Prescription drug misuse has become a critical public health crisis across the United States. Nearly 18 million Americans aged 12 or older misused prescription medications in 2020 alone. Unfortunately, prescription drug addiction can cause severe health complications and even death in some cases.
At pH Wellness, we understand the complexities of prescription drug abuse and provide comprehensive treatment services to help you reclaim your life. With locations in Riverside, Santa Monica, and Rancho Cucamonga, we offer personalized care plans to treat addiction to prescription opioids, stimulants, sedatives, and other medications.
Alarming Statistics on Prescription Drug Abuse
Prescription drug abuse has escalated over the past few decades into a national epidemic:
- In 2020, over 9 million Americans misused prescription pain relievers, and over 6 million misused tranquilizers, sedatives, or stimulants.
- Every day, 128 people die from an opioid overdose in the United States.
- Prescription drugs contribute to over 70,000 deaths per year in America, more than vehicle crashes.
- About 1 in 12 high school seniors report past-year misuse of Vicodin; 1 in 20 report abuse of OxyContin.
These alarming statistics highlight the need for greater awareness and access to prescription drug addiction treatment across the country.
We understand that getting help for addiction can be challenging. Start with a free addiction assessment today.
Why Is Prescription Drug Abuse Rising?
The prescription drug abuse epidemic has escalated dramatically since the 1990s due to various reasons:
- Aggressive marketing of controlled medication by pharmaceutical companies
- Greater social acceptance of using drugs to treat pain and mental health conditions
- Extremely high prescription rates for opioids, sedatives, and stimulants
- Limited oversight over prescription monitoring and physician dispensing habits
- Low perception of harm associated with regulated pharmaceuticals
Fortunately, recent policy changes and greater public awareness have helped lower prescription rates. But millions still need help getting free from addiction.
Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs
The prescription medications that carry a high risk for abuse include:
Opioid Pain Relievers
Prescription opioid painkillers like OxyContin, Vicodin, and morphine are often misused to get high or relieve stress. In 2020, over 9 million Americans misused prescription opioids. When taken in high doses, opioids can cause slowed breathing, coma, and death. The risk also increases when combined with alcohol or sedatives.
Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants
CNS depressants used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders include Xanax, Valium, Ambien, and barbiturates. In 2020, over 6 million Americans misused prescription CNS depressants. High doses can slow heart rate and breathing to dangerous levels. Quitting suddenly can also cause life-threatening seizures.
Stimulants
Prescription stimulants for ADHD such as Adderall, Concerta, and Ritalin are misused for increased alertness, weight loss, or euphoria. About 5 million Americans misused prescription stimulants in 2020. Taking high doses can raise body temperature to unsafe levels.
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Warning Signs of Prescription Drug Addiction
- Developing a tolerance, needing higher doses
- Continued use despite physical/mental health decline
- Failure to fulfill work, school, or home obligations
- Social isolation and secretive behavior
- Financial/legal problems due to drug use
If you notice any combination of these red flags in yourself or a loved one, it is vital to seek help immediately.
The early signs of prescription drug addiction can be difficult to detect but may include:
- Strong urges to use the drug
- Inability to control or reduce use
A. Dangers and Effects of Prescription Drug Abuse
Misusing medications can cause extremely harmful health effects, such as:
Short-term effects: Impaired coordination, drowsiness, nausea, headache, seizures, heart problems, stroke, coma, and death in case of overdose.
Long-term effects: Addiction, physical dependence, tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, organ damage, mental illness, disability, and premature death.
In addition to health impacts, prescription drug abuse can also destroy careers, ruin finances, and fracture relationships. The personal, social, and economic toll makes treatment an urgent necessity.
B. Am I At Risk for Addiction?
Certain factors may increase susceptibility to prescription drug addiction:
- Personal or family history of substance abuse
- Underlying mental health conditions
- History of trauma or chronic stress
- Access and exposure to controlled medications
- Genetic predisposition
However, anyone who misuses medications can develop an addiction, irrespective of risk factors. If your use is causing health, work, or relationship problems, seek help right away.
For a free, confidential consultation with our experienced intake specialists, call (888) 707-3880.
Personalized Care
If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use disorder, contact us to speak with a caring intake specialist.
Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment
The key principles of effective addiction treatment include:
- Detoxification: Medically-managed withdrawal and 24/7 monitoring.
- Behavioral therapy: Individual/group counseling and cognitive techniques to change thinking patterns.
- Medication: FDA-approved prescription drugs to control cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Multimodal approach: Integrating medical, psychological, and social services.
- Customized programming: Personalized treatment planning based on individual needs.
- Aftercare support: Ongoing recovery coaching and access to support groups.
Prescription Drug Addictions We Treat
At pH Wellness, we offer comprehensive and integrated treatment for addiction to the following prescription medications:
Opioid painkillers: OxyContin, Vicodin, Percocet, morphine, fentanyl, codeine
Sedatives and hypnotics: Xanax, Valium, Ativan, Ambien, Lunesta
Stimulants: Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta, Dexedrine
Our addiction medicine experts design fully customized treatment plans to address misuse of any prescription drug. We also provide dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health issues that often accompany addiction.
How We Can Help You Recover
At pH Wellness, we utilize an integrated treatment approach to help you overcome prescription drug addiction. Our highly individualized programming consists of:
- Medically-supervised detoxification to manage withdrawal
- Intensive counseling and behavioral therapies
- Innovative treatment modalities like equine therapy
- Customized aftercare and community support
Our compassionate team of nurses, counselors, therapists, and peer recovery coaches leverage the latest clinical evidence and holistic healing strategies to treat addiction to prescription opioids, sedatives, stimulants, and other medications.
To learn more about or get started in our prescription drug abuse rehab programs in Riverside, Santa Monica, and Rancho Cucamonga, call us today at (888) 707-3880.
Prescription Drug Abuse Treatment in Riverside, Santa Monica, and Rancho Cucamonga
pH Wellness has offered life-changing addiction treatment services in Riverside, Temecula, and surrounding areas since 2013. We also have facilities in Santa Monica and Rancho Cucamonga to help even more people overcome prescription drug abuse.
Our multidisciplinary team delivers comprehensive clinical care rooted in evidence-based therapies, alternative healing, and peer support. If you are struggling with addiction to prescription opioids, sedatives, stimulants, or other medications, we encourage you to take the first step toward lifelong recovery.
