We remain open and committed to providing services for our clients. For more information on our Coronavirus (COVID-19) procedures, Click Here

Prescription drug abuse

Home » Blog » Prescription drug abuse

When a person is using a prescription medication in the wrong way it is called prescription drug abuse. Problematic use of prescription drugs includes injecting ground-up pills to get high or even taking your friend’s painkiller for your backache. The abuse of drugs may become compulsive and ongoing, despite all the negative consequences.

It is an increasing problem that can affect people of all ages, including teens. Most abused prescription drugs are anti-anxiety medications, stimulants, opioid painkillers, and sedatives. Early intervention and early identification of prescription drug abuse can prevent this problem from becoming an addiction.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of prescription drug abuse depend on the drug type. Mind-altering properties of the following prescription drugs that people abuse make them the most popular:

Stimulants, such as amphetamine (Adderall, Mydayis, XR) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin, others). They are meant to treat hyperactivity/attention-deficit disorder (ADHD) and some sleep disorders. 

Opioids, such as Percocet and Oxycontin, contain hydrocodone, such as Norco. These drugs are used to treat pain.

Sedatives and Anti-anxiety medications, such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax), and hypnotics, such as zolpidem (Ambien), intended to treat sleep disorders and anxiety.

Prescription Drug Abuse

Here are symptoms and signs of prescription drug abuse, depending on their type:

Stimulants:

Feeling high, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, high body temperature, agitation, anxiety, insomnia, paranoia, increased alertness, and reduced appetite.

Opioids:

Feeling high (euphoria), nausea, drowsiness, slowed breathing rate, poor coordination, confusion, constipation, the increased dose required for pain relief, increased or worsening sensitivity to pain with higher doses.

Sedatives and Anti-anxiety medications:

Confusion, dizziness, problems with memory, poor concentration, slurred speech, drowsiness, unsteady walking and slowed breathing.

Other signs of prescription drug abuse:

  • Increase or decrease in sleep
  • Taking higher doses than prescribed
  • Stealing, forging or selling prescriptions
  • Continually “losing” prescriptions or requesting early refills
  • Excessive mood swings or hostility
  • Poor decision-making
  • Seeking prescriptions from more than one doctor

When it is time to seek help?

Talk to your family, friends, and doctor if you are feeling like you have a problem with overusing prescription drugs. Medical professionals are there to help you, not judge you, so don’t feel embarrassed. And remember: it is much easier to deal with this problem early before it turns into an addiction and will cause more serious problems.

Causes

Why do adults and teens abuse prescription drugs? Here are some reasons that might cause this problem:

  • To relieve tension or relax
  • Get high or feel good
  • Experiment with the mental effect of drugs
  • Increase alertness or reduce appetite
  • To be social and be accepted by peers
  • Improve academic performance and increase concentration
  • Prevent withdrawal and maintain an addiction

Risk factors for prescription drug abuse

Here are some of the risk factors for prescription drug abuse:

  • Family history of drug abuse problems
  • Present or past addictions to substances, including tobacco and alcohol
  • Exposure to a social environment where there is a drug use
  • Certain pre-existing psychiatric conditions
  • Lack of knowledge about potential harm of prescribed drugs
  • Easy access to prescribed drugs
Complications

Complications

Prescribed drug abuse can cause problems with mental and physical health. Some of the consequences can be very dangerous, such as death – when combined with other illegal drugs, alcohol, over-the-counter medications, and taking high doses.

Medical consequences

Here are some of the serious consequences and negative effects of prescription drug abuse:

Stimulants might cause serious heart problems, dangerously high body temperature, seizures or tremors, high blood pressure, aggressiveness, hallucinations, and paranoia.

Opioids can cause slowed breathing rate and breathing to stop, low blood pressure, or coma. Overdose of opioids has a significant risk of death.

Sedatives and anti-anxiety medications can cause slowed breathing, low blood pressure, and memory problems. Drug overdose might cause death or coma. Instant stopping of these drugs can cause withdrawal symptoms that include seizures and nervous system hyperactivity.

Prevention

How can prescription drug abuse be prevented? If you are taking commonly abused prescription drugs, make sure you know the ways to reduce the risk of drug abuse.

Make sure you are using the right medication. Check in with your doctor. Read and follow directions carefully. Only use drugs in the way they were prescribed. Make sure you know what your medication does and what to expect from it. Never take another person prescribed drugs. Don’t order drugs online unless they are from a pharmacy.

Preventing teen prescription drug abuse

Often young people misuse drugs and there are effects of drug abuse on the family. That’s why it’s important to know and follow these steps to help your teen prevent prescription drug abuse.

