Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription drug abuse remains a growing concern in our society. Opiates such as Morphine, Codeine, Hydrocodone, Vicodin, Librium, and others grow in popularity for substance abuse. It doesn’t discriminate against race, education levels, age, or economic backgrounds. All ages are susceptible to becoming addicted to prescription medications.

Physicians prescribe opiates for post-surgical pain, following an injury, or other valid medical issues. While receiving pain meds is warranted, many people become addicted when pain relievers are overused or used for too long. Statistics show people addicted to these medications are also most likely to use illegal drugs.

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Symptoms of Prescription Drug Abuse

Individuals dependent on prescription drugs have a psychological need or craving for the medication with negative consequences. Addicts will typically lie about needing them even when their pain is gone. Their behavior changes with a decline in social interactions and recreational activities; they usually spend time and money obtaining and using drugs. These behaviors also change family dynamics with regards to strained relations; addicts may do what they believe is necessary to keep using the medicine.

Depending on what drug a person uses, their disposition to it, and how long they’ve been using it, an addiction can develop rapidly; this increases symptoms and is why a doctor and family/friends must recognize the signs one is beginning an addiction.

Some of these signs include:

Making excuses to get more of the drug
Anger when a physician limits doses
Irritability at family or friends
Behavior changes from anxiety to depression
Doctor shopping” to get a new prescription of the medication
Getting painkillers from other sources such as ordering online, stealing other people’s leftover drugs, buying other people’s prescriptions, or buying them off the street
Feeling angry if someone talks to them about their medication

If you notice these signs in yourself, a loved one, or friend, a medically-supervised detoxification program becomes necessary.

Prescription Drug Types & Medications

Many drugs have habit-forming substances in them, which have resulted in increased hospital visits and drug treatment cases in the last few decades. Synthetic opioids like Hydrocodone and Oxycodone form many pain-relieving drugs. Brand names of the most abused painkillers include Vicodin, Lortab, Percocet, and Oxycontin. Here are the prescription type, medication type, and associated brand names for these potentially addictive drugs.

Opioids

Fentanyl (Duragesic, Actiq)
Hydrocodone (Lorcet, Lortab, Vicodin)
Codeine (Robitussin, Tylenol 3, Soma, Colorex)
Morphine (Roxinol, Duramorph)
Oxycodone (Percocet, Oxycodone, Roxicet, Percodan)

Depressants

Sleep Aid (Ambian, Lunesta)
Barbiturates (Luminal, Nembutal)
Benzodiazepines (Ativan, Valium, Xanax, Limbitrol)

Stimulants

Amphetamine-based (Adderall)
Methylphenidate-based (Ritalin, Concerta)

Explanation of Drug Types

Opioids

A class of prescription drugs, opioids are better known as Percocet, Percodan, Codeine, Oxycontin, and Vicodin, and Morphine. These drugs block the brain’s pain perception, with a release of dopamine—which can quickly develop into an addiction. Using these drugs per their prescribed doses won’t cause harm, but in high doses, even with one high dose, it could result in respiratory failure or death. When used with alcohol or other substances, the danger increases.

Central Nervous System Depressants

Otherwise known as tranquilizers or sedatives, central nervous depressants slow down brain functioning and affect people by eliciting a feeling of calm or drowsiness. They are used to treat anxiety and panic attacks. Barbiturates and benzodiazepines, including Xanax, Librium, and Valium, fall into this category. Long-term use of these drugs can lead to dependency or addiction to them and other class medications. If someone stops the drug quickly, seizures could result.

Stimulants

These classes of drugs do exactly as states; they stimulate a person, making them more alert and full of energy. College students may use these types of drugs when cramming for exams and finals. Doctors often use them for ADHD, fatigue, tiredness, and depression. They give a person a feeling of euphoria and wanting more when they come down off them. When taken, stimulants raise heart rate and blood pressure. However, taking large amounts of these drugs can cause irregular heartbeats and heart failure in some cases. Withdrawal symptoms can include irregular sleep patterns, such as insomnia, fatigue, and depression.

Those who suffer from prescription pain medication addiction will likely need a professional rehab center to make a complete recovery.

Inside Ardu: Take A Tour

Located in the beautiful Northern Utah landscape, our facility provides the perfect backdrop for a Successful recovery. Ardu has a Medical Detox center, Women’s recovery center, Men’s recovery center and an Inpatient /Outpatient facility specializing in Neurocognitive recovery.

Prescription Drug FAQs

Can You Detox At Home?

While it is possible to detox at home, the dangers of adverse effects including seizures, nausea and vomiting, sweating, sleeplessness and even psychosis are possible. We recommend seeking treatment at a qualified facility.

Are There Any Side Effects of Detox?

Common withdrawal symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration that could require emergency services. When detoxing from alcohol, seizures, hallucinations and delirium tremens can quickly turn deadly without appropriate medical attention. Additionally, depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior can occur during the detox phase.

What Substances Require Medical Detox?

While some substances can be detoxed from without additional medical treatment, alcohol and benzo withdrawal can be life-threatening without the use of medication-assisted treatment. Additionally, the often mild symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea associated with opiate withdrawal can turn to severe dehydration, making medically assisted treatment a safer, more comfortable option.

Is Medical Detox Painful?

Detoxing from substances that your body has come to rely on can be emotionally and physically painful. The brain is initially unable to reproduce the endorphins needed to ease that pain as it’s become accustomed to drugs and alcohol artificially providing them. By choosing Ardu Recovery Center’s medical detox program, the unpleasant emotional and physical symptoms can be managed by highly qualified medical personnel, supplemented with medication when appropriate.

When Is Medical Detox Needed?

Medical detox is appropriate if you experience physical withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop drugs or alcohol, if drugs or alcohol are affecting your job, relationships or emotional state, or if you’ve been unsuccessful in your prior attempts at detox and recovery.

How Long Does Medical Detox Take?

Medical detox typically takes between 5-7 days but can vary depending on the substance and individual patient’s needs. Ardu Recovery Center takes into account each individual’s personal health history, emotional and physical state as well as time constraints to develop a plan best for the individual.

Why Choose Ardu Recovery Center?

Ardu Recovery Center is a residential addiction treatment and rehabilitation facility located in northern Utah. We offer a fully comprehensive approach to addiction treatment involving both proven medical treatments and holistic techniques. Our goal is to treat the root causes and symptoms of addiction while maintaining a strong focus on each resident’s mental health. At Ardu Recovery Center Utah, we specialize in a large variety of detox methods including both traditional medical approaches and innovative holistic treatments. Our residential complex uses a combination of recommended medical and spiritual wellness therapies to ensure an all-encompassing recovery of both mind and body. Ardu provides residents with a complete rehabilitation and treatment experience.

Prescription Drug Addiction

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