Prescription drug abuse is a growing concern in the United States. The prevalence of these drugs, combined with their easy availability and potential for misuse, has created an epidemic of abuse that threatens to spiral out of control if not adequately addressed.
Unfortunately, prescription drug abuse often goes unrecognized and untreated until it has already taken its toll on individuals and families. Evoke Wellness Ohio can help. Call 866.430.9267 or reach out online to learn about your prescription drug addiction treatment options.
What Are the Most Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs?
Prescription drugs are widely used to treat various health conditions, from pain and mental health issues to heart disease and cancer. Unfortunately, some people abuse these medications for their potential euphoric effects. The most commonly abused prescription drugs include opioids, central nervous system (CNS) depressants, stimulants, and other sedatives.
- Opioids – OxyContin, Vicodin, and Percocet are widely abused due to their ability to produce a sense of euphoria. However, these drugs can also be highly addictive and lead to serious health problems or even death due to overdose.
- Depressants – Xanax and Valium are also commonly abused. These drugs work by slowing down the central nervous system, which can result in feelings of relaxation and sedation. While they are often prescribed for anxiety or difficulty sleeping, people may misuse these medications to achieve a sense of euphoria.
- Stimulants – Stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin work by increasing levels of alertness and energy in the body, which can result in feelings of euphoria. However, these drugs can also cause agitation, anxiety, and even heart problems if used in large doses.
- Sedatives – Ambien and Lunesta are sometimes abused as well. These medications work by slowing down the central nervous system to produce feelings of relaxation and sleepiness. They can be useful for treating insomnia or other sleeping difficulties, but they can have dangerous side effects if misused.
Prescription drugs can be a useful tool for treating various health conditions. However, they should always be taken as prescribed and should never be used recreationally or without consulting a medical professional. People who misuse prescription drugs are at an increased risk of developing addiction or experiencing serious side effects such as overdose or even death.
How Does Prescription Drug Abuse Start?
Prescription drug abuse can start with a legitimate need for medication to treat an injury, illness, or chronic condition. However, some people become addicted to these medications and use them without medical necessity. This type of misuse often starts with taking more than the prescribed dose of the medication, either on purpose or out of curiosity. In other cases, prescription drug abusers will obtain meds from friends or family members with similar conditions. Often, a person may start to take drugs recreationally without realizing the consequences of their actions. Those who have developed an addiction to prescription medications will also seek out and buy medication illegally on the street or online.
No matter how it begins, prescription drug abuse is dangerous and can lead to serious, long-term health complications. It’s important to understand the risks of taking prescription drugs and to be aware of any signs of addiction. If you believe that you or a loved one may have an issue with prescription drug abuse, seek help from a medical professional right away. With proper treatment and support, it is possible to reclaim your life and break free from substance abuse.
Getting Help for Prescription Drug Abuse
Recognizing and getting help for prescription drug abuse is one of the best ways to protect yourself. When misused, even prescription medications can be dangerous and lead to serious physical and mental health problems. Taking action now can save you from a potentially life-threatening situation. Here are some benefits of seeking help for prescription drug abuse:
- Improved overall well-being – Seeking help for prescription drug abuse can relieve you from a dangerous situation and improve your overall physical and mental health.
- Increased support – Treatment programs provide the necessary resources to help you stay sober, as well as access to counselors who can offer emotional support during recovery.
- Lower risk of relapse – Treatment programs focusing on relapse prevention strategies can help decrease your chances of returning to drug abuse.
- Prolonged sobriety – Treatment programs can provide the tools needed for long-term recovery and sobriety, allowing you to achieve lasting results.
- Improved quality of life – When prescription drug abuse is addressed, your lifestyle may improve dramatically. You’ll be able to enjoy daily activities without fear or guilt associated with drug use.
- Reduced reliance on drugs – Treatment for prescription drug abuse focuses on helping you reduce or eliminate your dependency on drugs, allowing you to lead a healthy and productive life.
- Improved relationships – Addiction can have a negative impact on relationships with friends and family. Treatment programs can help you build strong, supportive bonds with those around you.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with prescription drug abuse, it’s important to get help as soon as possible. Treatment programs can provide the necessary resources and guidance needed for a successful recovery. Don’t wait until it’s too late—seek help now and start your journey toward a healthier life.
Overcome Prescription Drug Abuse at Evoke Wellness Ohio
Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem that demands attention. It can affect anyone regardless of age or background and leads to significant physical, emotional, and financial damage. If you or someone you know is struggling with prescription drug addiction, many resources are available to help.
Evoke Wellness Ohio offers comprehensive services designed to support individuals in their recovery journey. This includes evidence-based treatment approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication management, individual and group counseling, and peer support. Our goal is to help individuals create a healthy lifestyle free of addiction. Contact us at 866.430.9267 or online for more information today.
