Prescription Drug Addiction Treamtnet in Louisville, KY

When a person misuses a prescription drug, they take medication other than prescribed. This could mean taking a higher dose than prescribed or taking a medication originally prescribed to someone else. Sometimes, when someone misuses a prescription, they attempt to self-medicate a legitimate medical condition. In other cases, a person is attempting to feel a sense of euphoria or pleasure, known as a “high.” To help combat dependency, we offer prescription drug rehab in Louisville, KY.

If you or someone you love has been struggling with a prescription drug addiction, Louisville Addiction Center is available to help. Our comprehensive recovery program tackles the root cause of addiction, helping clients successfully reintegrate while thriving in their personal lives. We offer several levels of clinical care, including Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP). 

To learn more about overcoming prescription drug addiction and beginning to live the life you deserve, reach out to us directly. We look forward to speaking with you soon and helping you start your personal recovery journey. 

What Are Prescription Drugs?

There are three main categories of prescription medication. The three medications that are most commonly misused include:

• Opioids — Prescription opioid narcotics, also known as painkillers, are typically prescribed to treat moderate or severe pain. 
• Stimulants — Prescription stimulants are most commonly prescribed to treat attention deficit disorders like ADD and ADHD. 
• Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants — CNS depressants include sedatives, hypnotics, and tranquilizers, and are typically prescribed to treat sleep-related issues like insomnia and anxiety disorders. 

Prescription drugs are among the most widely misused chemical substances in the country. An estimated 5.1% of Americans over the age of 12 reported misusing a psychotherapeutic drug at least once within the past month. Fortunately, with the right tools, prescription drug addiction can be successfully overcome. 

Prescription Opioids 

Prescription opioids, also known as painkillers, include medications like:

• Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet)
• Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
• Morphine
• Codeine 
• Fentanyl 

Prescription opioids are effective for the treatment of moderate or severe pain when taken as prescribed. However, painkillers are highly addictive and potentially dangerous. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports, “In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the acceptance and use of prescription opioids for the treatment of chronic, non-cancer pain, such as back pain or osteoarthritis, despite serious risks and the lack of evidence about their long-term effectiveness.” Approximately 16,706 people died from a prescription opioid overdose in 2021 alone.

Benzodiazepines 

Benzodiazepines are most commonly prescribed for the treatment of moderate or severe anxiety disorders and sleep-related issues like insomnia. The most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines are:

• Alprazolam (Xanax)
• Lorazepam (Ativan)
• Diazepam (Valium)
• Clonazepam (Klonopin)

Benzodiazepines are highly addictive. Generally speaking, they are only prescribed for short periods of time to treat severe anxiety and panic disorders. For example, a psychiatric professional might prescribe Xanax, instructed to be taken at the onset of a panic attack. Taking Xanax consistently for more than two weeks can lead to dependence. 

Taking a high dose of a benzodiazepine medication results in a range of side effects and health-related issues. In some cases, taking a high dose of a benzodiazepine medication can be lethal. Approximately 12,499 people died from an overdose involving benzodiazepines in 2021. Most benzodiazepine overdose deaths involve other prescription medications, specifically opioid painkillers. 

Prescription Stimulants 

Prescription stimulants are most commonly prescribed to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. The most commonly prescribed stimulants include:

• Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall)
• Methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin)
• Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states, “When misusing a prescription stimulant, people can swallow the medicine in its normal form. Alternatively, they can crush tablets or open the capsules, dissolve the powder in water, and inject the liquid into a vein. Some can also snort or smoke the powder.” People can overdose on prescription stimulants when they are taken in extremely high doses. 

Prescription stimulants are highly addictive and widely misused. Among people aged 12 or older in 2021, an estimated 0.5% (or about 1.5 million people) had a prescription stimulant use disorder in the past 12 months. 

Contact Us Today

Addiction and co-occurring disorders don’t have to control your life. Louisville Addiction Center is waiting with open arms to give you the tools necessary for lasting change. Reach out to us today to learn more.

502-586-4554

Prescription Drug Addiction 

Prescription drug addiction can be difficult to detect, especially if a person is misusing a prescription drug that was originally prescribed to them for a legitimate medical condition. The signs and symptoms associated with prescription drug addiction vary depending on the type of prescription drug being misused. 

The most common symptoms of prescription opioid addiction include:

• Constipation.
• Nausea and vomiting. 
• Drowsiness and dizziness. 
• Confusion. 
• Loss of coordination. 
• Increased sensitivity to pain. 
• Slowed breathing rate. 

The most common symptoms of benzodiazepine addiction include:

• Drowsiness and dizziness. 
• An inability to concentrate. 
• A loss of coordination. 
• An inability to walk straight or stay standing. 
• Memory problems. 

The most common symptoms of prescription stimulant addiction include:

• Increased alertness. 
• Increased energy levels. 
• Loss of appetite and weight loss. 
• High blood pressure and body temperature. 
• Anxiety and panic attacks. 
• Paranoia. 
• Agitation and irritability. 
• Insomnia and an inability to fall or stay asleep. 

Some symptoms of prescription drug addiction stay consistent across the board. These symptoms include:

• “Doctor shopping,” or attempting to obtain more than one prescription at a time.
• Stealing or purchasing prescriptions from family, friends, or acquaintances. 
• Significant changes to mood and noticeable changes in appearance or behavior. 

Prescription Drug Withdrawal 

Prescription drug withdrawal can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening, depending on the type of medication being misused. If a person has been misusing prescription opioids or benzodiazepines, entering into a short-term inpatient detoxification program is necessary. While the symptoms associated with prescription stimulant withdrawal are rarely life-threatening, the duration of withdrawal can be reduced when professional treatment is sought. For most people, medical detox is a crucial first step on the road to long-term recovery. 

Treatment for Prescription Drug Addiction 

Successful prescription drug addiction treatment takes several important factors into account. The type of drug being used, the presence of any co-occurring issues, and the unique clinical needs of the individual must all be considered. There are two main courses of treatment for prescription drug addiction — behavioral therapy and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). 

Behavioral therapy is often delivered in a designated clinical setting. Depending on their needs, a person might choose to enter into an inpatient or outpatient treatment program. However, it is always recommended that clinical care is preceded by a short stay in a medically supervised detox facility. In most cases, the progression of treatment for prescription drug addiction is as follows:

• Medical Detox
• Inpatient or Residential Addiction Treatment 
• Partial Hospitalization (PHP)
• Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP)
• Outpatient Treatment (OP)
• Sober Living 
• Aftercare 

Our staff members are standing by to help potential clients determine which level of care is right for them. Contact us directly to learn more. 

Prescription Drug Rehab Louisville 

If you or someone you love has been struggling with prescription drug addiction, Louisville Addiction Center is available to help. We have developed an admissions process that is straightforward from start to finish. As soon as you or your loved one makes the decision to contact us, one of our experienced and compassionate staff members takes the lead. They guide you through every step of the process, from the initial assessment to arranging transportation to our prescription drug rehab in Louisville. 

We look forward to speaking with you soon and helping you get started on your personal journey of prescription drug addiction recovery. A healthy and happy life in recovery is only a phone call away. Contact us today!