictive and long-term or improper use can result in dependence and addiction.

Depressants

Depressant medications are those intended to help individuals with such issues as anxiety, sleep disorders, and certain seizure disorders. Also termed “downers,” examples of depressant medications include:

• Barbiturates - Commonly prescribed to treat insomnia, to relax those preparing for anesthesia, to treat tension headaches, or to treat seizures.
• Benzodiazepines - These medications were first introduced into the market in the 1960s and have since gained in popularity to treat issues such as anxiety, insomnia, panic, seizures, and to assist with muscle relaxation. However, the NIH reports that abuse of benzodiazepines has reached “epidemic levels” in recent years.
• Sleep Medications - Prescribed to treat insomnia.

Opioids

Opioids are medications typically prescribed to individuals for pain relief. Certainly the most popularized of prescription drug addictions, the US Department of Health and Human Services declared opioid addiction to be a public health emergency in 2017. Examples of opioids include:

• Codeine
• Morphine (and other Morphine derivatives)
• Methadone
• Oxycodone

Stimulants

Medications generally prescribed to treat ADD/ADHD can also cause hyper arousal for those who abuse this drug. Examples of these medications include:

• Ritalin
• Adderall
• Dexedrine

It is important to note that just because an individual is taking these medications, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are addicted. However, frequent or long-term use can lead to addiction. Understanding the signs and symptoms of prescription drug addiction can help you assess whether or not help may be necessary.

Levels of Treatment

Depending on the severity of addiction, there are a number of different treatment options available to help those navigate the difficult path to recovery from addiction.

• Level One - This outpatient treatment is the most flexible option available and is intended to help individuals who are otherwise happy and generally live in a supportive environment. They are able to receive support and treatment from their doctors with a prearranged schedule, while also living at home.
• Level Two - This is an intensive outpatient treatment program that is intended to assist those with a little extra care and guidance than those receiving level one care.
• Level Three - Also known as PHP or Partial Hospitalization Programs, these programs are intended to allow the individual to reside at home, but participate in treatment daily, depending on the schedule established between themselves and their doctor.
• Level four - This residential treatment is best suited for individuals who are at a high risk of relapse or who need 24-hour care to stay clean, but do not pose a risk to themselves or others.
• Level Five - This is considered inpatient treatment. This level of treatment is intended to treat individuals who need 24-hour monitoring and care, to help them stay the course. Individuals reside in the facility to have access to treatment and rehabilitation tools around the clock. The amount of time spent in inpatient treatment depends on the individual.

Prescription Medication Addiction Treatment

Although addictions have similarities, they are also as unique as the individuals experiencing them, and addiction has no prejudices; it affects people of any age, race, economic status, or sex. It’s important to not only treat the addiction, but to understand the underlying causes of it.

When seeking help for prescription drug addiction, it’s best to speak with a professional who can assess the addiction and determine which level of care would best serve them. We invite you to contact us today to talk with a member of our team if you or someone you love is ready to begin their journey on the path to recovery.