Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment: Types And Health Risks

Prescription drug addiction is more common than you think.  According to the findings of the National Instutute of Health (NIH) about 5.1% (or about 14.3 million) people of age 12 or old in the year 2021 was reported to misuse any prescription drug in the past 12 months. 

Such misuse of prescription medication can lead to addiction. To manage signs of Prescription Drug Addiction, there are several options for treatment. Thus, this blog overviews some effective Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment procedures and their side effects. 

What Is A Prescription Drug Addiction?

Prescription Drug Addiction is the use of prescription medicine in a way that was not intended by the prescriber. It is also called Prescription Drug Abuse or Misuse of medication (1). It is estimated by several experts that more than 18 million people between ages 12 and older have used prescribed drugs for more than a year (2).

Are Prescription Drugs Addictive?

Prescription drugs can commonly result in addiction when used for a long time. Some prescription medications are abused by overdosing or taking them with other compounds for their sedative effects. 

These drugs activate the brain’s reward center, leading to physical dependency. Dependency on substance abuse generally leads to addiction (1). Once you reach the addiction phase, it affects your health and risks your life. It is of utmost necessity to start Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment to get rid of pill addiction.

Signs and Symptoms of Prescription Drug Addiction

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of addiction is crucial for seeking medical help. If you or your loved ones are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned below, it is consult a doctor. 

1. If you find yourself constantly craving it. 

2. Using pain medications long after the pain is gone.

3. Faking symptoms to obtain more medication can be a red flag for addiction.

4. Mood and behavioral changes, such as hostility, anxiety, agitation, and volatility, can indicate addiction.

5. Using drugs that are prescribed for others.

6. Experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms, such as flu, insomnia, and muscle aches, can occur when doses are missed.

7. Financial problems stemming from purchasing more pills.

8. Developing a high tolerance to the drug and requiring a higher dose of the medication for the same effect.

9. Taking more than the recommended dose of the drug.

10. Poor decision-making skills.

11. Mixing drugs- Mixing drug types increases the risk of side effects and often leads to a greater chance of overdose. Such addictions can be managed with medical detoxification as the first step.

Which Prescription Drugs Are Commonly Addictive?

When a doctor prescribes a medication, it doesn’t mean it's safe and has no associated health risks. They can lead to dependency if not taken correctly or as per your doctor’s advice. 

Some of the common abuse prescription medications are listed below.  

1. Opioids: These are natural and synthetic substances mainly used to relieve pain. Some commonly used opioids that may result in dependency are Tapentadol, hydrocodone, morphine, and codeine. 

2. Depressants (sedatives):  A group of medications that may lead to dependence or overdose are sedative-hypnotics. These are generally used for anxiety, seizures, and sleep.

3. Dextromethorphan: This is one of the most commonly misused drugs. This drug is mainly used in cough syrups and tablets (4).

Drug Abuse is a matter of concern as the brain becomes dependent on the substance, increasing the dopamine level. Along with increasing cases of misuse of medications, substance abuse treatment should also be a priority at the same pace (5)

Risk Factors of Prescription Drug Abuse

Prescription Drug abuse can lead to dangerous and deadly health issues, especially if the drugs are combined with the following compounds. 

1 .Opioids can cause vomiting, breathing problems, a coma, or death.

2 .CNS depressants might slow your heartbeat or breathing rate.

3. Stimulants can lead to high body temperatures, an uneven heartbeat, aggression, paranoia, heart failure, or seizures.

Prescription pill misuse makes you more likely to become dependent or addicted to a drug (2)

Why Is Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Necessary?

 Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment is necessary because it affects the brain and leads to addiction. There are different types of treatment options. 

One is the medication-based option and the other is the Facility Treatment Option. The withdrawal symptoms are severe and need to be managed under Medical supervision. 

Medical detox is often the first step in treating prescription drug addiction, as it helps to safely manage withdrawal symptoms and prepare individuals for ongoing treatment

Medication-Based Addiction Treatment

It is always risky to treat drug addiction with additional medications. Some of the drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for Opioid misuse are listed below. 

Methadone - It is used for chronic pain and opioid use disorder. 

Buprenorphine - It Is used for acute pain, chronic pain, and opioid dependence.

Naltrexone - It is used to help narcotic dependents who have stopped taking narcotics. 

Naloxone - This reverses the overdoses blocking the effects of opioids. 

Use of Nootropics - Using Modalert 200mg is a very effective prescription drug addiction treatment method. The medical use of Nootropics is accepted and approved by the FDA and shows a very low tendency to cause addiction in users. 

The common challenge that a patient faces after coming home from a prescription drug abuse treatment center is-

• Relapse from lack of dedication 

• Urge to get back to their old habits 

• Fatigue 

• Mood swings 

All these symptoms are easily manageable with Modalert 200mg. The Nootropic helps in improving the focus and mood of the user. Modalert further reduces the chances of relapse. 

You can buy Modalert 200 online for addiction treatment after consulting a doctor.

Facility Treatment Options

The first step in Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment is usually visiting a mental health facility. The physician recommends the facility's treatment options for individuals with prolonged prescription misuse. There are three Facility Treatment Options:

1.  Long-Term Residential Treatment: These run for at least six months to two years. This treatment is more effective as it runs for an extended period.

2. Short-Term Residential Treatment: These run for 30–90 days. It is for individuals who are frequent users.

3. Outpatient Treatment: Outpatient Treatment Programs for Patients Who Recently Got Treatment for Drug Misuse.

Prevention Of Prescription Drug Addiction

“Prevention is always better than cure.”

Prevention is vital when it comes to administering any medication. There are many ways to avoid pill misuse, some of which are mentioned below. 

1.  Learning to deal with life’s problems.

2. Not giving in to peer pressure.

3. Forming a close family tie.

4. Developing healthy habits (7).

Natural Aids For Preventing Prescribed Drug Addiction Treatment

The first process of withdrawal from any addiction is Detoxification. Though there are many medication-assisted treatments, natural aids also help improve the condition. 

Some of the natural ways to get rid of Drug Addiction are: 

1.  Drinking plenty of water

2. Meditation

3. Limiting sugar intake.

4. Consuming a multivitamin supplement.

5. Exercising regularly.

6. Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (8)

Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment: The Key Takeaway

Prescription Drug Addiction is the prolonged use of medicines that were not intended by the prescriber. Consumption of a drug continuously affects our brain, forming a habit that leads to addiction. The matter is a rising problem as people become dependent on medications. However, certain treatment procedures, like Dual Diagnosis Treatment, Inpatient facility treatment, etc., are effective in getting rid of Drug Addiction. Natural Aids also play a significant role in Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment.