Addiction to prescription drugs does not make you a “bad” person. In fact, it doesn’t matter how young or old you are, how rich or poor, your background, race or gender…prescription drug use disorder can affect anyone.
The Foundation for a Drug-Free World lists depressants, opioids and antidepressants as responsible for more overdose deaths (45%) than cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and amphetamines (39%) combined.
Most people, at some point in their lives, have used prescription drugs to relieve the pain following an accident or surgery. When these drugs are used beyond the prescribed and intended dosage, and the body becomes dependent on them, addiction has kicked in. Prescription drugs are accessible as prescription painkillers (opioids), sedatives, anti-anxiety medications and stimulants. They are one of our biggest public health problems, and it takes more than willpower and desire to stop the cravings and make a real change.
At Pavillon, we know, because many of us have experienced this type of addiction. We are here to listen, support and guide you or your loved one into recovery.
Know the Signs of Prescription Drug Use Disorder
How the signs or symptoms of prescription drug use disorder are displayed depends on the drug. Some of the most widely abused prescription drugs and their signs of misuse are:
- Opioids (Percocet, Oxycontin, Norco) – Symptoms manifest in compromised coordination, confusion, slowed breathing rate, higher dosages needed for pain relief and increased sensitivity to pain even with higher dosages.
- Sleep medicines and anti-anxiety medications (Xanax and Valium for anxiety, Ambien for sleep disorders) – Signs of misuse include slurred speech, dizziness, memory problems, confusion and sleepiness.
- Stimulants (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall XR, Mydayis and Dexedrine, all prescribed for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and some sleep disorders) – Symptoms include paranoia, increased alertness, high blood pressure, agitation, insomnia and decreased appetite.
- Other, overall signs of misuse – Seek help for someone you love if they are taking higher-than-prescribed doses of medication, requesting prescriptions from multiple doctors, having severe mood swings, displaying hostile behavior or manipulating prescriptions.
Break the Grip of Addiction to Prescription Drugs
If you, a friend or a family member is using prescription drugs to get high, feel more relaxed, decrease your appetite/lose weight or to improve your focus at work, know that licensed professional help is here. Not only are the teams at Pavillon highly trained and accredited to get you through the pain of addiction and onto a path to recovery, many of us have been down that same road. From detox to counseling and daily work, we know what it’s like to pursue the lifelong quest of maintaining sobriety and healthy living.
Based on the 12-Step Program, residential treatment at Pavillon is 6 weeks. It consists of individual therapy, group therapy, treatment of any co-occurring disorders, family counseling if appropriate, health and wellness counseling and more. Treatment is provided and supported by a comprehensive team that includes:
- Physician/addictionologist
- Addiction psychiatrist
- Clinical psychologists
- Registered nurses
- Licensed substance use disorder counselors
- Health and wellness counselor
- Continuing care case managers
- Spiritual care coordinator