Personalized support throughout your journey
Medically supervised treatment programs
Proven therapeutic approaches
24/7 professional care team
Prescription medications can be incredibly beneficial for treating a wide range of physical and mental health conditions. However, some prescription drugs are more susceptible to misuse, leading to serious consequences. Prescription drug misuse occurs when an individual takes medication differently than prescribed—whether by increasing the dosage, taking someone else's medication, or using the prescription to achieve a high.
In 2020, over 16 million Americans aged 12 and older misused prescription medications, highlighting the widespread nature of this issue. Misusing prescription drugs can have potentially dangerous effects, including addiction, health problems, and even overdose. Our Louisiana prescription drug treatment center is here to help those struggling with prescription drug misuse find their way to recovery.
Prescription drugs are medications prescribed to treat various physical or mental health conditions. When used as directed, these medications can significantly improve an individual's quality of life. However, misuse of prescription drugs can lead to harmful effects, such as addiction, medical complications, mental health issues, and the risk of overdose.
Prescription drug misuse is a significant concern across the United States. Some critical statistics include:
Prescription drugs most often misused include opioids, CNS depressants, and stimulants.
Opioids are prescribed to treat severe and chronic pain. These drugs bind to specific receptors in the brain, disrupting pain signals between the body and the brain while also increasing dopamine activity. This leads to a dulling of pain and a feeling of euphoria, making opioids highly addictive.
Commonly Misused Opioids:
Side effects of opioid misuse include constipation, sleepiness, nausea, slowed breathing, and, in severe cases, overdose.
CNS depressants include sedative-hypnotic drugs, such as barbiturates and benzodiazepines, and "Z-drugs" used to treat insomnia. These drugs work by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that reduces brain activity, leading to relaxation and sleep.
Commonly Misused CNS Depressants:
Side effects of CNS depressant misuse may include confusion, dizziness, memory issues, and slurred speech.
Stimulants are prescribed to treat conditions like ADHD, narcolepsy, and obesity. These drugs increase the activity of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, which play key roles in attention, motivation, and the body's "fight-or-flight" response.
Commonly Misused Stimulants:
Side effects of stimulant misuse can include hyperactivity, increased heart rate, insomnia, and weight loss.
Identifying prescription drug abuse can be challenging, as it often disguises itself under the guise of legitimate medical use. However, certain behaviors may indicate a substance use disorder (SUD), which is the clinical term for addiction. If you or someone you know displays any of the following signs, it may be time to seek help:
Prescription drug abuse can lead to physical dependence and addiction, even when the medication is taken as prescribed. Risk factors include:
To minimize these risks, always follow your doctor’s instructions and discuss any potential interactions with your healthcare provider.
If you or a loved one is struggling with prescription drug abuse, it's crucial to seek help before the situation worsens. Our Louisiana prescription drug treatment center offers comprehensive care to help individuals overcome addiction and reclaim their lives. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and start your journey toward recovery.
Americans misused prescription drugs in 2020
Benzodiazepine prescriptions in 2019
Personalized treatment plans
Our compassionate team is ready to help you begin your journey to recovery. Contact us now for a confidential consultation.
Take the first step towards lasting recovery. Our compassionate team is here to guide you through every stage of your healing journey.