Prescription Drug Abuse

What are Prescription Drugs?

Prescription drugs are medications that healthcare professionals prescribe to treat various physical or mental health conditions. When taken as directed, these drugs can help individuals manage their health issues effectively. However, misusing prescription drugs can lead to harmful effects, including addiction, medical or mental health problems, and overdose. Substance abuse treatment providers offer various programs, such as intensive outpatient programs and outpatient services, to help individuals overcome prescription drug addiction and improve their overall well-being.

Prevalence of Prescription Drug Misuse

Statistics indicate that prescription drug misuse is a significant concern in the United States. In 2020, approximately 9.3 million people misused prescription opioid painkillers, 6.2 million misused central nervous system (CNS) depressants (often prescribed for anxiety or sleep disorders), and 5.1 million misused prescription stimulants (commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)). Research suggests that individuals aged 18 to 25 are more likely to misuse prescription drugs. Drug rehab centers offer specialized programs, such as intensive outpatient programs and outpatient treatment, to address the unique needs of individuals struggling with prescription drug addiction.

Opioid Painkillers

Doctors prescribe opioids, also known as painkillers, to treat severe or chronic pain. Opioids bind to specific receptors in the brain and disrupt the pain signals transmitted between the body and the brain, reducing the perception of painful stimuli. They also increase dopamine activity, a brain-signaling molecule involved in reward and reinforcing behaviors. Side effects of prescription opioids may include constipation, difficulty concentrating or remembering, slowed movements, nausea, itching, drowsiness, slowed breathing, slurred speech, and constricted pupils. Addiction treatment providers offer various programs, such as intensive outpatient programs and outpatient services, to help individuals overcome opioid addiction and improve their quality of life.

Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants

CNS depressants include sedative-hypnotic drugs like barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and “Z-drugs” used to treat insomnia. Healthcare professionals prescribe these drugs to manage anxiety, sleep disorders, seizures, and muscle spasms. Most depressant drugs work by interacting with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors or enhancing GABA transmission, which is a neurotransmitter that increases inhibition and decreases excitation in the brain and body. This can reduce anxiety and promote sleep and sedation. Side effects of CNS depressants may include difficulty concentrating, confusion, headaches, dizziness, uncontrolled eye movements, memory issues, and slurred speech. Drug rehab centers offer specialized programs, such as intensive outpatient programs and outpatient treatment, to help individuals overcome CNS depressant addiction and improve their mental health.

Stimulants

Physicians prescribe stimulants to treat ADHD, narcolepsy, and obesity. Stimulants influence the activity of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine. Norepinephrine is involved in the body’s “fight-or-flight” response and regulates physiological processes like heart rate and breathing. Dopamine is associated with reward, motivation, and reinforcing behaviors. Side effects of prescription stimulants may include bloodshot eyes, chills or sweating, increased blood pressure, body temperature, and heart rate, dilated pupils, hyperactivity, loss of appetite, increased movement, nausea or vomiting, decreased sleep, slowed breathing, uncontrolled muscle movements, and weight loss. Addiction treatment centers offer various programs, such as intensive outpatient programs and outpatient services, to help individuals overcome stimulant addiction and improve their overall well-being.

Risk Factors of Prescription Drug Abuse

Prescription medications, when taken as directed by a healthcare professional, can provide relief for various physical and mental health conditions. However, misusing these drugs can lead to harmful consequences, including addiction, medical or mental health issues, and overdose. Prescription drug misuse is a significant concern in the United States, with millions of individuals engaging in this behavior. Drug rehab centers offer specialized programs, such as intensive outpatient programs and outpatient treatment, to help individuals overcome prescription drug addiction and improve their quality of life.

Opioid painkillers, central nervous system (CNS) depressants, and stimulants are among the most commonly misused prescription drugs. Opioids, prescribed for pain management, bind to specific brain receptors, disrupting pain signals and increasing dopamine activity, which reinforces behaviors. CNS depressants, used for conditions like anxiety and sleep disorders, interact with GABA receptors, promoting inhibition and reducing excitation in the brain and body. Stimulants, prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy, influence neurotransmitter systems like norepinephrine and dopamine, affecting reward, motivation, and reinforcement. Addiction treatment providers offer various programs, such as intensive outpatient programs and outpatient services, to address the unique needs of individuals struggling with prescription drug addiction.

