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Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment
Millions of Americans are prescribed prescription pain medication by their doctors every year. Because it comes from their doctor and is dispensed by a pharmacist, most people trust that the drugs they are being prescribed are safe when taken as directed. For many, this is true — they can take their prescription without issue. However, there is an increasing number of misuse and addiction cases in the U.S. — especially involving people who have never abused drugs in the past
There’s a stigma around drug abuse as being something that only happens to those who live a particular lifestyle. But when it comes to prescription medication, it’s much more complicated than that. People are prescribed prescription medication for a variety of reasons including relief from pain due to an accident, injury, or degenerative disease. It’s also prescribed for help with certain mental health problems. The moral of the story is that prescription medication addiction can happen to anyone — even if you only use it for a short time and are diligent about taking it only as prescribed by your doctor.
To learn more about prescription drug abuse, please keep reading. However, if you or someone you know is already struggling with prescription medication abuse or addiction, please contact Blair Wellness Group for caring and compassionate prescription drug addiction treatment in Los Angeles.
Types of Prescription Drugs
There are many different classes of prescription drugs, each one having a different effect on the brain. The following are the four that are most likely to be abused.
Opioids
This class of drugs is commonly used to relieve pain through their interaction with opioid receptors in the brain. They are known by such brand names as Vicodin, OxyContin, Fentanyl, and Percocet, among others.
Stimulants
This class of drugs that includes amphetamines is used to stimulate the central nervous system. They are commonly prescribed for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and some sleep-related disorders. Most people know them as Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexedrine.
Sedatives
These drugs, also known as Benzodiazepines, are used for the treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders. They work by affecting a neurotransmitter in the brain to promote a calming effect. The most common brand names include Valium, Xanax, and Ambien.
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Why Prescription Drugs Pose Such a High Risk
Prescription drugs do their job by increasing or repressing certain brain neurotransmitters. For instance, opioids release the feel-good chemical dopamine in the brain. Sedatives, on the other hand, reduce the effect of a particular neurotransmitter to depress the central nervous system and relieve anxiety. Prescription drugs affect brain chemistry to achieve the desired result, but they can also permanently alter how the brain functions long-term.
With prolonged use, changes in brain chemistry can occur, requiring the user to ingest higher amounts and more doses to achieve the same effect. This can also lead to drug dependence which is when you feel that you “need” the drug to function normally and experience withdrawal symptoms if you try to stop.
In addition to the side effects caused by taking a particular prescription drug, there is also a risk for interactions when taking them in combination with other medications. It is not uncommon for someone to be on more than one type of medication, but if the doctor or pharmacist is unaware of it, it could cause a life-threatening interaction. That’s why it’s always important to let your doctor know which drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are already taking before taking a new medication.
Potential Side Effects of Prescription Drugs
Prescription drugs can vary widely in their effects on a particular user. For this reason, some people may have a higher risk of side effects than another person taking the same dosage. Likewise, two people taking the same drug may have an entirely different experience with regard to side effects. One person may have erratic mood swings while another may feel drowsy or disoriented.
Just because someone experiences side effects doesn’t mean that they are or have the increased potential to become addicted or dependent on the drug. Some people can use prescription medications for weeks, months, or even years without ever becoming addicted while others can start to become addicted after just one or two uses.
The short- and long-term effects of prescription drug abuse may vary from person to person and can be influenced by a variety of factors including genetics, mental health, previous use, and environmental contributors. Although prescription medications can affect everyone differently, the following are some of the most commonly reported side effects.
Side Effects of Opioids
- Drowsiness
- Mood changes
- Impaired judgment
- Confusion
- Constipation
Side Effects of Stimulants
- Insomnia
- High blood pressure
- Elevated heart rate
- Impulsive behavior
- Paranoia
- Irritability or anger issues
Side Effects of Sedatives
- Drowsiness
- Impaired judgment
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Impaired coordination
Signs of a Potential Prescription Drug Problem
Many people take prescription medications and experience side effects, but never abuse them or become addicted. If, however, you notice some of the following behaviors, it could be a sign of a problem. Seek prescription drug addiction counseling from a Licensed Clinical Psychologist if you notice the following signs and symptoms in yourself or your loved one.
- Going to multiple doctors or pharmacies to secure prescriptions
- Forging or altering prescriptions
- Getting prescription medications from friends or family members
- Making illegal purchases out of the country or online
- Stealing medication from hospitals, pharmacies, or other people’s homes
Drug Addiction Treatment
Overcoming addiction of any type is difficult, but those who have used prescription medications for an extended period of time may find it particularly challenging. There are three steps toward overcoming a prescription drug problem — detoxification, behavioral treatment, and long-term management. At Blair Wellness Group, we provide drug addiction treatment services in Los Angeles that are designed to complement other drug and substance abuse treatments by focusing on healing people from the inside out.
During the treatment process, patients have multiple weekly one-on-one sessions with a licensed, doctoral-level Clinical Psychologist who is professionally trained and skillfully experienced in the field of substance abuse and prescription drug addiction treatment. By combining different forms of evidence-based therapy to create an individualized treatment plan, your Licensed Clinical Psychologist addresses the root of the issue and allows you to heal from your Rx addiction. Each person can expect to receive the highest standard of quality care through a customized program that is tailored to meet their specific needs and goals. With the help of Dr.Blair, patients learn how to gain freedom from prescription drug abuse and develop the skills necessary to remain resolute in their sobriety.
Take that first step toward positive and lasting change — contact Blair Wellness Group at 310.999.4996 for prescription drug addiction treatment services in Beverly Hills.
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Looking for a Local Psychologist?
Our Psychologists and Therapists in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Irvine, Newport Beach, and the surrounding areas offer evening and weekend appointments for our Concierge patients. Contact us today to discover how Blair Wellness Group can help you overcome personal or professional challenges and mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, addiction issues, and personality disorders.
Our Core Values
Discover effective solutions for addiction at Blair Wellness Group today. Call us at 310.999.4996 to schedule an appointment. We welcome patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Irvine, Newport Beach, and the surrounding areas.
Reliable
At Blair Wellness Group, we are here to meet your clinical needs at any time.
Dedicated Support
Our team provides the compassionate care, support, and necessary interventions needed for our clients to achieve their goals and clinical objectives.
Experience
With 15+ years of clinical experience in providing an array of psychological services, we are committed to helping our patients achieve their goals.
Professional Team Support
We are dedicated to the well-being of our clients and have the extensive training to provide them with high-quality care.
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Alcohol AddictionAlcohol Addiction
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Drug and Substance AbuseDrug and Substance Abuse
-
Food AddictionFood Addiction
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Pornography AddictionPornography Addiction
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Sex AddictionSex Addiction
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Social Media AddictionSocial Media Addiction
Office Hours
Mon - Fri :
7 am - 11 pm
Sat - Sun :
9 am - 10 pm
Get Started Today
Looking for a Local Psychologist?
Our Psychologists and Therapists in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Irvine, Newport Beach, and the surrounding areas offer evening and weekend appointments for our Concierge patients. Contact us today to discover how Blair Wellness Group can help you overcome personal or professional challenges and mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, addiction issues, and personality disorders.
