Saturday, March 29, 2025

WebMD Substance Use Disorders and Addiction Guide: Prescription Drug Abuse

what is prescription drug abuse

Prescription medications are meant to treat a variety of health conditions, from pain management to anxiety relief. However, when taken outside of medical guidelines, these drugs can become dangerous and highly addictive. The skills I developed there regarding logistics and operations, combined with my personal interactions with those in recovery and self-help, greatly helped me to make a successful transition into the drug and alcohol rehabilitation field.

Prevention

what is prescription drug abuse

In fact, Lloyd-Jones says the data suggests that statins may be protective against cognitive decline, since they are effective at preventing strokes. Statins appeared in an earlier version of this article, published in 2016, but more recent research is giving these cholesterol-lowering drugs the boot from the list. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Dylan’s skills are high stress tolerance, critical thinking, great work ethic, good communication skills, and problem solving. My goal is for everyone to enjoy coming to work, and for their days to be as productive as possible toward the end of helping people put their lives back together. Camille Cox is the Family Advisor, Continuing Care Supervisor at Elevate Addiction Services South Lake Tahoe campus.

National Institutes of Health

Although a behavioral or pharmacological approach alone may be effective for treating drug addiction, research shows that, at least in the case of opioid addiction, a combination of both is most effective. Because commonly abused prescription drugs activate the brain’s reward center, it’s possible to develop physical dependence and addiction. Notably, the last two criteria do not apply to individuals under medical supervision for prescription medication use.

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Inhalant abuse involves inhaling vapors from household substances like paint thinners, aerosol sprays, glue, and markers to experience psychoactive effects. Illicit drug abuse involves the use of illegal substances such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and ecstasy. These drugs are often used recreationally but are highly addictive and illegal due to their high potential for abuse and severe health risks. Lisa is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 25 years of clinical experience working in the field of addiction treatment and mental health stabilization and care. She has strong communication skills, compassion for others, and a drive to provide the best services we can to each client and their family throughout their experience with Elevate. For the past 9 years, she additionally has been overseeing the detox area, health services, and office of family support.

what is prescription drug abuse

Doctors often use it along with the drug naloxone (a combination that can be called Bunavail, Suboxone, or Zubsolv) to prevent relapse. Today, they prescribe them for conditions such as ADHD, ADD, depression, and narcolepsy. Examples of stimulants are dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Dextrostat, ProCentra), lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Methylin, Ritalin), and a mix of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). If you need support without disrupting your routine, therapy offers a flexible solution for anyone wishing to enhance their mental well-being or work through personal issues in a supportive, confidential environment.

Founded in 2008, WeDoRecover has evolved from an advisory service for addiction treatment into a comprehensive provider of care, following its 2019 merger with Changes Addiction Rehab in Johannesburg. Specialising in connecting patients to top-tier addiction treatment centers in the UK, South Africa and supporting individuals in recovery world wide. Although sundowning syndrome – a state of confusion or agitation that occurs late in the afternoon and stretches into evening – is typically linked to Alzheimer’s, it can occur with any type of dementia.

Drug and Alcohol Rehab in the Los Angeles, CA Area

  • However, when taken outside of medical guidelines, these drugs can become dangerous and highly addictive.
  • There are multiple risk factors that can increase the chance of developing drug addiction, including patient factors, nature of drug and over-prescription.
  • Medications that fall within this class—referred to as prescription narcotics—include morphine (e.g., Kadian, Avinza), codeine, oxycodone (e.g., OxyContin, Percodan, Percocet) and related drugs.
  • Legal consequences can range from fines and probation to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense.

Rachel Nania is an award-winning health editor and writer at AARP.org, who covers a range of topics including diseases and treatments. In any case, if you want to lower the dosage of a drug or stop taking a medication, be sure to do so under the supervision of your doctor – don’t do it on your own. Once these are ruled out, try some simple lifestyle changes, such as cutting back on caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, drinking less before bedtime and doing exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles that help control urination. Inhalants can cause sudden sniffing death syndrome (a sudden fatal reaction from inhaling toxic substances) and long-term organ damage.

  • While some advocate for the benefits of cannabis, heavy and long-term use can lead to addiction and negatively impact mental health and cognitive abilities, especially among young users.
  • Are you having persistent feelings of being swamped, sad or have sudden surges of anger or intense emotional outbursts?
  • Opiates consists of primarily Oxycodone, otherwise known as “oxy”, and Hydrocodone, which is the deadliest class of prescription drug 1.
  • Data from the 2003 NSDUH indicate that 4.0 percent of youth ages 12 to 17 reported nonmedical use of prescription medications in the past month.

Similarly with over 13 million prescriptions filled in 2012 alone, methylphenidate is misused for comparable reasons. Physicians, their patients, and pharmacists all can play a role in identifying and preventing nonmedical use of prescription drugs. If you suspect a loved one has a prescription drug addiction, express concern without judgment, suggest that the prescription drug abuse person seek professional help, and establish clear boundaries to protect yourself while supporting your loved one. Clear Recovery Center’s Virtual IOP provides clients with therapeutic support for burnout, depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue and stress.

Symptoms

Regarding HIV and sexually transmitted infection marijuana addiction (STI) prevention, high-risk substance use is any use by adolescents of substances with a high risk of adverse outcomes. Adverse outcomes might range from injury, criminal justice involvement, school dropout, to loss of life. Overcome addiction with our family support system, and regain control of your life! Prescription drug addicts experience withdrawal effects such as anxiety, restlessness, sweating, tremors, insomnia, nausea, and seizures.

what is prescription drug abuse

Stimulants can cause heart problems, an increase in body temperature, seizures, high blood pressure, aggression, hallucinations, and paranoia. Adderall and Ritalin are the most popular stimulants to be used for self-medication, as people often use them as study aids. When taken as prescribed, stimulants can assist someone with ADHD to focus on tasks; however, when abused, they can increase anxiety, worsen impulsivity, and increase emotional instability 1. Whether you or someone you know is dealing with substance abuse, it’s crucial to seek support and treatment. With the right resources, recovery is possible, and individuals can regain control of their lives for a healthier future.

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