Millions of people in the United States use prescription drugs to manage a medical or mental health condition. People may believe all prescription medications are always safe to use, but this is not always true. Many prescription medications can cause unwanted side effects or have the potential for abuse and addiction.

Research from 2021 showed that over 14 million people over the age of 12 had misused a prescription drug in the previous 12 months.[1] Prescription drug abuse is a severe problem in the United States. Those living with prescription drug addiction often require significant treatment and support to overcome addiction and avoid relapse.

This article will explore what happens in prescription drug addiction treatment in San Antonio.

If you or someone you love struggles with prescription drug abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our comprehensive treatment and support programs in San Antonio.

Prescription Drug Addiction: An Overview

Doctors may prescribe medications to help people manage the symptoms of a mental health or medical condition. Most medical experts agree that taking prescription medications under careful supervision is generally safe.

However, some prescription drugs have the potential for misuse and addiction. They may have side effects that people like, which can lead to misuse. Prescription drug misuse means:

• Taking a higher dose of your prescription medication
• Taking a prescription drug more often
• Using a prescription drug for a longer period than prescribed
• Ingesting a prescription drug differently than prescribed, such as crushing pills and snorting them
• Taking a prescription drug for recreational purposes (without a prescription)

Prescription drug abuse can quickly develop into physical dependence or addiction. Recreational prescription drug use is most likely to cause addiction. However, people may develop signs of addiction when taking them as prescribed.

Tolerance is a symptom of addiction that may develop during a period of prescription drug misuse. Tolerance means that the body has adjusted to the presence of a drug. People who abuse prescription drugs may find over time that they need to use more of the drug to get the desired effects.

Prescription drug abuse can change how the body and mind work. These changes can make it very difficult to stop using the drugs without professional treatment and continuing support.

Commonly-Abused Prescription Drugs

Some prescription medications can cause desirable side effects that make people want to use more. Certain kinds of prescription medications have a greater potential for misuse, dependence, and addiction.

Here are some of the most commonly abused prescription medications.[2]

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines slow central nervous system (CNS) activity. Doctors may prescribe them to people with anxiety, sleep, or panic disorders. Common benzos include:

• Ativan (lorazepam)
• Xanax (alprazolam)
• Valium (diazepam)

Research from 2021 found that more than 12,000 people died of an overdose involving benzodiazepines.[1]

Opioids

Opioids are a type of drug typically used to treat pain. Doctors may prescribe these highly addictive pain relievers for patients after surgery or during treatment for a chronic condition. Common opioid painkillers include:

• Hydrocodone
• Codeine
• Oxycodone
• Morphine
• Fentanyl

In 2021, over 5 million people had a prescription for an opioid pain reliever. During that year, over 16,000 people died from an opioid-related overdose.[1]

Stimulants

People may take prescription stimulants to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other conditions. Common prescription stimulants include:

• Dextroamphetamine
• Lisdexamfetamine
• Methylphenidate
• Amphetamine+Dextroamphetamine

National Institute on Drug Abuse research from 2021 found that about 1.5 million people in the United States had stimulant use disorder.[1]

Alamo Behavioral Health accepts many major insurance plans, including:

Check if my insurance covers rehab

What to Expect in Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment

People who are addicted to prescription drugs may exhibit significant behavioral, physical, and emotional changes. If you or someone you love struggles with prescription drug addiction, you are not alone. You must seek comprehensive substance use disorder (SUD) treatment.

Assessment

Before starting substance abuse treatment, a medical or addiction specialist will evaluate your needs. This evaluation will consist of:

• Questions about your substance use
• A mental health and medical history
• Lab testing
• Physical exam

This evaluation can help your treatment team identify physical or mental health disorders that may require treatment during detox.

Detox

Your recovery journey will likely begin with a medically-supported detox program. Your treatment program may include:

• Round-the-clock supervision
• Assessments and screenings
• Medications to manage withdrawal symptoms
• Emotional support, including individual and group counseling when appropriate
• Holistic therapies, including exercise, mindfulness, and nutrition support

Having comprehensive support during detox increases your likelihood of long-term recovery.

Treatment

After your detox is complete, you will begin to engage in a tailored treatment plan that consists of:

• Medical care and medications
• Mental health care
• Behavioral therapies
• Individual, group, and family counseling
• Relapse prevention education
• Coping skills
• Mindfulness, art therapy, nutrition counseling, yoga, and other holistic therapies
• Aftercare planning and support

Depending on your unique needs, you may participate in inpatient or outpatient treatment. As your recovery needs change, your treatment team will reevaluate your course of treatment and make changes as necessary.

Find Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment in San Antonio

Prescription drug abuse is a serious problem, but help is available. If you or someone you love struggles with prescription drug abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health team to learn about our San Antonio treatment programs.

References:

1. National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA): What is the scope of prescription drug misuse in the United States?
2. National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA): What classes of prescription drugs are commonly misused?