Prescription addiction develops when a person develops a compulsive need to use a drug beyond what their doctor has prescribed. Many people also build dependence, which means they cannot stop using because of intense pain and cravings. At San Antonio Recovery Center, we offer a comprehensive treatment program to help you.
Do you need to know more about prescription drug addiction rehab? Call us today at 866.957.7885 for more information.
What Types of Drugs Can Cause Prescription Addiction?
Pill addiction typically involves prescription medications. Sometimes these medications are misused or overused, leading to a higher dose than prescribed. Not all drugs carry this risk. Some of the most common prescriptions with an addictive risk include:
- Opioids: Doctors prescribe these drugs to treat pain. This classification includes products like oxycodone and hydrocodone.
- Anti-anxiety medications: Some drugs used to control anxiety, such as alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium), can cause addiction.
- Hypnotics: Drugs used as a sedative can also lead to addiction. This class includes drugs such as zolpidem (Ambien). Doctors sometimes use these to treat sleep disorders.
- Stimulants: Drugs like methylphenidate (Ritalin or Concert) and drugs such as amphetamine (Adderall XR) are other high-risk prescriptions. These drugs treat conditions such as ADHD and some sleep disorders.
- Over-the-counter drugs: There are some drugs sold without prescription that may cause addiction if someone misuses them. That includes dextromethorphan (DXM) cough medications. Motion sickness pills may also cause addiction in some people.
If you are unsure if the medication you are taking carries an addiction risk, turn to our team or your doctor for more information. Please use your medications as prescribed, as doing so can reduce the risk of addiction occurring.
How to Know If You Have a Prescription Addiction
There are some situations where a prescription addiction can occur even when a person is using the drug as their doctor directed. That is less common than misusing these drugs. In either situation, some signs that a pill addition is occurring include:
- Running out of the medication before you should
- Using someone else’s prescription
- Needing to use more to get the same results
- Feeling pain and discomfort when not using the drug (withdrawal and cravings)
- Not getting relief from the medication any longer
Prescription addictions can be hard to accept for some people. You may need those medications for the reason your doctor prescribed them. Yet, when you notice yourself thinking about using them or feeling like you need to use them more often, that can indicate an addiction is forming.
What Can You Do for Prescription Addiction?
Prescription drug addiction treatment is a process of psychological, physical, and behavioral care that helps people recover from prescription medication dependence. It includes medical detoxification and therapy to address the underlying causes of addiction and to develop strategies for preventing relapse.
Treatment may involve individual, group, or family counseling, 12-step meetings, peer support groups, and other activities designed to help people learn how to manage their addiction and live a healthier, more productive life. Treatment is often tailored to the individual’s needs and may include medication-assisted treatments such as buprenorphine or methadone. Recovery from prescription drug addiction takes time and commitment, but it is possible with the right treatment plan and support system.
The goal of prescription drug addiction treatment is to help people achieve long-term sobriety, learn healthy coping skills and develop a support system that encourages ongoing recovery. Treatment focuses on helping individuals recognize triggers and warning signs associated with relapse and address any underlying mental health issues that may be contributing to the addiction. Treatment is tailored to the individual and can include a combination of medications, counseling, lifestyle changes, and support groups.
Available Treatment Programs
Depending on the severity of your addiction, you may benefit from treatment programs such as:
- Drug detox services
- Men’s drug rehab
- Women’s drug rehab
- Residential treatment programs
- Intensive outpatient program
The first step in treatment is to break dependence, which brings on the withdrawal symptoms you have. Once that occurs, therapy can help a person regain control over negative thoughts and emotions. This type of treatment can include working one-on-one with a therapist as well as working in groups.
Many people find that they need this type of addiction help to give them a new chance at a healthy future. Yet, you may be unsure you can live a comfortable life without the medications you’re using. To find out what type of treatment can help you, reach out to us.
Call San Antonio Recovery Center
Prescription addiction changes lives. Even if you’re unsure if you have an addiction, our team can help you to determine how to stop using harmful and dangerous medications safely. To learn more about pill addiction and our treatment options, call our team at San Antonio Recovery Center at 866.957.7885 or reach out to us now online.
