Prescription Drug Abuse Treatment

Experiencing Trauma and Its Impact

Experiencing trauma can occur in multiple forms, and its effects differ among individuals. A person may experience trauma directly by facing a distressing event themselves or indirectly by witnessing such an event involving another person.

Such events can make individuals feel helpless and can happen suddenly. Trauma can come from a single event, such as a home invasion, or it might stem from repeated situations, like childhood abuse, leading to deeper psychological impacts over time. Regardless of frequency, trauma can lead to PTSD, characterized by severe anxiety, flashbacks, and intrusive thoughts about the event disorder.

Many people dealing with trauma and PTSD often turn to addictive substances for relief. While these may provide temporary numbness or escape from distressing thoughts, healthier coping methods exist for memories.

We employ various strategies to assist individuals in understanding and managing their trauma while tackling substance abuse issues for holistic healing. By combining trauma-informed care with addiction treatment, we promote recovery and resilience in the individuals we support.

What Is Prescription Drug Addiction?

The Mayo Clinic defines prescription drug addiction as using medication contrary to the doctor’s instructions, such as taking larger doses or using it more frequently, which can lead to addiction.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that some types of prescription drugs are often misused, including:

• Opioids: usually prescribed for pain relief.
• CNS depressants like Xanax, Valium, and Ativan are commonly used for anxiety and sleep disorders.
• Stimulants: such as Adderall, Vyvanse or Ritalin, are typically prescribed for attention deficit disorder and narcolepsy.

Many believe drug overdoses mainly involve illegal drugs like heroin. However, prescription drugs cause more deaths than cocaine, heroin, and sleep aids.

What Makes Prescription Drugs Addictive?

Prescription painkillers offer relief for individuals with medical conditions. They effectively alleviate pain and improve quality of life when used as directed. However, misuse remains a concern. Despite physician efforts to educate and monitor patients, there’s still a risk of overuse, leading to dependence or addiction.

Even when patients follow their doctor’s instructions, their bodies can adapt to the medication, which may affect treatment outcomes. This happens as the body builds tolerance, requiring larger doses to achieve previous effects. Patients may seek more of the drug, creating a dangerous cycle.

Physiological changes in the brain and central nervous system exacerbate this issue, impairing impulse control and leading to poor decision-making. This leaves individuals vulnerable to increasing dosage or seeking medication illicitly. As addiction develops, regaining control over medication use becomes harder.

Signs and Symptoms of Prescription Drug Abuse

Signs and symptoms of prescription drug abuse can manifest in three primary domains: physical, psychological, and behavioral.

Physical Symptoms

Physical symptoms often include disrupted sleep patterns, variations in energy levels, nausea, headache, dizziness, reduced appetite, and constipation. Severe symptoms may include:

• Irregular heart rate.
• High blood pressure.
• Slurred speech.

Psychological Symptoms

Indicators of psychological issues can include:

• Agitation.
• Mood swings.
• Paranoia.

Behavioral Symptoms

Warning signs of abuse include:

• Requesting early refills.
• Visiting multiple doctors.

How Is Prescription Drug Addiction Treated?

Drug addiction is a complex disease involving physical dependence and significant social and psychological factors. Detoxification should occur under medical supervision to manage symptoms and ensure individuals’ safety.

Residential treatment centers provide effective environments for recovery. These centers offer monitored medication regimens and holistic support.

Withdrawal Symptoms From Prescription Drugs

The side effects of withdrawing from prescription medications can vary significantly. Typical symptoms include:

• Stomach cramps.
  Increased heart rate.

Holistic Approach to Addiction Recovery

Midwest Recovery Centers use a holistic treatment strategy, enhancing all dimensions of a person—mind, body, and spirit.

Support, Guidance, Recovery

Addiction to prescription drugs is significant, but recovery is possible. At Midwest Recovery Centers, we provide compassionate, holistic care tailored to individual needs. Contact us to begin your path to recovery.

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“We have worked with many clients that have been put in a difficult situation when their doctor prescribed them a medication that was habit-forming, and never developed a plan to taper them off of it or find an alternate, safer medication. Luckily, we built an entire medical detox residential program that fosters a caring, safe and medically expert atmosphere in which to reside during the detox process. Our clientele experience a broad range of medical expertise when it comes to being taken off medications and substances. We are Joint Commission accredited, and utilize an integrated and comprehensive approach when it comes to treating addiction. We prioritize the patient first and foremost, and want to ensure that their comfort is also made an emphasis. After detoxing, the clients will focus all their energy on clinical services and participating in groups that foster new coping tools, emotional regulation and building healthy relationships. Our team is waiting to speak to you and your loved one, don’t hesitate to call today!”

-Taylor Brown, CRADC

FAQs

What are the most commonly misused prescription drugs?

Commonly misused drugs include opioids for pain relief, CNS depressants like benzodiazepines for anxiety and sleep disorders, and stimulants for attention deficit and narcolepsy.

What are the signs of prescription drug addiction?

Signs include physical symptoms like irregular heart rate and slurred speech, psychological effects such as paranoia and agitation, and behavioral changes like requesting early refills or doctor shopping.

How can prescription drug addiction be treated?

Effective treatment includes supervised detox, therapy, 12-step programs, and long-term care in structured environments, addressing both physical and psychological aspects of addiction.

What is trauma-informed care in addiction treatment?

Trauma-informed care acknowledges the role of past trauma in addiction, combining therapy and support to address emotional wounds while promoting recovery.

How can Midwest Recovery Centers support recovery?

Midwest Recovery Centers offer a holistic, phased approach to recovery, including medical detox, counseling, group therapy, and community support to foster lasting wellness.