Most people acquire prescription drugs legally from their doctor for legitimate reasons, take them as prescribed, and stop taking them when no longer needed. However, many people begin to misuse them for their psychoactive effects. The misuse of prescription drugs involves taking them other than how they were explicitly prescribed. The most commonly abused prescription medications are sedatives, stimulants, painkillers, and anti-anxiety medications.
If you or a loved one has fallen into the grips of prescription drug abuse, help is available from Gulf Breeze Recovery’s prescription drug addiction rehab. Contact us at 833.551.2304 to learn more.
What are the Signs of Opioid Abuse?
People often falsely believe that medications prescribed by doctors are safe and without risk. When opioid painkillers were first introduced to the market, they were widely and freely prescribed, often in increasing doses, because pharmaceutical companies misled doctors about the high risk of dependency and addiction. Those selling the drugs assured doctors and patients that the drugs were safe and effective. Thus began the opioid epidemic that continues to ravage our nation.
The symptoms of prescription drug dependency and addiction vary according to the type of drug, frequency of use, amount of use, how it is used, length of habit, and the use of other drugs or alcohol. However, some common signs indicate opioid abuse or opiate abuse, including:
- Drug-seeking behaviors or doctor shopping
- Taking higher doses than prescribed or lying about the amount taken
- Crushing, breaking, snorting, or injecting pills
- Irritability, hostility, or mood swings
- Significant changes in appearance, sleeping, and eating habits
- Appearing intoxicated, sedated, or overly energetic
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when medications are unavailable
Individuals addicted to prescription drugs will often go to extreme lengths to hide and support their addiction. They may stash medications, lie, steal, and engage in illegal and dangerous acts to acquire drugs. When prescription drugs are unavailable, many turn to illicit drugs like heroin which is inexpensive and easy to get.
The Impacts of Prescription Drug Abuse
Denial is common for those who have a prescription drug addiction. People try to convince themselves and others that they cannot be addicted to medicine from a doctor. Addiction to these medications causes significant changes to the brain, especially with prolonged use. Other effects can be far-reaching and impact all areas of functioning. Some of the long-term impacts of prescription drug abuse include:
- Consequences of risk-taking behaviors
- Worsening of physical and mental illnesses
- Inability to maintain responsibilities of daily living
- Employment, housing, and financial insecurity
- Legal issues
- The decline of interpersonal relationships
- Social isolation
Individuals who suffer from prescription drug addiction often have co-occurring mental health disorders, like depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and addictions to alcohol or other drugs. Gulf Breeze Recovery is a world-class treatment facility in Florida offering a holistic, non-12-step approach to substance use disorder, including prescription drug abuse.
Discover Cutting-Edge Prescription Drug Rehab at Gulf Breeze Recovery
At Gulf Breeze Recovery, we understand that the decision to enter drug rehab does not come easily. We also know that the traditional 12-step approach to treatment does not work for everyone. Our THRIVE program offers a cutting-edge alternative dedicated to helping you restore overall wellbeing while overcoming addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. Our therapeutic approach includes:
- Medically supervised detox with private rooms
- Luxury residential treatment with chef-prepared meals and a private beach and pool
- Individual and group therapy
- Yoga, meditation, and qi-gong
- Neurofeedback, exercise, and spa treatments
- A full continuum of care from detox through aftercare planning
The addiction treatment programs at Gulf Breeze Recovery differ from other programs because of our top-rated level of care, unique non-12-step approach, and dedication to helping each person who comes through our doors discover a life of recovery. We treat all clients with the utmost respect and care. To learn more about your treatment options, reach out to us online or call 833.551.2304.