Prescription drugs can be helpful for treating a variety of conditions when you take them as directed by your doctor. However, prescription drugs may also come with risks, particularly when you take more than prescribed or use them for nonmedical purposes.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the nonmedical use of prescription drugs can lead to serious complications like medical emergencies, overdoses, and prescription drug addictions.
CenterPointe Hospital of Columbia is a compassionate source of care for adults who have addictions to benzodiazepines and prescription opioids. Our services include specialized inpatient treatment for adults and seniors and structured outpatient care for adults.
Signs & Symptoms of Prescription Drug Addiction
When you’re struggling with a prescription drug addiction, you can experience a variety of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. Some of these may be specific to the type of prescription medication involved.
Prescription drug addiction signs and symptoms can include:
- Taking more of the drug than prescribed
- Continuing to use the drug despite the harm it causes
- Seeking prescriptions from multiple doctors
- Stealing or forging prescriptions
- Pretending to lose prescriptions to get refills
- Drowsiness or confusion
- Excessive energy
- Intense mood swings
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Poor judgment
- Needing more of the drug to get the same effect
- Withdrawal symptoms when you stop use
If you’re struggling with prescription drug addiction symptoms, we encourage you to seek support at a professional treatment place. At our hospital in Columbia, Missouri, we provide treatment for addictions to prescription drugs such as Xanax, Valium, Vicodin, and oxycodone.
Prescription Drug Addiction Statistics
NIDA reports the following statistics on prescription drug abuse in the United States:
- Among people age 12 and older in 2021, about 14.3 million people, or 5.1%, reported using prescription psychotherapeutic drugs in any way not directed by a doctor during the past year.
- Among this same group, about 8.7 million people, or 3.1%, reported using prescription painkillers in ways not directed by a doctor in the past year. And 3.9 million people, or 1.4%, reported the past-year misuse of benzodiazepines.
- In 2021, an estimated 12,499 people died due to an overdose that involved benzodiazepines.
- In 2021, an estimated 16,706 people died due to an overdose that involved prescription opioids.
Potential Effects of Prescription Drug Addiction
A prescription drug addiction can negatively affect many areas of your life, including your physical health, your relationships, and your career. The harmful effects of an untreated prescription drug addiction can include:
- Relationship conflict
- Legal problems
- Use of illicit drugs
- Job loss
- Trouble functioning at work or school
- Accidents, injuries, and risk-taking behaviors
- Overdose
- Coma or death
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Realizing that you may be struggling with a prescription drug addiction can be incredibly hard. But by getting care at a prescription drug addiction treatment center, you can begin building a foundation for a healthier life.
Benefits of Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment
Receiving support at a prescription drug addiction treatment center can help you get your life back on track and prevent immediate harm. But these are not the only benefits of participating in treatment. At a qualified treatment place, you can begin to learn how to thrive and function better in different areas of your life, which can help you sustain your recovery.
Benefits of prescription drug addiction treatment can include:
- Addressing factors that may have led you to abuse prescription drugs
- Receiving support for any underlying or co-occurring disorders you may be struggling with
- Improving relationship skills and developing support networks
- Creating healthy goals for the future along with a plan for your continuing care
Additionally, treatment can be a vital source of hope, compassion, and encouragement. The support you can receive from caring and qualified professionals, along with the input of peers who are also receiving treatment, can help you reconnect with your best self and remind you that you are not alone.
Therapies Used in Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment
Struggling with a prescription drug addiction can be isolating and overwhelming. But, fortunately, effective forms of treatment are available. Effective prescription drug addiction treatment depends on the needs of the individual and often incorporates more than one method of support.
At our inpatient prescription drug addiction treatment center, a person may benefit from:
- Detoxification services
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Basic medical care and medication management services
- Family therapy on an as-needed basis
- Group therapy to enhance coping skills and reduce unhealthy behaviors
- Experiential approaches, including art and music therapies
- Specialized care for a dual diagnosis
At our treatment center, detox often provides the initial foundation for a patient’s recovery. Detox allows people to withdraw from prescription drugs in a safe environment with the support of medical and counseling professionals.
Choosing the Right Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Center
CenterPointe Hospital of Columbia, located in Columbia, Missouri, is committed to delivering high-quality care in an atmosphere of respect and compassion. We understand that each person who seeks help at our treatment center has unique needs and therapeutic goals, so we create personalized treatment and aftercare plans for each patient.
When you seek prescription drug addiction treatment at our hospital, you will receive a thorough assessment and a recommendation for the right level of services for you. If our treatment center is not able to fully support your needs, we will provide a referral to another trusted provider.
At CenterPointe Hospital of Columbia, we understand the value of providing crisis care that empowers and equips our patients for long-term success. If you receive prescription drug addiction treatment at our hospital, we will consistently strive to meet your needs, provide supportive and individualized services, and help you gather the tools that can enable you to lead a healthier life.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at CenterPointe Hospital of Columbia.
