Most Abused Prescription Drugs

Addiction is one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States, impacting more than 10% of Americans annually. Prescription drug abuse is a large contributor to addiction, especially the opiate epidemic. Sometimes, prescription drugs serve as a gateway drug. For example, prescription drug abuse can cause you to experiment with illicit opiates, like heroin. Many of the most abused prescription drugs provide significant therapeutic benefits but are also prone to abuse.

Medications like benzodiazepines and opiates are addictive because of their ability to causes euphoric effects. When you become addicted to prescription drugs, it is important to reach out for help as early as possible. Since addiction is a progressive condition and worsens over time, finding treatment as soon as possible greatly improves your chances of maintaining recovery.

Most Abused Prescription Drugs

Opiates and benzodiazepines are among the most abused prescription drugs in the United States. Even though many of the most abused prescription drugs are necessary to treat certain conditions, they are prone to abuse and can be both physically and psychologically addictive.

Some of the most abused prescription drugs include:

• Vicodin and Percocet
• OxyContin
• Xanax
• Morphine
• Adderall and Ritalin

When you become addicted to prescription drugs, your brain begins rewarding you with neurotransmitters whenever you use. This causes a rush of pleasurable emotions. However, when the effects wear off, you are suddenly depleted of neurotransmitters. This causes depressed moods and cravings.

Your brain also begins associating drugs and alcohol with pleasure and whenever you are exposed to a trigger, you experience intense cravings. Since addiction changes your brain chemistry, it takes time to recover.

Treating a Prescription Drug Addiction

Since most abused prescription drugs are physically addictive, you can have a hard time quitting on your own because withdrawal symptoms can become painful and overwhelming. Withdrawal symptoms can cause anxiety and depression because your brain is depleted of neurotransmitters and can last anywhere from 3 days to one week.

Following withdrawal and inpatient medical detox, your brain and body begin to heal. It can take time for your brain to relearn how to properly release neurotransmitters. If you have a co-occurring disorder, it is important to seek out a dual diagnosis treatment center because your mental health symptoms can degrade during substance abuse recovery.

Treatment options include both inpatient and outpatient program. Inpatient treatment is residential and may also include medically supervised detox. Inpatient programs can also help you connect with follow-up care after discharge. Outpatient programs allow you to go home each night and is a great step-down option following inpatient treatment. Outpatient rehab programs allow you to continue working or going to school during recovery.

Finding a Treatment Center Today

Many of the most abused prescription drugs are physically addicting. If you or a loved one is struggling with a substance abuse problem or addiction, finding help is only a phone call away. Beaches Recovery, which offers premier prescription drug abuse treatment, is here to help you find recovery. To find out more about our programs, call us today at 866.605.0532.