Prescription drug addiction is most often caused by people not following the instructions of their prescriber. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Prescription drug misuse can have serious medical consequences.” Painted Desert Recovery uses evidence-based methods to help clients recover from prescription drug addiction.

What Is Prescription Drug Addiction?

Using a medication in any way other than as prescribed is considered prescription misuse. Intentionally or unintentionally misusing prescriptions has the potential to cause tolerance, dependency, and addiction. Many people unintentionally misuse their prescription medications if they notice the effects change. For example, someone prescribed opioids for chronic pain may take their dose sooner or increase their dose without consulting their prescriber if they notice the drug has become less effective. Misusing prescription drugs in this way can cause severe physical and mental health side effects. Individuals who abuse alcohol or illicit drugs are more likely to misuse prescription medications.

Prescribed supplements and herbal substances may also be misused. Many herbal substances, including Kratom, are unregulated, making it especially dangerous to misuse as the contents may differ between suppliers.

How Do People Misuse Prescriptions?

Many individuals misuse prescription medications without realizing it. Often, people read the “as needed” section of a prescription instruction and ignore the limitations of the dose or timeframe provided by their prescriber.

People misuse prescription medications in multiple ways. A few of the most common forms of prescription drug abuse include:

• Taking medication prescribed to someone else
• Using the drug more frequently than prescribed
• Taking a different dose than prescribed

According to NIDA, “Although most people take prescription medications responsibly, an estimated 52 million people (20 percent of those aged 12 and older) have used prescription drugs for nonmedical reasons at least once in their lifetimes.” Nonmedical use of prescription medications increases the risk of a person being diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD).

Commonly Misused Prescription Medications

Some prescription medications are more addictive and have a higher rate of misuse. Complications caused by alcohol or illicit drug abuse may also contribute to the misuse of medications.

A few of the most commonly misused prescription medications include:

• Gabapentin
• Antidepressants
• Stimulants
• Benzodiazepines
• Opioids
• Kratom
• Ketamine

Individuals taking multiple prescription medications have a higher risk of misusing them. Painted Desert Recovery educates clients and their families on the potential effects of prescription drug abuse, providing guidance on medication management.

Symptoms and Side Effects of Prescription Drug Addiction

The symptoms and side effects of prescription drug addiction vary widely depending on the following:

• Type of drug
• Dose and how long it was misused
• Co-occurring health conditions
• How it interacts with other substances

People who misuse illicit substances or alcohol have a higher risk of experiencing severe and potentially deadly symptoms and side effects. For example, prescription opioids taken with alcohol have the potential to slow breathing to the point of unconsciousness, coma, or death.

The symptoms and side effects of prescription drug addiction may include:

• An inability to stop taking the drug
• Physical symptoms, including muscle weakness, body aches, difficulty breathing, or nausea
• Psychological symptoms, including depression, anxiety, or paranoia
• Behavioral issues, including hyperactivity
• Sleep disturbances

Every drug has different potential symptoms and side effects. People who take prescription medication should familiarize themselves with the possible side effects.

How to Prevent Unintentional Prescription Drug Abuse

People who have been prescribed medications should consult with either their prescriber or pharmacist about potential complications, side effects, and interactions. Preventing unintentional interactions between prescription drugs and other substances reduces the risk of severe illness, injury, or addiction.

A few other ways people prevent prescription abuse include:

• Using medication reminders
• Having a loved one or member of a support system monitor medication
• Using medication management services

According to NIDA, “In addition to describing their medical problem, patients should always inform their health care professionals about all the prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and dietary and herbal supplements they are taking before they obtain any other medications.”

Treatment Options at Painted Desert Recovery

Clinicians collaborate closely with clients and their loved ones to ensure people have access to relevant, effective, and appropriate treatment options.

Painted Desert Recovery offers the following:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Group therapy
• Alternative holistic therapies

Aftercare and medication management may help people with chronic health conditions avoid future prescription misuse. The clinical team ensures clients have the tools and resources to successfully manage their health while preventing relapse.

How to Support a Loved One Struggling With Prescription Drug Addiction

Family and friends can provide essential support, accountability, and motivation for people recovering from SUD related to prescription medications. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for helping a family member who is drinking too much, using drugs, or dealing with a mental illness, research shows that family support can play a major role in helping a loved one with mental and substance use disorders.” Painted Desert Recovery encourages family members to support their loved ones during treatment by participating in recovery.

People intentionally and unintentionally misuse prescription medications in many ways, including taking them too often or at a higher dose than prescribed. However, many prescription medications can lead to addiction and other severe side effects if misused. Painted Desert Recovery helps women recover from prescription drug addiction using psychotherapy, peer support, and other forms of treatment. To learn more about our programs and services, call us today at (844) 540-0353.