What are the most addictive prescription drugs? Prescription drugs are a very effective medical tool when used as directed. They can relieve pain symptoms, alleviate anxiety, aid in sleep, and much more for people who need it. As helpful as they can be, they are also extremely dangerous and addictive. Addiction to opioids can form for anybody who uses them, even just once. It’s time to learn more about the most addictive prescription drugs and how to help prevent an addiction to opioids.
Do you need to know more about prescription drug addiction treatment? If so, call us today at 424.235.2009.
How Addiction to Opioids Happens
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, an increase in commonly abused prescription drugs has led to historically high emergency room visits and overdose deaths over the last 15 years. Anyone who takes a prescription opioid runs the risk of becoming addicted to it.
The cycle of prescription drug abuse consists of:
- Using more than prescribed. Tolerance builds as an individual takes their prescription pills, and they quickly start using more than prescribed. Running out of pills, having more than one prescription, and other drug-seeking behaviors are common with addiction to opioids.
- Inability to stop or slow use. Prescription opioids are only intended to be used in the short term. When you are having difficulty stopping or slowing your use, it is crucial to seek treatment right away.
- Overdose. When an individual takes too many prescription opioids, they run the risk of overdosing. The respiratory system slows down so much that it eventually stops, and death is very common.
Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the most commonly abused prescription drugs that lead to addiction to opioids include:
- Opioids: Prescribed for pain relief. These include Empirin with Codeine, Fiorinal with Codeine, Robitussin A-C, Codeine, Roxanol, Duramorph, Methadose, Dolophine, Fentanyl, Tylox, Oxycontin, Percodan, Percocet, Vicodin, Lortab, Lorcet, Dilaudid, Opana, Numorphan, Numorphone, Demerol, meperidine hydrochloride, Darvon, and Darvocet.
- CNS depressants: Prescribed for anxiety or sleep problems (often referred to as sedatives or tranquilizers). They include barbiturates and benzodiazepines such as Amytal, Nembutal, Seconal, Phenobarbital, Ativan, Halcion, Librium, Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, Ambien (zolpidem), Sonata (zaleplon), and Lunesta (eszopiclone).
- Stimulants: Prescribed for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the sleep disorder narcolepsy, or obesity. These include Biphetamine, Dexedrine, Adderall, Concerta, and Ritalin.
Signs of an Addiction to Opioids
When using the most addictive prescription drugs, it is essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of addiction so that you can seek treatment as soon as possible. Addiction to opioids escalates quickly, even after just one dose. Symptoms of addiction can appear in just a matter of hours or days in some individuals, so do not overlook them.
Signs of an addiction to opioids include:
- Taking more than the recommended or prescribed dose
- Inability to stop or slow use
- Multiple prescriptions at multiple pharmacies with multiple doctors
- Purchasing prescription drugs or other opioids through the black market
- Worsening of original symptoms, such as anxiety or chronic pain
- Isolation from friends and family
- Spending too much time thinking about the drug
- Financial hardship
- Issues with work or school
- Feeling withdrawal symptoms in between doses
How to Prevent Addiction to Opioids
There are ways you can take prescription opioids and work to avoid an addiction to opioids. These include:
Educate yourself about the medication
Learn more about what your doctor is prescribing you by doing your own due diligence. Ask your doctor questions and do research as to the side effects and other expectations.
Communicate with your doctor
Let your doctor know all of the medications you take, and especially whether you’re starting to experience any addiction symptoms.
Talk to someone
Make sure you have a support system in place while you are taking prescription medications. Lean on them for support and talk openly with them if they are expressing concern.
Obtain Narcan
Narcan is an over-the-counter medication that stops an opioid overdose. If you or a loved one are taking opioids and are worried about the dangers of an overdose, it is best to be prepared.
Opioid Addiction Treatment
At Seasons In Malibu, we believe that everyone is capable of living a life free from the shackles of opioid addiction. Our opioid addiction treatment center offers a comprehensive program designed to help individuals on their journey to recovery.
Our evidence-based approach incorporates multiple modalities, including individual and group therapy sessions, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), yoga and acupuncture, and experiential therapies. During treatment, our team of experts will work with you to address the physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of opioid addiction while helping build a foundation for lifelong recovery.
About Seasons in Malibu
If you or a loved one has become addicted to prescription medication, it is vital to seek help as soon as possible. Addiction to opioids is a progressive condition that quickly leads to overdose and death if not treated. Luxury drug rehab can help overcome your addiction to dangerous prescription drugs and get you back to a healthy, happy life.
Seasons In Malibu is leading the way in advancing the treatment of opioid addiction through innovative approaches and individualized treatment options. Our luxury drug rehab center is one of the finest in the world. We work to treat the entire body using the latest medical, holistic, and scientific modalities and incorporate them into a unique one-on-one experience for our clients.
Our highly trained MDs, psychotherapists, and holistic practitioners connect with clients. Our systemic family treatment gives our clients the most excellent chance for long-term sobriety after leaving Seasons In Malibu. We will also make sure you are taken care of around the clock during medication-assisted detox, with your safety as our priority and ensuring that you feel as comfortable as possible. Our approach toward healing is collaborative, comprehensive, and committed.
Treatment at Seasons in Malibu is systemic, integrative, and client-centered. For more information, call us today at 424.235.2009 or reach out online.
