Prescription drug addiction has increased massively in recent years. The Drug Enforcement Agency reported in 2021 that the number of annual deaths from prescription opioids in the United States had quadrupled since 1999. People now obtain prescriptions from their doctors for many different health problems, like anxiety, insomnia, or chronic pain, that were not treated as commonly with prescription drugs in the past.

The most commonly abused prescription drugs are opioids, benzodiazepines, sleeping pills, and stimulants. As with marijuana (in Washington and other states where it is legalized), prescription drugs can often be obtained legally. This ease of access can encourage people to assume that taking them is harmless. Unfortunately, this isn’t true. Prescription drugs can be highly addictive and very difficult to stop taking on your own.

To learn more about prescription drug addiction treatment, reach out to our Spokane Falls Recovery Center team at 844.962.2775. Our team would be happy to discuss our Spokane, Washington, substance abuse treatment programs.

Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse

There are a few signs that could indicate prescription drug addiction. Ask yourself the following questions as you think about your prescription drug abuse:

• Do you feel anxious, agitated, or physically ill if you cannot take your prescription on time?
• Have you taken pills prescribed to you more frequently than prescribed or used them in other ways that did not follow the label?
• Have you ever been in legal trouble or at your job related to your use of prescription drugs?
• Have you ever taken someone else’s prescription pills?
• Have you misled or lied to a medical provider to obtain a prescription? Did you go to a different doctor so you could get another prescription?
• Are friends or family expressing concern about your use of prescription drugs?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, it indicates you are starting to experience adverse effects and make unhealthy choices about using prescription drugs.

Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs

Many people take drugs that are generally considered safe when taken as directed. These are common prescription medications that may be misused.

Xanax and Benzodiazepines (Benzos)

Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and other benzodiazepines are all prescription drugs that are central nervous system depressants. They slow brain activity, often prescribed to treat anxiety or sleep problems. If benzos are taken in combination with alcohol, the alcohol further slows a person’s heart rate and breathing, leading to death.

If you started using prescription drugs for a mental health concern, like anxiety or panic attacks, and are now experiencing problems with the prescription drug, you are not alone. It is prevalent for mental health issues and substance use disorders to go together. Understanding co-occurring capable treatment options for you or a loved one is essential.

Ambien and Sleeping Pills

Prescription sleeping pills like Lunesta, Sonata, or Ambien are called hypnotics because they are designed to promote or extend sleep. People take them to help with insomnia, but taking them over long periods can have serious health effects, like mental and behavioral problems and memory loss, and can easily lead to addiction.

Adderall and Stimulants

Prescription stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin can treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, but they have become popular as street drugs. They increase alertness, attention, energy, blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate, and this feeling of alertness and energy can feel like a very positive high. Adderall is an amphetamine. Like other amphetamines, it is very easy to build a physical tolerance. Prescription stimulants are highly physically addictive, and withdrawal symptoms can include heart problems, psychosis, anger, depression, fatigue, and paranoia.

Treatment Options at a Prescription Drug Rehab

If you believe you or someone you care about might have a prescription drug addiction, or if you are experiencing any signs of prescription drug abuse, it is time to consider getting help.

An excellent first step is talking to your doctor about your concerns. If you feel uncomfortable discussing the issue with your doctor, or have already tried to talk to them and they are not taking your concerns seriously, it might be time to find a new doctor.

There are also many treatment programs available for prescription drug addiction, and the best one for you depends on your specific situation. Some of these addiction treatment programs include:

• Partial hospitalization program (PHP) – PHP is an intensive form of outpatient treatment. It usually requires four to six hours of therapy per day, three to five days per week.
• Intensive outpatient program (IOP) – IOP is a less intense form of outpatient treatment. It usually requires three to five hours of therapy per week, two to three days per week.
• Outpatient program – Outpatient programs usually require 10-12 hours of therapy per week, one or two days per week.
• Court-ordered treatment  – A judge requires court-ordered treatment as part of a legal sentence. It usually requires two to three hours of therapy per week, one to two days per week.

At Spokane Falls Recovery Center, we offer a comprehensive approach to addiction treatment that includes individual and group counseling, 12-step meetings, and holistic therapies like yoga and meditation. We also offer a PHP, IOP, and outpatient program.

Discover Our Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Program in Spokane, WA, at Spokane Falls Recovery Center

There are some painful and confusing realities of prescription drug addiction. Many find the possibility of withdrawal, cravings, and other signs of dependence as a reason to avoid treatment. However, our team is ready to help you through prescription drug addiction treatment.

Addiction is a complex topic, and many people need to take prescription drugs as part of their life to manage ongoing health concerns. But if you feel using a prescription drug is interfering with your life, now may be the right time to consider prescription drug addiction treatment and contact Spokane Falls Recovery Center. Call now at 844.962.2775 to begin prescription drug addiction treatment.