Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment in San Antonio

Some common prescription medications have the potential for abuse, dependence, and addiction. Understanding the risk of prescription drug addiction and recognizing its signs are essential to getting treatment to overcome this condition.

This guide will explore how prescription drug addiction occurs, how to identify it, and what steps you can take to get life-saving treatment. Reach out to the Flourishing Foundations team now to learn about our comprehensive prescription drug addiction treatment programs in San Antonio, TX or to find other types of support on your recovery journey.

They were there for me in my time of need!

Uismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis 

– Jane Smith

We’re here to help.

Have questions about our drug and alcohol treatment center or programs? 

Understanding Prescription Drug Addiction

While many people believe that prescription drugs are always safe to use, some medications have the potential for misuse and addiction. Prescription drug abuse develops when a person takes a prescription medication differently than they should. Misusing a prescription drug may mean:

  • Taking a higher dose of a medication than prescribed
  • Using the medication differently than your doctor told you to, such as crushing and snorting pills
  • Taking a prescription drug longer than you’re supposed to
  • Taking the drug more often than prescribed

Repeated prescription drug misuse can cause changes in the brain that make it very difficult to stop using them. People who misuse prescription medications can develop prescription drug addiction, which is marked by a complete loss of control over their substance use. People with prescription drug addiction will continue to use drugs even if it harms their health, relationships, and other central aspects of their well-being.

Prescription drug addiction is relatively common in the United States. Research on substance abuse and addiction shows that more than 18 million people over the age of 12 admit to misusing a prescription drug in the previous year.

People with prescription drug addiction require comprehensive, compassionate treatment that allows them to identify the complex roots of their substance abuse and learn the skills to adopt a healthier, sober lifestyle.

Fentanyl Addiction Treatment in San Antonio, TX

Many commonly–prescribed drugs have a risk for misuse and addiction. Here are three of the most frequently abused prescription drugs.

Stimulants

Stimulants are a class of drugs that increase energy and alertness. This type of medication can increase blood pressure, raise blood sugar, and increase a person’s heart rate. People may take stimulants to manage symptoms of ADHD and other attention-deficit disorders, obesity, and asthma.

Commonly prescribed stimulant drugs include:

  • Amphetamine + Dextroamphetamine (Adderall)
  • Dextroamphetamine (ProCentra, Dexedrine, Dextrostat)
  • Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
  • Methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Mehylin, Ritalin)

People with attention-deficit disorders can use stimulants to manage their symptoms, but others may take these meds to enhance athletic performance or focus. 

Opioids

Opioid medications became more common in the 1990s when doctors began using them to help their patients manage pain. However, the United States is in the middle of an opioid crisis that shows no signs of slowing down. Prescription opioid drugs are many people’s first introduction to these addictive medications. Common prescription opioids include:
  • Codeine
  • Hydrocodone
  • Morphine
  • Oxycodone (OxyContin, Vicodin, Percocet)
Doctors typically only prescribe opioids for short-term use to limit the risk of addiction. People may experience euphoria when taking opioids, causing them to want to use higher or more frequent doses of these drugs–or taking them when they no longer need them to manage pain. Misusing opioids can lead to prescription drug addiction.

Central nervous system (CNS) depressants

Panic, anxiety disorders, and sleep issues are common in the United States. Millions of people use prescription medications that slow CNS activity to reduce symptoms of anxiety and panic.

Common CNS depressants include:

  • Benzodiazepines (Ativan, Valium, Xanax)
  • Barbiturates (Luminal, Amytal, Nembutal)

Short-term depressant use is not associated with significant complications or harm. However, habitually using depressants can lead to tolerance, meaning that you need to take more of the drug to get the desired effects–and this can lead to addiction.

Signs of Prescription Drug Addiction

Recognizing the signs of prescription drug abuse and addiction can be challenging, and symptoms depend on the drug someone is using.

Signs of CNS depressant abuse include:
  • Trouble with concentration, focus, and memory
  • Slowed reflexes
  • Poor coordination
  • Impaired judgment
  • Slow breathing
  • Mood swings
Signs of stimulant abuse may include:
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • High blood pressure
  • Paranoia
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
Signs of opioid abuse include:
  • Slow breathing
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Poor coordination
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Slurred speech
  • Dizziness
  • Mood swings

Without treatment, prescription drug misuse can develop into physical and psychological dependence or addiction. Seek treatment as soon as you recognize a problem.

Treatment for Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription drug addiction is a complex condition that involves a person’s physical health, emotional well-being, behaviors, and environment. Comprehensive treatment programs offer evidence-based therapies that allow people to identify and heal the roots of their substance abuse, including:

  • Medically-supported detox
  • Individual counseling
  • Family and group therapy
  • Relapse prevention education
  • Medications
  • Mental health treatment
  • Holistic therapies like yoga, exercise, nutrition support, and mindfulness

Recovery is possible. Treatment works. Don’t wait for your addiction to become more destructive before getting help. Seek treatment as soon as possible for the best chance of a full recovery and lifelong sobriety.

Prescription Drug Addiction Rehab in San Antonio

At Flourishing Foundations Recovery, we recognize the unique challenges that prescription drug addiction presents. Prescription drugs can be a powerful and insidious force, leading to physical and psychological dependence. Our compassionate and skilled prescription drug rehab team is here to offer the comprehensive care necessary to break free from prescription drug addiction and attain lasting recovery.

We provide a range of care options tailored to your needs, including a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and standard outpatient services. Our licensed addiction counselors and mental health specialists collaborate with you to develop a personalized aftercare plan before discharge. This ensures that you have the ongoing support needed to prevent relapse and enhance your treatment outcomes.

Prescription drug addiction often arises from underlying issues, such as trauma, mental health conditions, or emotional distress. Our approach goes beyond addressing the physical aspects of addiction; we prioritize healing the emotional wounds of the past. Through evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and trauma therapy, we help you unearth the root causes of your addiction and empower you to break free from its grasp.

If you’re seeking prescription drug rehab programs in San Antonio or have any questions about our services, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated team at Flourishing Foundations Recovery. We are committed to helping you take the first steps towards a healthier, drug-free life.

Have Questions?

Get Addiction Help Now

Our team of talented addiction specialists in San Antonio are dedicated to helping get the treatment you deserve. Call now or fill out the form below to learn how our drug and alcohol rehab center can help.