Prescription Drug Abuse in Charleston, SC

Not every case of substance abuse involves illicit street drugs. In reality, some of the most powerful and addictive drugs in use today are prescribed by doctors and may be in your own medicine cabinet. Prescription drug abuse is rampant in the United States, with 45 percent of drug overdose deaths involving prescriptions. Many people believe that prescription drug abuse is somehow safer than using illicit drugs, since prescription medications are handed out by doctors and dispensed by pharmacies. However, prescription drug abuse can quickly evolve into addiction, and it causes a host of devastating physical problems.

Widely Abused Prescription Drugs

Any prescription drug has the potential for abuse, but most cases of prescription drug abuse tend to involve three categories of medications: opioid painkillers, stimulants and sedatives.

. Opioid painkillers: This category of drugs includes Vicodin, Fentanyl and OxyContin, which are used to treat severe pain. In addition to blocking pain, opioids produce feelings of intense euphoria and well-being. The effects of these painkillers are similar to those of heroin; in fact, the National Institute on Drug Abuse indicates that about 80 percent of people with a heroin addiction began by abusing prescription painkillers.
. Stimulants: Drugs such as Ritalin and Adderall are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. However, these medications are frequently abused by people who use them to improve their cognitive performance or stay up for long periods of time.
. Sedatives: Anti-anxiety medications such as Valium, Xanax and Klonopin belong to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. These drugs enhance the effects of GABA, a neurotransmitter that can produce feelings of well-being and calm.

Addiction and Dependence

Prescription drug abuse can quickly lead to addiction, which is marked by the compulsive use of a drug regardless of the negative consequences of using. It also leads to dependence–a condition marked by increased drug tolerance and withdrawal symptoms that occur when drug use is stopped.

Catching a substance abuse problem in its early stages makes treatment easier, so it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of prescription drug abuse:

. Getting prescriptions from multiple doctors, or “doctor shopping” until a prescription is obtained
. Forging or stealing prescriptions
. Using prescription drugs for nonmedical purposes
. Using prescription drugs to stave off withdrawal symptoms
. Mood swings and personality changes
. Diminished interest in typical activities
. Relationship, health or financial problems

The Importance of Treatment

Addiction is a chronic and relapsing disease that has a serious impact on the brain’s structure and function. It can’t be cured, but it can be controlled and overcome through treatment. Because it’s a relapsing condition, it can return if prescription drugs are abused after a period of abstinence.

It takes more than willpower and self-discipline to conquer an addiction to prescription drugs. A quality Charleston treatment program is necessary to address both the physical and psychological components of addiction. Treatment for prescription drug abuse begins with medical detox, where the body can rid itself of toxins and break its dependence on the substance of abuse. After withdrawal is complete, rehabilitation can begin.

Treatment isn’t always easy, but it’s effective. Through treatment, it’s possible to boost self-esteem, find purpose in life and achieve long-term recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with prescription drug abuse, Charleston Drug Treatment Centers can help you turn your life around. Just give us a call today at (843) 480-9956.