Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment in Los Angeles
We Treat A Wide Range of Patients who suffer from Mental Health & Substance Abuse Disorders
Whether you or a loved one are struggling with mental health issues and substance use disorder drug, we are qualified to be able to help you find recovery.
In 2020, 16.1 million people aged 12 or older reported misusing prescription drugs in the United States. Prescription drug addiction has become an unintended epidemic. What usually begins as a doctor prescribing medication to alleviate challenging symptoms can turn into cravings that form an addiction.
Addiction to prescription drugs is nothing new in society, and reactions to prescription regimens differ among each individual. Increasing quantities of prescription medications to fulfill a craving and need can cause negative consequences throughout life.
At Solace Treatment Center in Los Angeles, we offer outpatient treatment services for prescription drug abuse and addiction. Customized treatment plans are devised in order to find the best treatment based on diagnosis and individual needs.
Prescription Drugs Most Likely
to Lead to Addiction
Some prescription drugs are more likely to be misused than others. There is a common misconception that because these medications are prescribed, there is no danger in taking them not as intended. Prescription drug misuse can lead to addiction and severe consequences.
Prescription drugs seen most often in addiction include:
- Painkillers such as OxyContin, Percocet, and Vicodin
- Benzodiazepines such as Valium and Xanax
- Muscle relaxers such as Soma
- Anti-seizure drugs such as Klonopin
- ADHD drugs such as Adderall and Ritalin
- Sleeping pills such as Ambien and Trazodone
Risk
Factors
The risk factors of becoming addicted to prescription drugs or other substances of abuse are higher due to factors on the individual, societal, and community levels. Although certain factors can increase the risk of developing an addiction, these factors do not guarantee that abuse will occur.
Risk factors for addiction include:
- Genetics – having an addicted blood relative can increase the risk of developing an addiction
- Brain chemistry – lacking some of the neurotransmitters that are responsible for experiencing pleasurable sensations can lead to self-medication and abuse
- Environmental – growing up in a home or an area where addiction and drug abuse are the answer to dealing with life's difficulties can increase the likelihood of developing an addiction
- Psychological – struggles with mental health can lead to attempts of self-medicating for symptoms of mental health disorders
Signs of Prescription
Drug Addiction
When some prescription drugs are abused changes in the functioning of the brain can occur. As abuse grows, the brain and body require increasing quantities of prescription drugs.
Most common signs of prescription drug addiction include:
- Taking higher doses than what was initially prescribed
- Drug-seeking behaviors such as seeing multiple doctors
- Changes in eating and sleeping patterns
- Appearing intoxicated, lethargic, or overly energized
- Irritability and mood swings when the drug of choice is unavailable
- "Borrowing" prescription medication from friends and family
- Crushing pills to ingest them so that the effects of the drug are felt faster
- Multiple incidents of claims of "losing" prescription medication
- Being untruthful about the amount of medication used
- Stealing a prescription pad from a doctor and forging prescriptions
Symptoms of Prescription
Drug Addiction
The symptoms of addiction will vary according to which prescription drugs they are abusing. Prescription pain medication, stimulants, and sedatives can all produce different sets of symptoms because they react differently in the body.
Prescription Pain Medications
Pain medications are commonly prescribed to reduce and manage pain from accidents, surgeries, and chronic medical conditions. Commonly abused pain medications are OxyContin, Percocet, and Vicodin.
Symptoms of prescription pain addiction include:
- Lacking coordination
- Poor judgment
- Depression
- Confusion
- Unhealthy risks
- Sweating excessively
- Constipation
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
Prescription Stimulant Medications
Stimulant medications are commonly prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to boost levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Stimulants that are commonly abused are Adderall and Ritalin.
Symptoms of prescription stimulant addiction include:
- Restlessness
- Losing weight
- Decreasing appetite
- Lacking sleep
- Agitation and irritability
- Impulsive behavior
- Reckless behavior
- Cardiac arrhythmia
Sedative/Anti-Anxiety Medications
Sedatives and anti-anxiety medications are commonly abused prescription medications. These types of prescription medications include Xanax, Valium, Ambien, and Trazodone.
Symptoms of sedative/anti-anxiety addiction include:
- Consistently drowsy
- Sleeping excessively
- Appearing intoxicated
- Using poor judgment
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Involuntary movements
- Memory loss
Withdrawal Symptoms
When prescription drugs are abused for prolonged periods of time, withdrawal symptoms can appear after stopping use. In severe cases, detox in a medical setting may be necessary to avoid severe consequences. During detox, medications and supervision will be provided to ease symptoms and provide comfort.
Withdrawal symptoms of prescription medications include:
- Abdominal cramps
- Anxiety
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Bone and muscle pain
- Agitation and irritability
- Insomnia
- Chills and sweats
- Depression
- Nightmares and intense dreams
- Rapid pulse
- Tremors and seizures
Treatment Options for
Prescription Drug Addiction with Solace
At Solace Treatment Center, our focus is on treating the patient with a whole-body approach. An outpatient program involves spending the day at the center and staying off site at night. Treatment begins with an assessment to discover individual needs and mental health issues that may be present in addition to prescription drug addiction.
Individual Therapy
Working one on one with a licensed clinician can help address issues that lead to addiction and identify triggers for addiction. Individual therapy can give better understanding and insight in order to effectively make changes that will allow for progression in recovery. Therapeutic goals can be established as a collaborative effort between the therapist and individual.
Group Therapy
Sharing experiences in a group therapy setting is one of the most beneficial parts of rehab. Group therapy allows for the development of social skills being supervised by a therapist. Similar experiences can be shared in order to relate and reduce feelings of lonliness.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be seen as the golden standard of therapeutic treatment. This evidence-based psychotherpay aids the patient in identifying factors that negatively affect them, such as negative thoughts and beliefs. Most of the time, the patient is not even aware of these issues that are important contributors to their addictive behaviors.
Dialectial Behavior Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that can be used to treat addictions including prescription drug addiction. DBT teaches four new skill strategies in order to fight addiction and develop a new way of life. When one replaces negative behaviors with coping mechanisms, they have a stronger chance at avoiding relapse into their addiction.
Experiential Therapy
Experiential therapy can be used to incorporate recreational activities and discover new hobbies. These new activities can give new or renewed interests that were once enjoyed before addiction. Yoga, hiking, art therapy, and meditation are introduced to help with balancing body and soul.
Physical Exercise
Addiction often includes isolation and a reduced interest in physical condition. When starting an exercise routine, physical health can improve rapidly to levels that were obtained before addiction. Creating new lifestyle habits that involve a physical exercise routine can improve physical and mental health.
Prescription Drug Addiction
Treatment in Whittier
Prescription drug addiction has become a widespread problem throughout the United States. This kind of addiction can lead to consequences with physical health, relationships, and mental health. Getting treatment for prescription drug addiction can help with finding recovery and gaining a better quality of life.
If you or a loved one are struggling with prescription drug addiction, reach out to Solace Treatment Center today. Our team can answer any questions you may have and give you a better understanding of our outpatient program.
