Prescription Drug Abuse in San Antonio, TX
Prescription drug abuse is when someone takes a higher dose that is necessary to treat the underlying problem, such as pain. Most cases of prescription drug abuse involve drugs including opioids, central nervous system depressants, and benzodiazepines. In some cases, prescription drug abuse begins after the person is prescribed the medication to treat an underlying medical disorder. Prescription drug abuse is serious and requires treatment as soon as possible.
To get help finding treatment centers, call San Antonio Drug Treatment Centers at (877) 804-1531 today.
Commonly Abused Drugs
Opiates - Opiates, often referred to as opioids, are designed to treat pain. Many opiates are prescribed to help relieve moderate to severe pain. They are highly addictive and are often prescribed in short intervals, such as one to two weeks. Some examples of commonly prescribed and abused opiates include:
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Vicodin
- Oxycontin
- Fentanyl
Sedatives - Sedatives, frequently referred to as central nervous system depressants, are primarily used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. This class of drugs is often called benzodiazepines. Common examples include Xanax, Valium, and Ativan.
Stimulants - Many stimulants are used to treat attention deficit disorder or narcolepsy, a sleep disorder. Frequently prescribed stimulants include Ritalin and Adderall.
Signs and symptoms of prescription drug abuse
These drugs can cause feelings of euphoria, drowsiness, and even mind-altering effects, which may lead to drug abuse. Some of the most common signs a prescription drug abuse include taking more than is prescribed or seeking a higher dose of the same medication.
Another sign is taking a drug that has not been prescribed to you. Additional symptoms of prescription drug abuse may include frequently requesting refills, crushing or breaking the pills to take them, stealing or borrowing prescription medications from other people, and visiting several different doctors for similar conditions.
Categories of Prescription Drugs
- Schedule I drugs are the most dangerous and are associated with potentially severe mental and/or physical dependence. Examples include heroin, ecstasy, and LSD.
- Scheduled II drugs have a high potential for abuse, and can also lead to severe physical or psychological dependence. These drugs include Vicodin, OxyContin, fentanyl, Adderall, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
- Schedule III drugs have moderate to lower potential for physical and psychological dependence. Examples include anabolic steroids, Tylenol with codeine, and ketamine.
- Schedule IV drugs have lower potentials for abuse and dependence. This includes Ativan, Valium, Xanax, and Ambien.
Health Risks
There are many different long-term health risks associated with prescription drug abuse. This includes organ damage and failure, particularly in the kidneys and liver. The person may also experience an increased tolerance level and can suffer from withdrawal symptoms without the drug. Other signs include psychological addiction and intense cravings along with decreased cognitive function. The individual may suffer from increased mental health symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and paranoia.
Treatment Medication
- Suboxone - Suboxone is a prescription drug commonly called buprenorphine. It is prescribed for treatment of opiate dependence. Unlike most other similar drugs, this one can be prescribed in a doctor's office.
- Methadone - Methadone is a prescription drug used to treat moderate to severe pain. It can also help treat symptoms of narcotic drug addiction by reducing symptoms in people addicted to heroin or other narcotics without causing the high associated with drug addiction.
- Naltrexone - Naltrexone is designed to help anyone who has stopped taking narcotics or alcohol to remain drug-free. It helps to block the high feeling that a person gets from taking drugs or alcohol.
- Antabuse - Antabuse creates an unpleasant reaction when alcohol is consumed and lowers the person's desire to drink.
- Neurontin- This drug is used to treat seizures that can be caused from drug withdrawal.
- Bupropion - This prescription drug helps to assist with quitting smoking. It is also used to treat depression.
If you or someone you love is struggling with prescription drug abuse it addiction, call someone for more information at San Antonio Drug Treatment Centers at (877) 804-1531.