Prescription Drug Addiction and Treatment Options
It is estimated that 45 people die from an opioid painkiller overdose every day. The abuse of prescription drugs is nothing new, however, the level at which prescription drugs are being abused has reached critical mass, and shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, in the time period from 2004 to 2010, the number of patients in treatment for prescription painkiller drug abuse and addiction has grown by more than 400%.
The US Attorney General recently stated that deaths from prescription painkiller overdose are an urgent and growing public health crisis. The statistics are staggering; A 2016 study found that more than 90% of doctors that prescribe narcotic pain-killers, do so in excess of the 3-day dosage guideline set forth by the federal government. Every day 2,500 individuals from 12 to 17 years of age abuse a prescription pain-killer for the first time. In short, prescription drug abuse is no longer a fringe behavior, it has gone mainstream, and has become more than just cause for concern.
Many young adults perceive prescription drugs to be safer to abuse than illegal street drugs. For teens ages 12 to 17 prescription drugs are more frequently abused than heroin, ecstasy, methamphetamine, and cocaine combined. Almost 1 in every 4 say they have misused or abused a prescription drug, and roughly 20% did so before the age of 15.
If you are looking for an Orange County drug rehab that offers treatment for precription painkillers for yourself, or someone you care about. Contact Broadway Treatment Center and speak with a addiction recovery specialist to discuss treatment options.
Addiction to any type of drug or alcohol is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, and should be treated as such. Everyone knows someone affected by substance or alcohol abuse. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, it is imperative that you take the time to speak to a professional about viable treatment options. Our prescription drug addiction helpline is available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.
What Are Inpatient Addiction Treatment Centers?
Inpatient addiction treatment centers offer 24-hour care to those suffering from addiction to alcohol, prescription painkillers and other drugs. An inpatient setting is appropriate particularly in the detoxification phase of recovery, when a patient is experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms, is somewhat medically unstable, and is at a higher risk of relapse. It is usually the first of several phases of recovery, and a patient generally goes on to lower levels of outpatient services as they reach set goals along the way.
The 24-hour care of an inpatient setting provides a safer environment, within which the patient can be monitored for progress towards stabilization, and withdrawal symptoms can properly be managed. Simply stated, Inpatient addiction treatment means that the patient stays at the facility, under 24-hour care, until they have been deemed to have stabilized by their physician, and are appropriate for discharge.
Broadway Treatment Center in among the top Huntington Beach drug rehab centers available. They offer proven theripies to assist those suffering from prescription drug abuse.
Addiction is a condition that compels an individual to use drugs or alcohol, without regard to the harmful effects to themselves or their loved ones. Drug or alcohol dependence is a complex disorder, and an individual typically cannot stop without assistance. If you see prescription or any type of drug abuse symptoms in someone, try to motivate them towards recovery. The initial step is usually a coordinated intervention, and a safe supervised detox that manages withdrawal symptoms. Generally, additional treatment such as behavioral therapy, individual counseling and/or group sessions are needed that can help the individual address the underlying issues that lead to substance abuse. Broadway Treatment Center offers effective treatment options for prescription drug addiction in Orange County California. For more information please call 1+714-443-8218.
List of some of the commonly abused prescription drugs:
- OxyContin®
- Suboxone®
- Concerta
- Ambien®
- Ritalin / Focalin
- Zoloft
- Lunesta®
- Adderall XR
- Opana® ER
- Xanax XR
- Klonopin / Rivotril
- Fentora
- Percocet
- Ativan
- Soma
- Valium
- Vicodin
Prescription Drug Abuse Statistics
According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), after alcohol and marijuana, over-the-counter medicines and prescription drugs are the most abused by high-school seniors. The research found that commonly abused drugs by teens were Adderall, Vicodin and various cold medicines. Many young adults mix these drugs with alcohol, which can lead to serious physical harm or death.
When surveyed, they reported, “A family member or friend gave the drugs to them”. The majority of those asked got the prescription drugs for free, while close to 11% bought them from a relative or friend, however, nearly twice that amount reported abusing prescriptions that were given to them by their doctor. Some individuals that are “hooked” on prescription drugs will visit multiple doctors in order to get multiple prescriptions filled.
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) tracks prescription drug misuse or abuse among youth. In a 2014 review of data, the rate of past year nonmedical pain reliever use among youth ages 12 to 17 was 6.2%. For young adults ages 18 to 25, the rate was 11.8%. Youths ages 12 to 17, or young adults aged 18 to 25, were more likely to misuse prescription drugs in the past year than adults aged 26 or older. The percentage of current misuse of prescription drugs significantly increased for those ages 12-17 from 2.2% in 2013 to 2.6% in 2014.
Prescription Drug Abuse Facts
Research conducted by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, revealed that teens who abuse prescription drugs are twice as likely to use alcohol, 5 times more likely to use marijuana, and as much as 20 times more likely to use illegal drugs such as ecstasy, heroin and cocaine, than those who do not abuse prescription drugs. In addition, a National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) study showed that one out of fifteen people who have used prescription painkillers for recreational use are likely to try heroin within ten years. Prescription drug abuse results in the largest percentage of deaths from drug overdose.
Cough Syrups Popular Among Teens
Cough suppressants that contain dextromethorphan (DXM) can be addictive, and are popular as a drug of abuse among teens. When taken in large quantities, DXM produces an altered time perception, distorted awareness, and hallucinations. The National Institute on Drug Abuse’s (NIDA) “Monitoring the Future Survey” showed 4% of teens admitted to abusing cough medicines.
The common brand names of over-the-counter dextromethorphan (DXM) cough syrups include Robitussin DM, Delsym and Vicks DayQuil. The common slang for these are “Purple Drank, Triple C, Robo and Poor Man’s Ecstasy”. Another popular concoction is Sizzurp, which is a mixture most commonly made from prescription cough syrup containing codeine, Mountain Dew or Sprite and Jolly Ranchers candy.
NSDUH data tracks prescription drug misuse or abuse among youth:
- In 2014, the rate of past year nonmedical pain reliever use among youth aged 12 to 17 was 6.2%. For young adults ages 18 to 25, the rate was 11.8%.
- In 2014, youths aged 12 to 17, or young adults aged 18 to 25, were more likely to misuse prescription drugs in the past year than adults aged 26 or older.
- The percentage of current misusers of prescription drugs significantly increased for those aged 12-17 from 2.2% in 2013 to 2.6% in 2014.
- On an average day during the past year, an average of 5,784 adolescents used prescription pain relievers non-medically for the first time.
If you see prescription drug abuse symptoms in someone, try to move them towards recovery. The initial step is a safe detoxification (detox) from drug withdrawal. During a supervised detox in a treatment center, the drug is gradually reduced to help lessen the withdrawal symptoms, making the patient more comfortable.
Generally, additional treatments may be needed, such as behavioral therapies, counseling and/or group therapy that can help the individual address his/her addiction. Broadway Treatment Center offers treatment for prescription drug addiction in Orange County California.
Addiction is a chronic brain disease that causes the addict to use drugs or alcohol, despite the harmful effects to themselves or others. Drug or alcohol dependence is a complex disease, and the addict generally cannot voluntarily stop on their own without medical assistance. Individuals who become addicted to drugs or alcohol occurs throughout the mainstream of society. There are effective treatments for drug addiction. If you are seeking information about treatment for prescription drug abuse, please call 714-443-8218