Potential Side Effects

Misusing prescription drugs can lead to various side effects, including constipation, difficulty concentrating, slowed movements, nausea, itching, sleepiness, slowed breathing, slurred speech, and tiny pupils for opioids. CNS depressants may cause inability to concentrate, confusion, headaches, dizziness, uncontrollable eye movements, and memory issues. Stimulant misuse can result in bloodshot eyes, sweating, increased blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature, dilated pupils, hyperactivity, loss of appetite, nausea, insomnia, uncontrollable muscle movements, and weight loss. Drug rehab centers offer specialized programs, such as intensive outpatient programs and outpatient treatment, to help individuals manage the side effects of prescription drug misuse and improve their overall well-being.

Substance Use Disorder Criteria

Problematic prescription drug misuse can lead to a substance use disorder (SUD), which is characterized by at least two of the following criteria: taking larger doses or for longer than intended, inability to cut down or stop use, spending significant time obtaining or recovering from the substance, cravings, inability to fulfill obligations, continued use despite relationship problems, abandoning important activities, using in dangerous situations, continued use despite physical or mental health decline, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. Addiction treatment providers offer various programs, such as intensive outpatient programs and outpatient services, to help individuals overcome prescription drug addiction and improve their quality of life.

Risk Factors

Several factors may increase an individual’s risk of becoming addicted to prescription drugs, such as gender (women tend to be more susceptible), high doses, certain physical and mental health conditions, chronic pain, experiencing euphoric effects, history of substance misuse, age (older and younger adults are at higher risk), and prolonged duration of use. Understanding these risk factors can aid in prevention and early intervention efforts. Drug rehab centers offer specialized programs, such as intensive outpatient programs and outpatient treatment, to address the unique needs of individuals at high risk for prescription drug addiction.

Behavioral Symptoms of Prescription Drug Abuse

Prescription medications are intended to treat medical conditions when taken as directed by a healthcare provider. However, misusing these drugs can lead to harmful effects, including addiction, health problems, or overdose. Prescription drug misuse is a significant issue in the United States, with millions of people engaging in this behavior annually. Substance abuse treatment providers offer various programs, such as intensive outpatient programs and outpatient services, to help individuals overcome prescription drug addiction and improve their overall well-being.

Opioid Painkillers

Doctors prescribe opioids to manage severe or chronic pain. These drugs bind to receptors in the brain, disrupting pain signals and increasing dopamine activity, which is linked to reward and reinforcement. Side effects of opioid misuse may include constipation, difficulty concentrating, slowed movements, nausea, itching, drowsiness, slowed breathing, slurred speech, and constricted pupils. Drug rehab centers offer specialized programs, such as intensive outpatient programs and outpatient treatment, to help individuals overcome opioid addiction and improve their quality of life.

Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants

CNS depressants, such as barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and sleep medications, are prescribed to treat anxiety, sleep disorders, seizures, and muscle spasms. These drugs interact with GABA receptors, enhancing inhibition and decreasing excitation in the brain and body, which can reduce anxiety and promote sleep. Initial side effects may include sleepiness and incoordination, while misuse can lead to difficulty concentrating, confusion, headaches, dizziness, uncontrolled eye movements, memory issues, and slurred speech. Addiction treatment providers offer various programs, such as intensive outpatient programs and outpatient services, to help individuals overcome CNS depressant addiction and improve their mental health.

Stimulants

Stimulants are prescribed to treat ADHD, narcolepsy, and obesity. They influence neurotransmitter systems like norepinephrine and dopamine, which are involved in physiological processes, reward, motivation, and reinforcement. Side effects of stimulant misuse may include bloodshot eyes, chills or sweating, increased blood pressure, body temperature, and heart rate, dilated pupils, hyperactivity, loss of appetite, increased movement, nausea or vomiting, decreased sleep, slowed breathing, uncontrolled muscle movements, and weight loss. Drug rehab centers offer specialized programs, such as intensive outpatient programs and outpatient treatment, to help individuals overcome stimulant addiction and improve their overall well-being.

Identifying prescription drug misuse can be challenging, as some side effects may be present even with proper use. However, a person who displays at least two of the following criteria may be diagnosed with a substance use disorder: taking larger doses or for longer than intended, inability to cut down or stop use, spending significant time obtaining or recovering from the substance, cravings, inability to fulfill obligations, continued use despite relationship problems, abandoning important activities, using in dangerous situations, continued use despite physical or mental health issues, developing tolerance, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Substance abuse treatment providers offer various programs, such as intensive outpatient programs and outpatient services, to help individuals overcome prescription drug addiction and improve their quality of life.

