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Recognizing Prescription Drug Abuse

Therapist and patient discuss signs of prescription drug abuse

If you or a loved one is using a type of medication that has addictive properties, you should be familiar with the signs of prescription drug abuse. It’s not always easy to recognize when someone is abusing their medications, as most of the signs can be hard to spot unless you know what to look for. Knowing these signs can stop the abuse from worsening or leading to experimenting with harder drugs, like fentanyl, heroin, or methamphetamines.

Roaring Brook is a full-service outpatient addiction treatment facility that works with individuals who are struggling with an addiction to their prescription medications. We base each of our programs on the individual’s severity of symptoms, length of abuse, and other factors that contribute to their addiction. Each program includes a mix of therapies and medical support to ease withdrawal symptoms.

To talk more about our prescription drug abuse treatment program, call us at 855.590.9944 today to schedule a consultation and tour.

Recognizing the Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse

Opioids are natural pain relievers that are found in many of the top pain medications, like fentanyl, OxyContin, Percocet, Vicodin, and many others. They are very effective in treating mild to severe pain and are the preferred medication for chronic pain sufferers.

While opioids are an effective pain medication, they come with a high rate of abuse and addiction. In the U.S., 45.5% of people with opioid prescriptions misuse or abuse it.1 Those who take opioids for pain relief can take the prescribed amount safely with minimal risks of developing an addiction if they stick to the dosage and abstain from using other drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, that’s what most people do to heighten the pleasurable effects of opioids.

If you feel a loved one is abusing their opioid medication, look for these symptoms of prescription drug abuse:

  • Slowed or depressed breathing
  • Confusion
  • Pinpoint pupils
  • Extreme drowsiness
  • Flushed skin
  • Nausea and vomiting

Other clear signs of prescription drug abuse include running out of their prescription before the refill date or having the same prescription from multiple doctors. If you see this happening and don’t talk to them about it, there is a huge risk of their addiction worsening and causing serious medical and psychological conditions.

Roaring Brook supports adults who have developed an addiction to opioid pain medication and need help stopping the abuse before it escalates. Our outpatient programs combine proven therapeutic techniques with medical support to create a well-rounded recovery experience that promotes a healthy lifestyle and sober living.

Enrolling in Prescription Drug Rehab

Do you suspect a loved one is abusing their prescription medication? If so, the best thing to do is talk to them about prescription drug addiction treatment. These programs use a number of beneficial therapies and treatments that support a safe recovery process with fewer risks of relapse.

If this is your first time enrolling in a prescription drug rehab program, here are some of the therapies and treatments you can expect:

Behavioral Therapies

One of the best therapies for treating addiction is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). It focuses on the thoughts and feelings that trigger addictive behaviors and helps participants find better ways of processing those feelings. It teaches them personalized coping skills that allow them to better manage their symptoms and triggers. Other types of behavioral therapies that can benefit addiction recovery include:

  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
  • Motivational interviewing (MI)
  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)

Holistic Therapies

Maintaining long-lasting sobriety requires making several life changes, from building healthier relationships to learning new life skills, like journaling and healthy eating. Holistic therapies can teach participants a wide range of life skills that can improve their overall mental health and make lifelong sobriety an attainable goal. Some of the common types of holistic therapies you can find in treatment programs include:

  • Meditation
  • Yoga
  • Nutrition education
  • Animal-assisted therapy
  • Nature walks/group discussions
  • Creative self-expression
  • Journaling

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Stopping opioid abuse can be a painful and dangerous situation if done alone. Treatment programs use specific medications that can ease withdrawals, cravings, and any other symptoms that are getting in the way of recovery. Medical staff will administer medications throughout the program and monitor them for any unintended side effects.

Roaring Brook Recovery: Enroll in Our Prescription Drug Abuse Treatment Program in Lexington Today

Roaring Brook Recovery is for Kentucky adults who have developed an addiction to their prescription medication and are ready to accept help in stopping the abuse. When you first arrive, we will run a full physical and mental health assessment to determine the best course of action for treating your symptoms. Each program is tailored to the individual and includes group and private therapy sessions in person or through telehealth services.

Would you like more information about our prescription drug addiction treatment? If so, fill out our online contact form or call 855.590.9944 today to speak with our knowledgeable team.

Source:

1. National Library of Medicine