Commonly abused prescription drugs are often as dangerous as “street” substances, yet they’re widely available. A drug that’s safe or essential to take when you have a particular condition can become deadly when taken for pleasure instead. Since these medications are prescribed by doctors and dispensed by pharmacies, there’s a common misconception they’re somehow safer to use. Learn about the risks of misusing these commonly abused prescription drugs. For more information about prescription drug addiction treatment, contact the experts at Viewpoint Dual Recovery Center at 855.746.3633.
Use vs. Abuse of Prescription Drugs
Not every person using one of these medications is addicted or abusing it. If your doctor prescribed the medicine for you and you’re following their directions, you’re not misusing or abusing your drugs. If you’re having unpleasant side effects or withdrawals, talk to your doctor about treatment options. People who take prescription drugs that are not prescribed by their doctor are at least misusing them. If misusing the medication becomes necessary to avoid unpleasant side effects, misuse has crossed the line into abuse. A legitimately prescribed medication can still become an addiction if you misuse it and become dependent on it.
Sleeping Medication and Sedatives
Sleeping medications, sedatives, and depressants are some of the most commonly abused prescription drugs. While they can relieve anxiety, promote a feeling of calmness, and relax tense muscles, that effect can also extend into depressing the breathing and stopping the heart when abused. These medications are especially dangerous when mixed with pain medications or alcohol. Some drugs that fall into this category include Ambien, phenobarbital, and Xanax.
Pain Medications
The opioid crisis has received a lot of attention, so most people are well aware that pain medications are commonly abused prescription drugs. Any treatment that reduces pain can become addictive due to the way the body processes pain. Discomfort can return after an injury has healed when attempting to stop taking the medication, leading to continued use that turns into abuse as tolerance grows and pain returns. Sticking to the precise amount of medicine recommended by a doctor is essential to avoid accidental misuse and abuse of powerful pain medication.
Prescription Stimulants
While both pain medication and sedatives tend to relax and relieve pain, prescription stimulants can give you energy and focus. Amphetamines like Adderall help people with ADHD follow a daily routine, but in someone without the condition, the medication is exciting and stimulating instead. Aggression, delirium, and anxiety can all come from abusing these stimulants. They’re less likely to become misused or abused by their original prescription holder but tend to become commonly abused prescription drugs when stolen or sold instead. Since millions of people with ADHD and other conditions rely on these medications, they’re not hard for family members or friends to access and misuse.
Get Treatment for Prescription Drug Abuse Today
Don’t let an addiction to these commonly abused prescription drugs interrupt your life any longer. At Viewpoint Dual Recovery Center, we work hard each day to ensure each person can get the lasting recovery they deserve. We specialize in dual diagnosis treatment, meaning that we address individuals who are battling both mental illness and addiction. With the help of dual diagnosis treatment, we can give you the tools you need to treat both conditions. We offer a range of helpful therapeutic options to help you learn these skills, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Group therapy program
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy program
Take charge by contacting Viewpoint Dual Recovery Center by dialing 855.746.3633. We’ll help you choose a treatment plan that addresses your underlying mental health struggles and trauma to have the tools you need for recovery.