Find Drug & Alcohol Rehab Treatment Near You

Prescription drugs are medications prescribed by healthcare professionals to treat physical or mental health conditions. When taken as directed, these drugs can help individuals manage their conditions. However, misusing prescription drugs can lead to various harmful effects, including addiction, medical or mental health issues, or overdose. Drug rehab centers offer specialized programs, such as intensive outpatient programs and outpatient treatment, to help individuals overcome prescription drug addiction and improve their overall well-being.

Prescription Drug Misuse Statistics

Statistics indicate that prescription drug misuse is a significant concern in the United States. Some key facts include: – In 2020, approximately 9.3 million people misused prescription opioid painkillers, 6.2 million misused central nervous system (CNS) depressants (often prescribed for anxiety or sleep disorders), and 5.1 million misused prescription stimulants (commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). – Individuals aged 18 to 25 tend to be more likely to misuse prescription drugs. – In 2020, there were nearly 16,500 overdose deaths involving prescription opioids and almost 12,300 overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines, drugs such as Xanax, Ambien, and Valium. – Between 21% and 29% of individuals prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them. – Approximately 80% of people who use heroin first misused prescription opioids. – A 2020 study found that students in 8th, 10th, and 12th grade misuse prescription stimulants, tranquilizers, and opioids, in that order. – Most people who misused prescription stimulants at some point in their lives started in college.

Substance abuse treatment providers offer various programs, such as intensive outpatient programs and outpatient services, to help individuals overcome prescription drug addiction and improve their quality of life.

Types of Prescription Drugs Commonly Misused

The prescription drugs most likely to be misused include opioids, CNS depressants (such as sedatives), and stimulants.

Opioids, also known as painkillers, are prescribed by doctors to treat severe or chronic pain. They bind to specific receptors in the brain and disrupt the pain signals transmitted between the body and the brain, reducing the perception of painful stimuli. Opioids also increase the activity of dopamine, a brain-signaling molecule involved in reward and reinforcing behaviors. Drug rehab centers offer specialized programs, such as intensive outpatient programs and outpatient treatment, to help individuals overcome opioid addiction and improve their overall well-being.

CNS depressants include sedative-hypnotic drugs such as barbiturates and benzodiazepines, as well as “Z-drugs” used to treat insomnia. These drugs are prescribed to treat anxiety, sleep disorders, seizures, and muscle spasms. Most depressant drugs work by interacting with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors or enhancing the effects of GABA transmission. GABA is a neurotransmitter that increases inhibition and decreases excitation in the brain and body, reducing feelings of anxiety and promoting sleep and sedation. Addiction treatment providers offer various programs, such as intensive outpatient programs and outpatient services, to help individuals overcome CNS depressant addiction and improve their mental health.

Stimulants are prescribed by physicians to treat ADHD, narcolepsy, and obesity. They change certain types of brain signaling by influencing the level of activity across different neurotransmitter systems, including norepinephrine and dopamine. Norepinephrine is involved in mediating the body’s “fight-or-flight” response and plays a role in physiological processes like heart rate and breathing. Dopamine is associated with reward, motivation, and reinforcing behaviors. Substance abuse treatment providers offer various programs, such as intensive outpatient programs and outpatient services, to help individuals overcome stimulant addiction and improve their quality of life.

Conclusion

IndianaRehab.org provides personalized treatment plans to assist individuals in overcoming substance abuse and mental health disorders. When contacting this Indiana-based rehabilitation facility, their admissions team takes the time to understand your unique situation. From your initial call to your first day of treatment, they guide and support you throughout the process. For information on available treatment options and how they can help, call (812) 898-3323.

For additional assistance or to connect with addiction and mental health specialists near you, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at (800) 662-4357. If you require immediate assistance, call (812) 898-3323 or reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or text HOME to 741-741 for the Crisis Text Line.

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  Get The Help You Need for Addiction & Mental Health Disorders

  Are you searching for a drug and alcohol rehab that delivers quality addiction treatment? Indiana rehab extends quality care and respect to individuals struggling with addiction and mental health disorders.

