Over time, the brain will stop producing its own endorphins, creating a dependence on opioids to create pleasure feelings. The brain also quickly develops a tolerance to opioids, so increasingly stronger doses are needed to create the same effect. Once the brain starts relying on the endorphin rush produced by opioids, an individual can experience physical and mental withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking opioids. At this point, an individual may continue taking opioids even though they no longer need them for pain relief, or will turn to illegal opiates like heroin to continue their addiction. Medications work in a variety of ways, alcoholism symptoms and fall into several different categories, typically based on the system or disorder they treat. The three most commonly abused types of prescription drugs – stimulants, opioids, and depressants – all significantly impact the brain’s chemistry, specifically those areas of the brain controlling reward, pleasure, and satisfaction.
Prescription Drug Abuse Signs, Symptoms, and Side Effects
However, prescription medications are still drugs that affect the brain’s chemistry; as such there is the potential for abuse and addiction, even when medications are prescribed by a doctor. In this article, we will look at the three most commonly abused groups of prescription medications – stimulants, opioids, and depressants – as well as how to recognize the signs of abuse, and seek treatment. Depressants, also called sedatives or tranquilizers, are essentially the opposite of stimulants. They inhibit the function of the central nervous system, leading to feelings of relaxation, calmness, drowsiness, and pain relief.
Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Options at Clear Behavioral Health
They can help people recover from short-term illnesses and injuries, or treat chronic conditions so that people can function and continue to live healthy, productive lives. Prescription medications are used to treat a variety of physical and mental health conditions, either for a short period of time, or on an ongoing basis. Patients can only access these medications legally with a written prescription from a licensed physician or doctor. All of our programs provide a variety of treatment modalities, including group therapy, individual therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), trauma-informed care, and holistic approaches.
Drug and Alcohol Rehab in the Los Angeles, CA Area
We’d be more than happy to walk you through your treatment options and provide more information about our medical detox, drug and alcohol rehab, and outpatient addiction treatment programs throughout the Los Angeles, CA area. And the most commonly abused medications fall into the categories of painkillers, sedatives, and stimulants. Stimulants increase energy, alertness, and attention, which is why they are a popular treatment for individuals coping with attention and sleep disorders. They also trigger the release of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which are related to pleasure and rewards. Individuals abusing stimulants will come to rely on the drugs to help them focus, give them energy, and trigger pleasurable feelings. If prescription stimulants are no longer available, they may turn to illegal stimulants https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/am-i-an-alcoholic-do-i-have-a-drinking-problem/ like cocaine or methamphetamine.
Signs and symptoms of prescription drug abuse
- If you are struggling with prescription drug abuse or even alcohol abuse, it is important to seek professional help and detox safely.
- Prescription drug abuse is the use of a prescription medicine in a way not intended by the prescriber.
- Depending on they type of drug, and the length of addiction, withdrawal symptoms and how long they last will vary.
- Learn more about our prescription drug addiction treatment programs in the Los Angeles, California area.
And for those who have survived an opioid or prescription drug addiction, emotional and mental health problems often linger in their lives, causing ruptures in mental health, self-care, work performance, and interpersonal relationships. While prescription drug abuse can be deadly, there is hope for you or your loved one who might be struggling. Know the signs and symptoms of addiction and seek help today to achieve long-term sobriety.
Do not use these drugs unless under the supervision of a trained medical professional. Depressants affect the brain by stimulating gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits the excitability of neurons and produces a calming effect. As with opioids, individuals taking depressants can become dependent on the drugs to produce happy, calming feelings. They will also develop a tolerance, and require more of the drug to produce similar effects. Prescription stimulants are designed to increase energy and alertness, and are a common treatment for psychological or sleep disorders like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy.
When to see a doctor
- That being said, your environment also plays a major role in the likelihood of developing an addiction.
- Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) are integrated programs in which you apply the skills gained in residential treatment as you transfer back into your home environment.
Over-the-counter drugs can be purchased off the shelf in pharmacies, grocery stores, convenience stores, without a doctor’s prescription. They are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but not as closely as prescription drugs, as they are not as powerful and don’t have the same potential for abuse as prescription drugs. Because commonly abused prescription drugs activate the brain’s reward center, it’s possible to develop physical dependence and addiction. If you or someone you know exhibits any of the signs of prescription drug abuse or addiction, it’s important to speak to a doctor and seek help.
- Do not use these drugs unless under the supervision of a trained medical professional.
- They inhibit the function of the central nervous system, leading to feelings of relaxation, calmness, drowsiness, and pain relief.
- These changes to brain function may be beneficial – for example, benzodiazepines can produce feelings of calm and relaxation that help those suffering from anxiety function normally.
Clear Recovery Center’s Virtual IOP provides clients with therapeutic support for burnout, depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue and stress. Learn more about our prescription drug addiction treatment programs in the Los Angeles, California area. Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) are integrated programs in which you apply the skills gained in residential treatment as you transfer back into your home environment.
When a doctor writes a prescription, they will usually indicate if it is acceptable for the patient to take the generic brand, if one exists. Although recovery can be challenging, individuals should remain confident and continue working towards a healthy, sober life. That being said, your environment also plays a major role in the likelihood of developing an addiction. A person’s upbringing can have a major impact on the development of addiction, especially if you grew up with substance use or alcohol use in the home. If your home life was stressful, and you watched a parent manage their stress with substances, there is a high likelihood that you will model that same addictive behavior as you grow up.
Adderall and Ritalin are the most popular stimulants to be used for self-medication, as people often use them as study aids. When taken as prescribed, stimulants can assist someone with ADHD to focus on tasks; however, when abused, they can increase anxiety, worsen impulsivity, and increase emotional instability 1. Because some of these withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous, it’s best to undergo detoxification under the care of a trained medical professional. Many rehabilitation facilities have detoxification centers on-site where patients can safely undergo detox and withdrawal before beginning treatment.