Doctors prescribe medications for a variety of reasons — injuries, pain, infections and mental health issues. But what happens when the very thing meant to provide relief takes control? Roughly 5% of Americans ages 12 and older reported past-year prescription drug misuse, with opioids and painkillers making up the majority of those medications. The line between therapeutic use and dependency can move faster than most people expect, especially with long-term prescriptions. If you or someone you love is struggling with prescription medication abuse, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. The following article explores what prescription drug abuse looks like, how it happens and how to seek treatment.
What Is Prescription Drug Abuse?
When a doctor prescribes medication, they give specific instructions on how to take it. If you deviate from those instructions without your physician’s consent, it’s considered prescription drug abuse. This could mean taking a larger dose, taking it more often or using it long after your doctor intended. It also means taking someone else’s medication. Misusing any type of medication can have negative consequences and even lead to addiction.
Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs
Any type of medication can be misused, but three main categories of drugs are abused more than others. Each is also highly habit-forming.
Opioids
Opioids are a class of drugs doctors prescribe for pain. Common names include Percocet, Vicodin, OxyContin and fentanyl. These drugs work by blocking pain signals from the brain while releasing large amounts of dopamine, producing feelings of relaxation and euphoria. Because they act directly on the brain’s reward system, they carry a high risk of addiction.
Benzos
Benzodiazepines, also called benzos, have a sedative effect on the body. Clinicians commonly use them to treat anxiety disorders, panic and sleep problems. Well-known names include Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan and Valium. They are very effective and usually prescribed for short-term use. Long-term misuse can cause changes in personality, memory issues and mood swings. Addiction can develop quickly, and stopping abruptly can produce life-threatening side effects including seizures.
Stimulants
Doctors often prescribe stimulants to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They may also treat sleep disorders such as narcolepsy. Common names include Adderall, Ritalin and Vyvanse. These medications increase alertness, focus and energy. Some students and professionals take stimulants to improve performance or as appetite suppressants, and misuse can lead to paranoia, anxiety and dangerous heart problems.
Signs Someone Is Abusing Prescription Medication
Prescriptions are extremely common, so identifying abuse can be difficult. Early signs are often subtle and become more obvious the longer someone uses. Common signs of prescription drug abuse include:
- Multiple doctors. Someone abusing may visit several different doctors to obtain multiple prescriptions.
- Secrecy. Individuals who misuse prescriptions often hide bottles and become defensive when asked about their medications.
- Financial issues. Unexplained financial problems can result from buying pills illegally.
- Sleep problems. Individuals may sleep too much or too little.
- Changes in appetite. Sudden weight loss or weight gain is common.
- Changes in personality. Sudden mood swings, increased anxiety or depression, irritability or hostility.
How Prescription Dependency Develops
Prescription drug addiction typically happens gradually as you develop tolerance. When you take medication for an extended period, the body becomes accustomed to it, and the initial dose stops working as well as it once did. This encourages the user to take more to achieve the same results. The more you increase the dose, the greater the chance of physical dependence. The body comes to rely on the medication to function normally, and removing it causes uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that make it difficult to quit.
The Risks of Untreated Prescription Abuse
Prescription drug addiction doesn’t go away on its own, and overdose risk is often life-threatening. Depending on the drug, prescription abuse may cause organ damage, including heart issues, breathing problems and overdose risk. If it becomes difficult to obtain the original prescription, some individuals turn to cheaper illegal street drugs such as fentanyl and heroin. Untreated addiction can also lead to job loss or problems in school.
Prescription Abuse Treatment at Sunlight Recovery
Prescription drug addiction usually requires professional intervention. At Sunlight Recovery in Boca Raton, our approach focuses on the whole person, not just the addiction. Through personalized and comprehensive treatment plans, each client receives the medical and psychological care required for sustained recovery.
Detox, Therapy and Long-Term Support
Prescription drug treatment involves several steps, each designed to prepare the individual for recovery and address any underlying issues.
Medical Detox
Detox is typically the first step in treatment. Stopping cold turkey is often painful and, in some cases, can be life-threatening — particularly with benzos, which can cause seizures. Medically supervised detox lets you eliminate the drug from your system in a controlled environment, with medications available to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings and keep you stable and comfortable.
For people recovering from prescription opioid misuse, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may continue beyond detox to reduce cravings and lower relapse risk during the early months of recovery.
Therapy and Rehabilitation
Once an individual has detoxed, therapy begins. Depending on clinical need, this may take place in an inpatient residential setting or through outpatient programs such as PHP or IOP. Evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or talk therapy help the person address the root drivers of addiction, while group therapy connects them with others going through similar circumstances. Programs may also incorporate holistic methods such as massage, acupuncture and exercise.
Because prescription misuse so often overlaps with the underlying conditions the medications were originally prescribed for — anxiety, ADHD, chronic pain, depression — dual diagnosis treatment is built into the care plan when a co-occurring mental health condition is present.
Long-Term Support
Prescription drug recovery is often a lifelong process and may require additional interventions once a person leaves treatment. Long-term support may include transitioning to a sober living home, continued therapy and group meetings such as Narcotics Anonymous, with ongoing peer-support networks across South Florida.
Insurance and Payment Options
Sunlight Recovery works with most major insurance providers, and many clients are surprised to learn how much of their treatment costs are covered. You can verify your insurance benefits online in just a few minutes — the process is free, confidential and carries no obligation. Our admissions team can also walk you through deductibles, out-of-pocket costs and what to expect through each phase of treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to stop taking prescriptions on my own?
Depending on the medication and how long you’ve been taking it, you may be able to stop on your own — but in most cases, it’s best to talk to a health care provider or mental health professional to receive clinician-guided treatment and avoid serious withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepine withdrawal in particular can be life-threatening without medical supervision.
How long does treatment take?
Inpatient and outpatient treatment programs usually last up to 90 days, depending on the severity of addiction. At Sunlight Recovery, we’ll help you choose which program is best for your individual circumstances.
Will insurance cover my treatment?
Most major insurance plans cover at least part of medically necessary addiction treatment, including detox, residential and outpatient care. The fastest way to find out exactly what your plan covers is to verify your benefits through our admissions team.
Is medication-assisted treatment available for opioid prescription misuse?
Yes. For clients recovering from prescription opioid addiction, MAT using FDA-approved medications can be incorporated into the treatment plan to support detox and ongoing recovery.
Can my family be involved in my treatment?
Yes. Family involvement is often a meaningful part of recovery, and we incorporate family therapy and education when it’s clinically appropriate and welcomed by the client.
Reaching Out for Help
If you or someone you love is struggling with prescription drug abuse, treatment is available. Sunlight Recovery is located in Boca Raton, Florida, and we serve clients from across Palm Beach County, Broward County and the wider South Florida region. Our facility is fully licensed and certified by the Florida Department of Children and Families. Call us at [INSERT PHONE NUMBER] to speak confidentially with our admissions team, or contact Sunlight Recovery online to learn about your options.
