The most commonly abused prescription medications fall into three categories: depressants, opioids, and stimulants. Whether it’s a barbiturate prescribed for sleep or anxiety, an opioid used in pain management, or amphetamines to treat ADHD – numerous prescription psychoactive medications can be abused and are potentially addictive. The epidemic of prescription drug use disorders means that people need access to quality prescription medication treatment programs.
If you or someone you know is abusing prescription medication, be aware of numerous risks associated with this kind of addiction. Call Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge (PAATC) to learn more about prescription medication treatment. Our staff can answer questions and clear up any misconceptions you may have. Our phone number is 844.442.8673, or you can easily use our online form.
Three Warning Signs of Prescription Drug Addiction
Any non-medical use of a prescription drug is abuse. Whether you take more than prescribed or take a medication prescribed for someone else, prescription medication abuse can quickly lead to addiction.
Below are three signs that you are already addicted to prescribed medications.
1. Drug-Seeking Behaviors
There are numerous ways people in the grip of addiction to prescription medication will attempt to access their drug. For example:
- Doctor shopping – Visiting numerous doctors to acquire the same prescription for the same alleged symptoms
- Asking a friend to borrow a few pills
- Stealing prescription pill bottles from the purses or medicine cabinets of family and friends
- Forging or stealing prescriptions
2. Secretive Behavior
Even if you don’t acknowledge or even believe that you have a problem, look for the following symptoms:
- Lying to others about how much of the medication you use
- Hiding the pills in different locations around your house and even in your car in case of an emergency
- Sneaking money from a joint account or cookie jar to help cover the cost of your pills
3. Symptoms of Withdrawal
If you temporarily do not have access to your prescription medication, you are addicted if you show signs that signify the beginning of withdrawal, such as:
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Excessive sweating and chills
- Bone and muscle aches
Prescription Medication Treatment
Treatment will begin with prescription drug detox, which ensures the safest withdrawal. Under medical supervision, you will receive medications to ease the worst of your symptoms. You will also have access to caring staff available 24/7. After your inpatient detox, you are ready to step down into your addiction rehab program.
Whether you enroll in a residential or outpatient program for your addiction to prescription pills, you will have access to a range of treatments. The most reputable rehab programs offer evidence-based therapies and keep trained, experienced professionals properly licensed on their staff.
A few of the therapies or modalities you may have at your disposal include:
- Individual therapy, during which you will discuss the roots and consequences of your addiction. You will also learn to process complex emotions related to your substance use, and learn coping skills, how to avoid relapse, and strategies for dealing with the damage your addiction may have left in your wake.
- Group therapy incorporates proven therapeutic practices under the guidance of a licensed counselor with the support and accountability of a peer group. You have access to the experiences and knowledge of others to amplify the results of this type of therapy.
- Family therapy is a highly effective way to heal from within and focus outward on those you love but have potentially hurt with your addiction. They will become educated about what your addiction means and how it happened, increasing their empathy for your struggles. At the same time, you can acknowledge your substance abuse’s damage to relationships and trust. Mutual support, communication, and accountability, all under the supervision of a trained therapist, will heal rifts and maximize your health outcomes.
Discover Recovery at Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge
We can help you begin this journey of recovery. In addition to offering evidence-based therapy, we follow best practices. We also have a faith-based approach that is available and can be highly effective for people with deeply held spiritual convictions.
Don’t wait to see how PAATC can help you kick prescription pills to the curb and live a life free of drug dependence. Call 844.442.8673 today, or use our online form to speak to a staff member.
