Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription Drug Rehab Near Los Angeles

At Arrive Recovery Center, located in the heart of the Conejo Valley in Thousand Oaks, we provide specialized outpatient treatment programs for individuals struggling with prescription drug addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. Our comprehensive approach to treatment ensures that clients receive the highest quality care and support needed for successful recovery.

Prescription Drug Addiction Rehab in California

Understanding Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription drug addiction is a significant and growing concern in the United States. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), approximately 18 million people, or about 5.1% of the population (about 14.3 million people), misused prescription medications at least once in the previous year. This misuse can lead to severe physical and psychological dependencies, disrupting the lives of individuals and their families.

Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs

Prescription drug abuse affects individuals across all demographics, from teens to older adults. According to the NIDA survey mentioned earlier, around 5% of 12th graders reported misusing any prescription drug in 2022, highlighting the prevalence of this issue among different age groups. If you’re concerned about prescription drug use in yourself or a loved one, understanding the most commonly abused prescription drugs may be beneficial for recognizing the signs of addiction and seeking appropriate treatment.

Some of the most frequently misused prescription drugs include:

1. Opioids: Medications such as oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), morphine, and oxycodone-acetaminophen (Percocet) are prescribed for pain relief but are highly addictive and frequently misused. Opioid addiction can lead to severe health complications and is a significant contributor to the ongoing opioid epidemic in the U.S.

2. Benzodiazepines: Drugs like alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), clonazepam (Klonopin), and lorazepam (Ativan) are prescribed for anxiety and insomnia but can lead to dependence and abuse. Long-term use or misuse of benzodiazepines can result in cognitive impairment, physical dependence, and withdrawal symptoms.

3. Stimulants: Medications such as amphetamine-dextroamphetamine (Adderall), lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), and methylphenidate (Ritalin) are prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) but are often misused for their energizing effects. According to the NIDA survey mentioned earlier, about 3.7 million respondents reported misusing prescription stimulants in the past 12 months. Abuse of stimulants can lead to cardiovascular problems, mental health issues, and addiction.

4. Sleep Medications: Drugs like zolpidem (Ambien) and eszopiclone (Lunesta) are prescribed for sleep disorders but can be habit-forming and abused. Misuse of these medications can result in dependence, memory problems, and complex sleep-related behaviors.

Dangers of Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription drug addiction poses significant risks to both physical and mental health. Understanding these dangers is essential for recognizing the severity of the issue and the importance of seeking treatment.

1. Health Complications
Long-term abuse of prescription drugs can lead to a variety of severe health issues:
- Organ Damage: Chronic misuse of certain medications, particularly opioids and benzodiazepines, can cause lasting damage to vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, and heart.
- Respiratory Problems: Opioid abuse can significantly depress respiratory function, increasing the risk of respiratory failure and death.
- Overdose Risk: The risk of overdose is high with many prescription drugs, especially when taken in large quantities or combined with other substances. Overdoses can be fatal or cause permanent damage.
2. Mental Health Issues
Prescription drug addiction often exacerbates existing mental health conditions and can lead to new psychological problems:
- Exacerbation of Mental Health Conditions: Addiction can worsen symptoms of depression, anxiety, and mood disorders, creating a vicious cycle of dependency and emotional distress.
- Cognitive Impairment: Long-term abuse of substances like benzodiazepines can impair cognitive function, affecting memory, attention, and decision-making abilities.
3. Social and Relationship Strain
Addiction can severely impact personal and professional relationships:
- Strained Relationships: The behavior changes associated with addiction often lead to conflicts and strained relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.
- Isolation and Social Withdrawal: Individuals struggling with addiction may withdraw from social interactions, leading to loneliness and further emotional distress.
4. Legal and Financial Problems
The consequences of prescription drug addiction often extend into legal and financial domains:
- Legal Issues: Prescription drug abuse can result in legal consequences, such as arrests for illegal possession or fraudulently obtaining medications.
- Job Loss: The inability to fulfill work responsibilities due to addiction can lead to job loss and subsequent financial instability.
- Financial Instability: The cost of obtaining drugs, legal fees, and healthcare expenses can lead to significant economic burdens.

Signs and Symptoms of Prescription Drug Addiction

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of prescription drug addiction is paramount for early intervention and, ultimately, effective treatment. Here are some common indicators to be aware of, whether for yourself or a loved one:

1. Increased Tolerance

Needing Larger Doses: Over time, individuals may require larger doses of the medication to achieve the same therapeutic effects, indicating a developing tolerance. This often leads to taking more than prescribed, which can escalate dependency.

2. Withdrawal Symptoms

Physical and Emotional Withdrawal: When not taking the drug, individuals may experience a range of withdrawal symptoms. These can include physical discomforts, such as nausea, sweating, and shaking, as well as emotional symptoms, like anxiety, irritability, and depression. The severity of these symptoms can make it difficult for individuals to stop using the drug on their own.

