Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs

Today's society is increasingly concerned about prescription drug addiction, which is made worse by the addictive qualities of certain substances. The three classes of prescription drugs that are most frequently abused are benzodiazepines (benzos), opioids, and amphetamines.

For the treatment of anxiety, panic disorders, and sleeplessness, doctors often prescribe benzodiazepines like Xanax, Valium, and Ativan. These medications function by boosting the calming effects of the brain's GABA neurotransmitter. Benzos can, unfortunately, cause physical dependence and addiction if they are used excessively or improperly.

Opioids, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine, are widely used as prescription medications for controlling severe pain. They come with a considerable danger of abuse and addiction, though. Opioids inhibit pain signals and cause sensations of euphoria by attaching to certain receptors in the brain. Opioid abuse can easily result in tolerance, dependence, and addiction.

Amphetamines, such as Adderall and Ritalin, are commonly prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. They function by raising the concentrations of specific neurotransmitters in the brain, which encourages mental focus, alertness, and energy. Amphetamine abuse, however, can lead to a variety of issues, such as an accelerated heart rate, high blood pressure, insomnia, paranoia, and addiction. Amphetamines are appealing to those seeking improved cognitive function or recreational highs because of their stimulating properties but abusing them can have major negative medical and psychological impacts.

Effects of Prescription Drug Abuse

Abusing a prescription medication can have a variety of negative repercussions on a person's personal and professional life, as well as their physical and mental health. In order to increase awareness and encourage prevention, it is essential to understand these effects.

These effects can include:

• Impact on physical health: Prescription drug abuse can have negative bodily consequences. For instance, opioids may result in liver damage, hormone abnormalities, constipation, and respiratory depression. Drowsiness, wooziness, decreased coordination, and memory issues are side effects of benzodiazepines. Amphetamine use can cause a rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, difficulty sleeping, and weight loss. Long-term prescription medication usage can also harm organs, erode the immune system, and raise the risk of infections.
• Psychological and behavioral effects: Mood swings, anxiety, despair, impatience, and paranoia are some of the common side effects of prescription drugs. Abuse of these drugs l can lower inhibitions, affect judgment, and encourage risky behavior. As well as upsetting interpersonal bonds, straining family dynamics, and cutting people apart from their social networks.
• Addiction and dependence: Misuse of prescription medications over time can result in addiction and dependence. Substance dependence is when the body becomes accustomed to the drug's presence and needs increasing doses to produce the same effects. Addicts have a compulsive desire to use the substance despite the risks, and when they try to stop using it, they may go through extreme cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Prescription drug addiction frequently necessitates extensive assistance and therapy.
• Overdose or death: Overdose risk is one of the most serious dangers connected to prescription drug usage. The body's systems can become overloaded by exceeding recommended doses or taking multiple medications at once, which can result in respiratory failure, a coma, or even death. With a sharp rise in overdose-related deaths in recent years, opioid overdoses have been a serious public health concern.

It is not always easy to tell that a person is abusing their prescription, but being able to recognize it is crucial. As shown above, the persistence of these habits not only puts the user’s physical and mental health at risk but also their life as a whole.

Signs of prescription drug abuse include:

• Increased secrecy surrounding drug use.
• Repeatedly asking for early refills.
• "Doctor shopping," or getting prescriptions from several different doctors.
• Changes in sleeping habits.
• Mood swings or significant behavioral changes.
• Neglecting duties at work, school, or home.
• Financial challenges or unforeseen money issues.
• A declining level of personal hygiene.
• Seclusion or social withdrawal.
• Neglecting past interests or activities.
• Taking or stealing prescription drugs from others.
• Physical symptoms such as slurred speech, lightheadedness, or shaky movements.
• Changes in weight or appetite.
• Relationship issues and disputes with friends or family.
• Prescription drug-related legal issues when obtaining or using them.

If you or a loved one is exhibiting any of the symptoms listed, we implore you to reach out and learn more about our Banyan telehealth prescription drug rehab program.

Telehealth Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment

As a leading provider of telehealth addiction treatment, Banyan can give patients a real shot at recovery, even if in-person programming is not an option. This casts a much wider net in the range of people that we can help. Each telehealth treatment program offered gives patients the ability to receive the level of care they need to make the most impactful recovery possible.

Contact us today to learn more about our telehealth substance abuse treatment programs and what they can do for you or your loved one.

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