Many prescription drugs are highly addictive. Sadly, too often, people become addicted to these medications through no fault of their own. In some cases, an individual begins taking an opioid like oxycodone or codeine after having their wisdom teeth removed. Because these medications are so potent, it’s possible withdrawal symptoms and cravings can cause a person to continue to desire these drugs long after their intended prescription use ends. This can lead to a person seeking illegal drugs through dangerous and destructive means. The cycle of abuse causes harm to the individual with a substance abuse disorder and their friends and loved ones.
Are you or someone you care about trapped in the painful cycle of prescription drug abuse? If so, we encourage you to reach out to Fresh Start Recovery Center today at 833.625.0398 to speak with a trained representative. Fresh Start offers a prescription drug addiction treatment program that can get your life back on track.
Prescription Drugs Make Any Addiction Even More Dangerous
Prescription drug abuse can result in physical and psychological addiction. There are four primary medication classifications that people struggling with a substance use disorder tend to abuse.
Prescription Opioids and Opiates
Prescription opiates are medications that are either codeine-based or morphine-based, like hydrocodone and hydromorphone. These are among the most commonly abused drugs. Because opiates are so addictive, it is challenging for those with an opioid substance abuse disorder to quit on their own.
Sedatives
Sedatives or barbituates like sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and hypnotics are also addictive when misused. Phenobarbital and Ambien are examples.
Benzodiazepines
The class of drugs known as benzodiazepines or, colloquially, “benzos” all have the potential for addiction. Common benzos include Valium, Xanax, and Ativan. These medications can be dangerous if you try to escape their hold on you on your own.
Amphetamines
Amphetamine derivatives prescribed for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy can be abused by those who do not need them for legitimate medical and mental health reasons. Examples include:
- Adderall
- Ritalin
- Concerta
In addition, there is a version of Sudafed that contains pseudoephedrine. Retailers can no longer sell it over-the-counter at pharmacies for multiple reasons. One is that pseudoephedrine can be highly addictive and is a form of amphetamine. Further, it is well-known that drug manufacturers can use it to make street meth.
How Fresh Start Can Help Kick The Habit
In recent decades, there have been efforts to make some easily abused substances less accessible by either keeping them in the pharmacy behind the counter, requiring a prescription and keeping a record of the number of purchases an individual makes of certain medications.
However, if you are already struggling with addiction, Fresh Start’s prescription drug addiction treatment program offers various services. For those with a moderate to severe prescription drug addiction, detox is a necessary step in moving forward on the path to sobriety. Fresh Start offers medication-assisted detox in certain instances.
Before beginning your treatment with Fresh Start, clients go through an initial assessment with a team of medical professionals. This step allows them to determine an appropriate treatment plan based on their personal history and life circumstances.
Behavioral treatments are often helpful for clients who need to unlearn negative thoughts and triggers that put them at high risk for relapse. Throughout your time at Fresh Start, patients learn healthy practices and skills that they can carry with them into sober living.
Contact Fresh Start Today to Get Recovery Underway
We encourage you to contact Fresh Start at 833.625.0398 to speak with a trained professional. We can assist you with any questions you may have about Fresh Start’s personalized treatment plans for prescription drug abuse. Remember, recovery is always possible. We look forward to helping you get back to living your best life.
