Prescription drug abuse is a nationwide epidemic. This is especially true when it comes to young adults and opioid pain relievers. The Foundation for a Drug-Free World estimates that more than 15 million people in the United States abuse prescription drugs each year. Most people don’t take prescription drugs with the intention of getting hooked on them. In many instances, it just happens. The commonly abused prescriptions, such as opioids, pain killers, and stimulants, are highly addictive.
Why It’s Easy to Overuse the Commonly Abused Prescriptions
Some habit-forming prescription drugs stop physical pain and cause patients to feel a sense of euphoria. When the positive effects wear off, the pain returns. It’s easy to develop a substance abuse problem with prescription drugs because patients manage their dosage.
Our team at Sunflower Wellness offers prescription drug treatment programs for our patients. Some of the most commonly abused prescriptions are oxycodone, fentanyl, and amphetamines. Let’s explore these drugs and their effects on the body.
Oxycodone
Doctors prescribe oxycodone to relieve pain. It is one of the most powerful opioid painkillers on the market. Oxycodone brands include OxyContin, Roxicodone, and Percocet. Street names include killers, oxy, and percs.
Oxycodone is commonly abused because of the feelings that it creates. People use this drug to reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and boost their confidence.
When used correctly, oxycodone is beneficial. The problem occurs when people obtain the drug illegally or use it incorrectly. With each use, the body develops a high tolerance for it. As a result, people have to take higher doses to feel its positive effects.
Oxycodone abuse can result in addiction or death. Its side effects are constipation, nausea, difficulty breathing, headaches, seizures, confusion, and drowsiness.
Fentanyl
Typically, doctors prescribe fentanyl for patients who experience severe pain. Cancer patients take this drug to manage chronic and acute pain. Depending on the prescription, this synthetic opioid can be twice as strong as morphine.
Fentanyl is one of the most popular prescription drugs that people use recreationally for feelings of relaxation and euphoria. People combine it with cocaine and heroin to boost its effects. Fentanyl abuse can lead to bad dreams, hallucinations, and death.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines are stimulants. Another name for this group of drugs is speed. Typically, doctors prescribe amphetamines to treat obesity, narcolepsy and ADHD. Prescription amphetamines include Adderall, Dexedrine, Vyvanse, and generic ADHD medications.
These drugs are popular because they increase alertness and energy. People who are likely to abuse amphetamines include college students, truck drivers, and people who work to meet deadlines. Symptoms of amphetamine abuse include headaches, reduced appetite, paranoia, rapid heart rate, nausea, and vomiting. Long-term abuse of amphetamines can cause psychosis and brain damage.
Achieve Lasting Recovery
At Sunflower Wellness Retreat, our mission is to provide drug treatment programs that lead to lasting recovery. If you or a loved one needs assistance, our substance abuse treatment team is just a phone call away.
We understand how challenging it can be to recover from substance abuse. That’s why Sunflower Wellness Retreat has different programs to meet our patients’ needs. Our programs include an intensive outpatient program, holistic detox (not medical), outpatient, trauma therapy program, relapse prevention programs, and residential inpatient program.
In addition to treatment programs, patients have the opportunity to participate in recreational activities. We offer access to a basketball court, full-time gym, and volleyball court. Our treatment center offers 12 acres of land for our patients to enjoy. Don’t let these commonly abused prescriptions prevent you from getting help.
When it comes to substance abuse, it’s important to face it as soon as possible. It isn’t something that will go away without a quality drug treatment program.
Don’t allow substance abuse to keep you from living your best life. Reach out to our team for immediate assistance. Call Sunflower Wellness Retreat at 855.730.8825 to discuss your drug treatment options.
