Prescription drugs are responsible for addiction in more than 18 million people in the United States. Many who are prescribed addictive substances by a doctor and fall prey to misusing it without understanding the dire, lasting consequences. There are a myriad of prescription medications abused everyday in the US. Addiction knows no boundaries and impacts every social demographic across the nation. Many have difficulty admitting they have a problem, fail to see that they have a problem, or know they have a problem and are reluctant to get help.
Among the most abused prescription medicines include Percocet, Oxycontin and Norco. Depressants frequently abused include Ambien, Valium and Xanax. Commonly abused stimulants include Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall XR, Dexedrine and Mydayis. Prescription medications are more widely abused than cocaine, methamphetamine, and cocaine cumulatively. Untreated drug addiction causes permanent physical and psychological damage the longer it remains unaddressed. Many prescription medications, including opiates, benzodiazepines, and stimulant drugs are responsible for soaring overdose rates.
Overdose is a preventable tragedy that is potentially fatal. Those who overdose typically have an increased tolerance to their substance of choice, and simply take far more than their body is able to handle; others consume substances that are laced with additional drugs, without their knowledge; and those who have attempted to abstain from prescription medicines often relapse and overdose.
Watch out for the following signs you or a loved one may have a substance use problem:
Opioids are responsible for impaired breathing, declining blood pressure, and impairment of the immune system. Many stimulant drugs cause lasting damage to major organs, including the heart. In some instances stimulant drugs can raise the body temperature to dangerously high levels, inciting a medical emergency. Anti-anxiety medications may cause decreased memory, waning blood pressure, and slow breathing.
Abuse of prescription medications also have adverse effects on one’s mental health. The following physiological effects of commonly abused drugs are treatable in rehabilitation. However, the longer one remains in active addiction, the worse these symptoms become.
Opioids
Anti-anxiety medications
Stimulants
Choosing a rehab facility can be one of the most intimidating decisions of your life. We understand admitting you need help is incredibly difficult, let alone making the phone call. Here at Harbor Village we believe in compassionate treatment. Our programs are individualized for each client, taking into consideration their personal circumstances including overall health, duration and severity of addiction, co-occurring mental health disorders, and traumas.
Both of our residential and outpatient treatment options are evidence-based and scientifically proven to promote lasting recovery. Our psychotherapies include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, and seeking safety.
We offer the full spectrum of rehabilitation including medical detox, residential rehabilitation, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient programs, and outpatient treatment. We’re with you every step of the way. Clients can expect to participate in one-on-one psychotherapy, group therapy, recreational therapy, and aftercare planning.
We approach addiction treatment holistically. During care you’ll learn to identify triggers, understand the underlying causes of addiction, address latent traumas, get help for co-occurring mental health disorders, identify addictive patterns, and create lasting change for long term sobriety.