Understanding Prescription Drug Addiction

However, prescription medications are still drugs that affect the brain’s chemistry; as such there is the potential for abuse and addiction, even when medications are prescribed by a doctor. In this article, we will look at the three most commonly abused groups of prescription medications – stimulants, opioids, and depressants – as well as how to recognize the signs of abuse, and seek treatment. Depressants, also called sedatives or tranquilizers, are essentially the opposite of stimulants. They inhibit the function of the central nervous system, leading to feelings of relaxation, calmness, drowsiness, and pain relief.

Risk factors

Over time, the brain will stop producing its own endorphins, creating a dependence on opioids to create pleasure feelings. The brain also quickly develops a tolerance to opioids, so increasingly stronger doses are needed to create the same effect. Once the brain starts relying on the endorphin rush produced by opioids, an individual can experience physical and mental withdrawal symptoms if https://ecosoberhouse.com/ they stop taking opioids. At this point, an individual may continue taking opioids even though they no longer need them for pain relief, or will turn to illegal opiates like heroin to continue their addiction. Medications work in a variety of ways, and fall into several different categories, typically based on the system or disorder they treat. The three most commonly abused types of prescription drugs – stimulants, opioids, and depressants – all significantly impact the brain’s chemistry, specifically those areas of the brain controlling reward, pleasure, and satisfaction.

Medical consequences

Clear Recovery Center’s Virtual IOP provides clients with therapeutic support for burnout, depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue and stress. Learn more about our prescription drug addiction treatment programs in the Los Angeles, California area. Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) are integrated programs in which you apply the skills gained in residential treatment as you transfer back into your home environment.

Opioids

• Dependence, also called drug tolerance, refers to the body’s response to long-term drug use.
• Prescription drug abuse may become ongoing and compulsive, despite the negative consequences.
• During this time, the person will usually experience withdrawal, while the body and brain seek the chemicals to which they are now accustomed.
• If an individual undergoes inpatient treatment, they may move to a sober living house after completing rehabilitation, to help transition back to sobriety.
• They also trigger the release of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which are related to pleasure and rewards.
• The best option for treatment will depend on the patient’s specific needs, and should be decided in consultation with a doctor, counselor, and trusted family and friends.

Do not use these drugs unless under the supervision of a trained medical professional. Depressants affect the brain by stimulating gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits the excitability of neurons and produces a calming effect. As with opioids, individuals taking depressants can become dependent on the drugs to produce happy, calming feelings. They will also develop a tolerance, and require more of the drug to produce similar effects. Prescription stimulants are designed to increase energy and alertness, and are a common treatment for psychological or sleep disorders like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy.

Additionally, individuals who begin taking prescription medications without a doctor’s supervision may be more prone to abuse and addiction. To lower the risk of abuse and addiction, only take prescription medications as advised by a doctor or physician, in the appropriate dosage and only for the length of time prescribed. Depressants, stimulants, and opioids are commonly abused because they affect the brain’s chemistry. These changes to brain function may be beneficial – for example, benzodiazepines can produce feelings of calm and relaxation that help those suffering from anxiety function normally. However, when taken long-term, in higher doses than prescribed, or recreationally by individuals who do not have a treatable disorder, they can alter the brain so that it cannot function without the drugs.

• Prescription drug abuse in older adults is a growing problem, especially when they combine drugs with alcohol.
• Individuals may also need additional treatment for underlying psychological or physical issues that contributed to the addiction.
• An increasing problem, prescription drug abuse can affect all age groups, including teens.
• Depressants usually come in pill form, and are categorized as short-acting or long-acting.
• We are the leading experts in prescription drug addiction treatment in the Los Angeles, California area.

Adderall and Ritalin are the most popular stimulants to be used for Sober living house self-medication, as people often use them as study aids. When taken as prescribed, stimulants can assist someone with ADHD to focus on tasks; however, when abused, they can increase anxiety, worsen impulsivity, and increase emotional instability 1. Because some of these withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous, it’s best to undergo detoxification under the care of a trained medical professional. Many rehabilitation facilities have detoxification centers on-site where patients can safely undergo detox and withdrawal before beginning treatment.

These drugs are commonly prescribed to individuals suffering from anxiety or sleep disorders, although because they are habit-forming, they may not be a good option for treating long-term or chronic conditions. Depressants usually come in pill form, and are categorized as short-acting or long-acting. There are some factors that can increase the likelihood of developing a prescription drug addiction, such as personal history, the nature of the disorder or issue being treated, and co-occuring disorders.

• According to a Consumer Reports survey, 55 percent of Americans regularly take prescription medications; many are taking multiple prescription drugs at any given time.
• 5.9 million Americans abuse sedatives (4.8 million of those people abusing benzodiazepines).
• Stimulants, depressants, and opioids all affect an individual’s cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

Medical Professionals

When a doctor writes a prescription, they will usually indicate if it is acceptable for the patient to take the generic brand, if one exists. Although recovery can be challenging, individuals should remain confident and continue working towards a healthy, sober life. That being said, your environment also plays a major role in the likelihood of developing an addiction. A person’s upbringing can have a major impact on the development of addiction, especially if you grew up with substance use or alcohol use in the home. If your home life was stressful, and you watched a parent manage their stress with substances, there is a high likelihood that you will model that same addictive behavior as you grow up.