The definition of prescription drug abuse is when you take drugs other than how they were originally prescribed to you, and millions are struggling with the misuse of their medications. It is estimated that over eighteen million Americans abused prescription drugs in 2017 and this is a problem because it can lead to opioid addiction. With that comes an increased risk of overdose and death.
If you or someone you care about is suffering from an addiction to medications prescribed by a doctor, find out how a prescription drug detox program at Liberty Health Services can help. Don’t hesitate to contact us confidentially online or call us at 855.959.4521 today to discover what our comprehensive and compassionate care can do for you or your loved one.
How Prescription Drugs Are Misused
Each person’s journey into prescription drug misuse, abuse, and addiction is unique. That said, there are common themes and phases to how prescription drugs are misused and what the resulting opiate addiction looks like. Usually, things happen in four distinct stages, before the recovery begins with prescription drug detox.
Non-Medical Use
The first sign that you are misusing prescription drugs is when you begin using your prescriptions for non-medicinal purposes. This can be taking painkillers recreationally and without a prescription or to help cope with a co-occurring disorder. Sometimes experimenting with prescription drugs is not a sign that you have a desire to continue using the drug but for many people, non-medical use can become habit-forming and move into the second stage of prescription drug abuse.
Misuse
Misusing prescription drugs is much like non-medical use but it is done at a chronic and constant level. If you have taken more than the recommended dose of your prescription drug a few times, this is considered a non-medical use. However, when and if you regularly misuse prescription drugs, you have entered into the next damaging and dangerous stage of prescription drug abuse. This is a critical phase in opioid addiction because it is here where your tolerance for the drug is ramped up. The result is that you will continue to increase the dosage of the drug in order to keep experiencing the same high or same level of pain relief.
Abuse
Chronic misuse of prescription drugs is a clear sign of drug abuse. Signs that you or a loved one is suffering from prescription drug abuse include:
- Problems in your most important relationships
- Missing work, school, other commitments
- Failure to keep up your other responsibilities
This stage is where the warning signs of prescription drug abuse and a burgeoning addiction begin to appear for all to see. A prescription drug detox program may be needed if any common signs are spotted, such as:
- Intense cravings for more of the prescription drug
- Obsession with the drug
- Depression
- Irritability
- Severe fatigue
- Withdrawal when the drug is not used regularly
Addiction
Physical dependence on prescription drugs will eventually lead to a psychological dependence. When this happens, you are in the final stage of prescription drug abuse. Physical dependence on prescription drugs is seen when you experience withdrawal symptoms if not using the drugs. Psychological dependence is defined by the compulsive need to keep using the medications even though they are clearly having dramatic and harmful negative consequences in various aspects of your life, including:
- Relationships
- Physical health
- Mental health
- Finances
- Employment
- Criminal record
No matter what stage of prescription drug addiction you’re facing, our team can help. At Liberty Health Services, our team is committed to supporting people during each step of recovery. We provide personalized treatment plans that help people find the inner strength to restart their lives without addiction.
Choose Liberty Health Services for Your Recovery Journey
If you are currently misusing your prescription drugs and have the desire to stop, a prescription drug detox in a safe, medical environment is where long-term recovery starts. Contact Liberty Health Services today using our secure online form or call us at 855.959.4521 to learn more about our prescription drug detox program.