  Get Local Help (317) 707-9848

  Available Services and Treatment

  • Drug and Alcohol Detox
    Medically supervised drug and alcohol detox ensures safety and comfort during withdrawal, with round-the-clock care and medications to alleviate or prevent severe symptoms.
  • Residential Treatment
    An inpatient program where patients live at the facility and are offered 24/7 support in a structured, therapeutic environment.
  • PHP / Day Treatment
    A partial hospitalization program (PHP), also known as day treatment provides intensive treatment while allowing patients to return home each day.
  • IOP / Intensive Outpatient
    An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a flexible treatment option where individuals receive therapy 3-5 days per week while living at home, allowing them to maintain their daily responsibilities.
  • Standard Outpatient Therapy
    Standard outpatient therapy provides regularly scheduled therapy sessions 1-3 days per week for ongoing support without residential requirements.
  • Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment
    Integrated care addressing both addiction and mental health disorders simultaneously.
  • Telehealth Addiction Treatment
    Telehealth addiction treatment offers remote treatment options via confidential, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing to provide therapy and support.
  • Mental Health Treatment
    Comprehensive care addressing a variety of mental health conditions alongside or independent of addiction treatment.
• Request a call
  

  Instantly Check Your Insurance Plan Coverage

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  • Your information will remain private and protected under HIPAA privacy laws.
  • You will receive a call or email within an hour to discuss your treatment options.
  • Completing the form does not mean you have to enter treatment.
  • Your insurance provider will not be notified if you complete the form.

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  Indiana Rehab offers same day admission for those seeking help for addiction or mental health disorders. For more information on treatment programs, therapeutic offerings and the admissions process, call for a free and confidential consultation.

  Call (317) 707-9848

  What to Expect

  • 1Speak with an admissions specialist
  • 2Receive a personalized treatment plan recommendation
  • 3Review your insurance coverage and benefits
  • 4Plan the next steps to start your journey to recovery

  Request a Confidential Call

  FIRST NAME *

  LAST NAME*

  PHONE*

  EMAIL

  PREFERRED METHOD

  PHONE

  EMAIL

  Request a call

  

  Get The Help You Need for Addiction & Mental Health Disorders

  Are you searching for an Indiana drug and alcohol rehab that delivers quality addiction treatment? Indiana rehab extends quality care and respect to individuals struggling with addiction and mental health disorders.

  Get Local Help (317) 707-9848

  Available Services and Treatment

  • Drug and Alcohol Detox
    Medically supervised drug and alcohol detox ensures safety and comfort during withdrawal, with round-the-clock care and medications to alleviate or prevent severe symptoms.
  • Residential Treatment
    An inpatient program where patients live at the facility and are offered 24/7 support in a structured, therapeutic environment.
  • PHP / Day Treatment
    A partial hospitalization program (PHP), also known as day treatment provides intensive treatment while allowing patients to return home each day.
  • IOP / Intensive Outpatient
    An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a flexible treatment option where individuals receive therapy 3-5 days per week while living at home, allowing them to maintain their daily responsibilities.
  • Standard Outpatient Therapy
    Standard outpatient therapy provides regularly scheduled therapy sessions 1-3 days per week for ongoing support without residential requirements.
  • Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment
    Integrated care addressing both addiction and mental health disorders simultaneously.
  • Telehealth Addiction Treatment
    Telehealth addiction treatment offers remote treatment options via confidential, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing to provide therapy and support.
  • Mental Health Treatment
    Comprehensive care addressing a variety of mental health conditions alongside or independent of addiction treatment.

  

  Get The Help You Need for Addiction & Mental Health Disorders

  Are you searching for a drug and alcohol rehab that delivers quality addiction treatment? Indiana rehab extends quality care and respect to individuals struggling with addiction and mental health disorders.

  Get Local Help (317) 707-9848

  Available Services and Treatment

  • Drug and Alcohol Detox
    Medically supervised drug and alcohol detox ensures safety and comfort during withdrawal, with round-the-clock care and medications to alleviate or prevent severe symptoms.
  • Residential Treatment
    An inpatient program where patients live at the facility and are offered 24/7 support in a structured, therapeutic environment.
  • PHP / Day Treatment
    A partial hospitalization program (PHP), also known as day treatment provides intensive treatment while allowing patients to return home each day.
  • IOP / Intensive Outpatient
    An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a flexible treatment option where individuals receive therapy 3-5 days per week while living at home, allowing them to maintain their daily responsibilities.
  • Standard Outpatient Therapy
    Standard outpatient therapy provides regularly scheduled therapy sessions 1-3 days per week for ongoing support without residential requirements.
  • Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment
    Integrated care addressing both addiction and mental health disorders simultaneously.
  • Telehealth Addiction Treatment
    Telehealth addiction treatment offers remote treatment options via confidential, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing to provide therapy and support.
  • Mental Health Treatment
    Comprehensive care addressing a variety of mental health conditions alongside or independent of addiction treatment.
• (317) 707-9848