Tens of millions of Americans have used prescription drugs other than as prescribed or without a prescription. Most of these prescription drugs are opioids prescribed for pain relief after an injury or surgery. Although they are doctor prescribed, prescription drugs can be highly addictive, especially when misused. Once you have developed an opioid use disorder, you will likely need assistance from a prescription drug detox.
Recognizing Prescription Opioid Abuse
Whether you are using prescription drugs other than as prescribed or someone you care about has been using prescription opioids, it is helpful to be aware of the signs of prescription opioid abuse. If you started using prescription drugs after surgery or an injury, you might not realize when your prescribed use has slipped into dependence on these powerful drugs.
Some signs that may indicate prescription opioid abuse include:
- Constipation, digestive discomfort, nausea, vomiting
- Breathing difficulties
- Mood swings
- Increased tolerance to the drug, needing larger or more frequent doses to achieve the same high
- Using the drug even when you are not experiencing pain
- Using prescription drugs that were not prescribed for you
- Doctor shopping to obtain multiple prescriptions for the drug
If you or someone you care about is exhibiting some of the above symptoms or behaviors, it is safe to assume that opioid use is no longer within control. Once a person has become dependent on opioids, it can be highly challenging to disentangle from the drug. Thankfully, help is available at your local prescription drug treatment center.
Common Prescription Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
Prescription opioids stimulate changes in the brain as they interact with opioid receptors. This creates feelings of euphoria and pain relief, which is why some people choose to take these prescription drugs without a prescription of their own. Opioids are highly addictive and can lead the user to engage in uncharacteristic behaviors. They may purchase the pills from someone illegally, borrow some from friends, or steal them from family members to experience the high.
The changes in the brain instigated by opioids are also responsible for uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms if the drug is discontinued. Some of the common opioid withdrawal symptoms include:
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea, vomiting
- Sweating, chills
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Rapid heart rate
- Depression, suicidal thoughts
The severity of these symptoms can vary depending on how long you have used prescription drugs and how high of a dose you have been using. Withdrawal symptoms can be a powerful deterrent to quitting opioids for good, so you must seek professional treatment from a prescription drug treatment program.
How Does Prescription Drug Treatment at an Addiction Detox Center Work?
If you have ever attempted to quit opioids on your own, you know how uncomfortable it can be. Professional treatment at an addiction detox center can make your recovery experience successful by providing you with services such as:
- Medication to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings–This can help keep your mind off of discomfort so you can stay motivated to stick with your treatment plan.
- Around-the-clock support from your care team–If you enroll in residential treatment, you will have the benefit of immediate access to addiction treatment professionals as you need it. They can help keep you on track throughout your program.
- Therapy–Whenever someone is struggling with prescription drug addiction, there are often underlying issues at play. Therapy can help address these issues, so you will be less likely to relapse.
Putting your trust in a professional prescription drug treatment program rather than trying to handle it on your own can set you up for a much higher chance of lasting recovery.
Overcome Prescription Opioid Abuse at Your Local Residential Detox Center
If you or someone you love is struggling with prescription opioid abuse, find help at your local residential detox center. With all of the high-quality help available today, there is no need to continue to suffer.
