Prescription medications are used daily by millions of Americans to treat conditions that range from anxiety to pain management. There are numerous classifications of prescription medications, many of which have a high risk for abuse and addiction. Opioids, central nervous system depressants, and stimulants are the most commonly abused.
Prescription drug addiction has been on the rise in recent years. Research indicates that approximately 20 percent of Americans over the age of 12 have reported using prescription drugs recreationally for their mind-altering effects. Even for people who take these drugs as prescribed, the risk for dependency is high. For anyone struggling with dependence or addiction to these medications, a professional prescription drug detox is the safest way to break the cycle. Spokane Falls Recovery Center is pleased to announce that we will be opening a state-of-the-art detox program in the fall of 2021. Reach out to our team of compassionate, experienced professionals today at 844.962.2775 to learn more about what you can expect when you or someone close to you enrolls in prescription drug detox.
Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse and Addiction
Prescription medications are beneficial when used correctly. Most of them are not intended for prolonged use, mainly because of the risk for dependency, abuse, and addiction. When many of these medications were first introduced, doctors and the general public were unaware of how addictive they were, and doctors began writing more prescriptions than ever before. Many experts point to the sheer availability of these drugs as a significant contributor to the rise in prescription drug abuse. Fortunately, there is now widespread awareness about the inherent risks associated with the use of opioids, central nervous system depressants, and stimulants.
Simply put, prescription drug abuse refers to using medications in any way other than how they were prescribed. The signs and symptoms of abuse or addiction will vary depending upon the type of drug; however, some common indications of abuse or addiction include:
- Refusing to try treatment options other than medication
- Taking more than the prescribed dosage or running out of medicine early
- Having multiple prescriptions from different doctors
- Developing a tolerance so that higher doses are needed to achieve the same effects
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when doses are missed
- Taking other people’s medications or buying prescription drugs illegally
- Mood swings, social withdrawal, or inability to tend to daily responsibilities
Withdrawal from prescription opioids, stimulants, and central nervous system depressants is unpleasant and can be dangerous. The fear of withdrawal symptoms is one of the most commonly reported reasons for not seeking treatment. At Spokane Falls Recovery Center, we understand these fears. This is why starting this fall we will be offering a safe, effective prescription drug detox program.
Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Begins with Detox
The first step toward sobriety is ridding the body of all drugs and alcohol, a process known as “detox.” Detox begins with a thorough evaluation and medical assessment. Our team will gather information about your medical and personal history and the details of your substance use. This information will be used to create an individualized treatment plan so that your detox can be as comfortable and effective as possible. Withdrawal symptoms from prescription drugs can be intense, and the detox process is physically, mentally, and spiritually draining. Attempting to withdraw from certain prescription drugs, especially when they’ve been used in conjunction with alcohol, can be dangerous and even deadly. A medically supervised detox is the safest and most successful option.
Prescription drug detox usually lasts between seven and ten days. However, the process is unique to each individual and dependent upon factors including:
- The type of prescription drug(s)
- The length of abuse or addiction
- The severity of abuse or addiction
- Overall physical health
- Use of additional substances, such as alcohol
- The intensity of withdrawal symptoms
Throughout the detox process, you or your loved one will receive around-the-clock care from our compassionate, experienced team of medical and clinical professionals. Prescription drug detox is the first step toward a lifetime of sobriety. Following detox, the recommended course is to participate in our prescription drug rehab center. Here, you will work through the issues that led to your substance use disorder and learn the skills to live a life of recovery.
Reach Out to Spokane Falls Recovery Center to Learn More About Prescription Drug Detox
If prescription drug use has taken over your life and you are ready to regain control, reach out to Spokane Falls Recovery Center. Our experienced team of addiction specialists is prepared to help you through prescription drug addiction treatment, and soon we will be adding prescription drug detox to our long list of trusted programs. Call us at 844.962.2775 or reach out to us online to learn more.