3. Doctor Shopping

Multiple Prescriptions: Visiting numerous doctors to obtain additional prescriptions for the same medication is a common tactic used by those struggling with addiction to maintain their supply. This practice can also involve exaggerating or fabricating symptoms to receive more medication.

4. Neglecting Responsibilities

Decline in Performance: Failing to meet obligations at work, school, or home due to the prioritization of drug use over responsibilities. This can manifest as poor performance, absenteeism, and a general lack of interest in daily activities.

5. Changes in Behavior

Noticeable Behavioral Shifts: Addiction often leads to significant changes in mood, behavior, and personality. These can include increased secrecy, irritability, and withdrawal from social activities and relationships. Individuals may also become defensive or evasive when questioned about their drug use.

Am I Addicted to My Prescription Medication?

If you are concerned about your prescription drug use, you may find it necessary to evaluate your behavior and feelings regarding your medication. Addiction can develop gradually, making it difficult to recognize. Consider asking yourself the following qualifying questions to determine if you might be developing a dependency:

Do I take my medication more often or in higher doses than prescribed?
Do I feel anxious or panicked at the thought of running out of my medication?
Have I attempted to cut down or stop using my medication without success?
Do I spend a significant amount of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of the medication?
Has my use of prescription drugs negatively impacted my relationships, job performance, or daily activities?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, it may be an indication that you are developing a dependency on your prescription medication. Seeking professional help can provide you with the support and treatment needed to address this issue, preventing further health complications and improving your chances of recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, contact Arrive Recovery Center today at 805-918-1374. Let us walk beside you as you begin your path to recovery.

What Is Prescription Drug Rehab in California Like?

Prescription drug rehab in the state of California varies, depending on what level of care is needed for each person. Overall, substance abuse treatment is a structured and supportive process designed to help individuals overcome addiction and achieve lasting recovery. The different types of rehab programs and levels of care that are available to those struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) include:

1. Inpatient/Residential Treatment

Inpatient or residential treatment involves living at a treatment facility for an extended period, typically 30 to 90 days. This highly structured environment provides round-the-clock medical supervision and support. This level of care is ideal for individuals with severe addiction or those who need to be removed from a triggering environment.

2. Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

PHP is a step down from inpatient care and one step up from an intensive outpatient program (IOP). It offers intensive treatment during the day, typically during working and school hours, while allowing clients to return home or to a sober living house in the evenings. This level of care provides comprehensive support and medical supervision, typically involving several hours of daily therapy and treatment activities.

Learn More About PHP at Arrive

3. Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

IOP is a flexible treatment option that provides structured therapy sessions several times a week. Clients can continue to live at home and maintain their daily responsibilities while receiving the support and guidance needed for recovery. IOP is suitable for individuals requiring a higher level of care than standard outpatient treatment (or weekly therapy sessions) but not requiring round-the-clock supervision.

Learn More About IOP at Arrive

4. Standard Outpatient Treatment

Standard outpatient treatment involves regular therapy sessions, typically once or twice weekly. These can be group or individual therapy sessions, depending on the individual and their needs and the particular program. This level of care is often ideal for individuals with milder addiction issues or those transitioning from more intensive treatment, just needing support as they transition back to daily life. Standard outpatient programs, like IOPs, offer the flexibility to maintain work, school, and family commitments while receiving ongoing support.

Learn More About Outpatient Treatment at Arrive

Why Choose Arrive Recovery Center for Outpatient Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Near Los Angeles

Arrive Recovery Center stands out as a premier choice for outpatient prescription drug addiction treatment near the San Fernando Valley and Thousand Oaks area. Here’s why:

1. Experienced Team: Our clinicians and therapists are experts in addiction treatment and dedicated to providing compassionate care.

2. Personalized Treatment Plans: We create customized treatment plans tailored to each client’s needs and circumstances.

3. Flexible Outpatient Programs: Our outpatient programs allow clients to receive intensive therapy while maintaining their daily responsibilities.

4. Holistic Approach: We incorporate holistic therapies to support physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

5. Ongoing Support: Our commitment to clients extends beyond treatment, with comprehensive aftercare planning and support.

Call: 805-918-1374

Begin Your Journey With Arrive

If you or a loved one is struggling with prescription drug addiction, contact Arrive Recovery Center today to learn more about our prescription drug rehab programs and schedule an initial assessment. Call us at 805-918-1374 to get started.

At Arrive Recovery Center, we are committed to helping you arrive at a place of healing, hope, and recovery. Let us be your partner on this transformative journey.

(805)-918-1374

References

NIDA. 2023, December 14. What is the scope of prescription drug misuse in the United States?. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/misuse-prescription-drugs/what-scope-prescription-drug-misuse on 2024, July 30
Schepis, T. S., McCabe, S. E., & Ford, J. A. (2022). Recent trends in prescription drug misuse in the United States by age, race/ethnicity, and sex. The American Journal on Addictions, 31(5), 396-402. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajad.13289
McCabe SE, Schulenberg JE, Schepis TS, et al. Trajectories of Prescription Drug Misuse Among US Adults From Ages 18 to 50 Years. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(1):e2141995. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.41995

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