The Truth About Prescription Medication Addiction
Prescription medication addiction often begins when individuals receive a legitimate prescription, but gradually develop a dependence on the drug over time. While using a substance may feel normal at the time, the addict might find themselves needing larger doses of the drug to achieve the same physical and mental effects. Meanwhile, one develops cravings when not using.
Prescription medication abuse has become a nationwide crisis over the last decade, with approximately 16 million individuals using prescription drugs for non-medical reasons each year.
How Does Prescription Medication Addiction Begin?
Many individuals who receive prescriptions—after surgery, say—may wonder if they will get addicted to their prescription medication. This is often not the case, however. Various risk factors can contribute to the development of a substance abuse problem. These risk factors may include:
- Family history of drug addiction
- Exposure to drug use and abuse from a young age
- Easy access to prescription medication, such as in a family medicine cabinet
- Lack of education or knowledge about the addictive properties and potential harm of prescription medication
What Are the Symptoms of Prescription Medication Abuse?
Sometimes it can be difficult to determine whether a person is truly addicted to prescription medication. When it comes to prescription medication abuse, the following symptoms may occur:
- Taking a higher dose of medication than you’ve been prescribed
- Feeling that your emotions are uncontrollable
- Irregular sleep patterns, such as difficulty falling asleep or difficulty waking up
- Poor decision-making
- Stealing or forging prescriptions to get access to more drugs
- Regularly “losing” prescriptions, requiring additional prescriptions to be written
- Seeking prescriptions from multiple doctors
- Physical dependence
- Addiction
Physical Dependence vs. Addiction
Though they might sound similar, physical dependence and addiction to drugs are two very different things. Many prescription medications “trigger” the brain’s reward center. This makes them ripe for abuse.
Physical dependence is rooted in one’s physical response to long-term drug use. Signs of physical dependence can include needing a higher dosage of the drug to receive the same effects or “high.” And withdrawal symptoms will come on suddenly if an attempt is made to stop using.
Addiction, meanwhile, is characterized by a physical dependence as well as the mental compulsion to continue using the drug. This is particularly noticeable when drug abuse starts to negatively affect one’s finances, personal relationships, and standing in the community, and the addict continues with their behavior.
Treating prescription medication abuse and addiction can be daunting, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. At CAST Treatment Centers, we are here to help you through the healing process.
How We Treat Prescription Medication Abuse in Los Angeles
CAST Treatment Centers takes an integrated, individualized approach to the treatment of prescription drug addiction. This means our treatments all consider the unique needs of each client, ensuring that their treatment is best for them.
We offer both an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), as well as customized Outpatient (OP) care, depending on what works best for the client and their loved ones. As opposed to long-term residential programs, our outpatient programs allow clients to receive the treatment they need while attending to various work and family duties.
Prescription Medication Treatment at CAST Treatment Centers
Located in West Hollywood, CAST Treatment Centers strives to be an integral part of the local community. We serve individuals struggling with substance use disorder or mental health disorders. We understand that one’s struggles are often co-occurring, therefore the treatment approach must take into account all the unique factors of one’s health. After all, everyone’s personal experience is unique.
At CAST Treatment Centers, we focus on developing an individualized treatment plan that works for our clients’ circumstances. Our team is dedicated to helping guide our clients through the healing and empowerment process to treat prescription medication abuse in the Los Angeles area.
Find Treatment for Prescription Medication Abuse in Los Angeles, CA
When detoxing from prescription medications, it is imperative to approach the process with personal safety in mind. Solo withdrawal is never recommended, as it often leads to relapse and continued abuse. CAST Treatment Centers’ team of medical professionals can make all the difference during the recovery process. With the right people, you give yourself the best chance of a successful and long-lasting recovery from prescription medication abuse. Contact us today.