  • Discuss the dangers. 
  • Set rules. Let your teen know that he/she should only take the dose prescribed and talk to the doctor before making changes.
  • Discuss the dangers of alcohol use. Taking alcohol with medications will increase the risk of accidental overdose.
  • Keep your prescription drugs safe.
  • Make sure your teen isn’t ordering any drugs online. 
  • Properly dispose of medications. Don’t leave unused or expired drugs around.

Hathway recovery offers a variety of addiction services to meet your needs, including individual consultation, prescription drug abuse prevention programs, and the Outpatient Addiction Program and Intensive Addiction Program. We are here to help you to deal with the consequences of prescription drug abuse and addiction. If you have any questions about prescription drug abuse you can contact us today. And remember there are many drug abuse stories with a happy end!

Testimonials

  • Excellent treatment center. Hathaway put on the road to recovery, I been sober 2 years today! Thank you Dena and staff members!

    Mike M.
    star
  • Hathaway has saved my family. Before we found Hathaway my daughter was suffering with addiction however once we came to this facility the staff took her in and she felt comfortable and by a couple months she was ready to come back home fully recovered. Thank you Hathaway Recovery for saving her and thank you for the wonderful staff.

    Gabby H.
    star
  • First I’ll start by saying that, this facility is absolutely beautiful! A couple years ago my husband Tony attended Hathaway Recovery in Claremont Ca. While Tony was in residential he received every care needed for a successful recovery. Also, he was able to enjoy the home gym at the beautiful Hathaway home, it’s basketball court, pool and etc. which made his stay even more pleasant. I am forever grateful for the man Tony has become ever since his completion. He has two years clean under his belt and many more to come because of the amazing facility. Thanks again Hathaway Recovery and Staff, Keep Continuing Changing Lives, God Bless Diane and Tony

    Diane K.
    star
  • I came to Hathaway Recovery on court orders stemming from charges due to not taking medications for my mental health. I was fearful of what my future held and what that would look like. I have never been to a dual diagnosis treatment program before, and I didn’t know what to expect. I really didn’t think I had a substance abuse problem but after about 3-4 weeks of group therapy and the counselors here at this facility, I finally realized substance abuse influenced me to not be able to take care of my mental health. With the help of Hathaway Recovery’s team, I was able to build a strong foundation for my recovery that is vital to me and my family. The clinical staff, therapist, case managers, and counselors included, were honest, caring, and really helped me gain the knowledge I needed to build this recovery program and lifestyle. I am forever grateful for the treatment at Hathaway Recovery.

    Transition A.
    star
  • My brother has been addicted for years. All our family gave up on him. Recently, he completed an inpatient residential program at Hathaway Recovery. This place is blessed and so helpful. It’s very luxurious, you feel like you are on vacation at a beautiful resort. Hathaway Recovery staff is very helpful, understanding and supportive. They all helped him to recover and to become a human again and enjoy his life. This place also supports family members and teaches them how to deal with aftercare to prevent relapse. Hathaway Recovery is the place for those who are struggling with addiction. Thank you for everything!

    Beauty D.
    star
  • As a Trauma Informed Therapist I was contracted by Dina , the Owner to provide additional Trauma Informed Counseling. She indicated that she was seeking additional clinical services because her client population were enthusiastic about their recovery and she wanted to provide quality care. Working with Hathaway has been magical. This program does not separate addiction and mental health trauma into separate treatments, This program blends together the understanding that addicts have childhood trauma and have habitually used drugs or alcohol to dull their inner pain., Hathaway Recovery provides highly individual services for each client, including bilingual counseling. This is a program that I am proud to be a part of. Susan Pennington, LCSW – Trauma Informed Counseling Services.

    Susan P.
    star
  • Hathaway Recovery Center is the real deal. They helped me find myself when I was completely lost. After I lost the mother of my child due to a tragic accident. The therapists and counselors truly cared. We made a relationship with each other that was unbreakable. The other clients were awesome roommates and true to me. The house managers were great and the living situations were awesome. If I ever even think about slipping up I’ll be returning. Today I have over one year clean.

    Jimmie R.
    star
  • After searching many rehabs and after spending so much money to useless facilities we finally found Hathaway . From the bottom of my heart I would like to thank all the staff and all the residents that made my sons recovery easier from beginning to end.

    Gayane A.
    star
  • Hathaway truly saved my life. I am so grateful to have had an opportunity to go there. I came in at absolute rock bottom, 9 rehabs later and countless sober livings. I can tell you that this treatment center is different then every other one I’ve ever been to.

    Justin J.
    star
  • After running into some trouble with the law, a substance abuse counselor suggested that I check myself into Hathaway Recovery. Hathaway Recovery helped me get my life back together one step at a time. Through discipline, routine, and structure, I can honestly say that this treatment center has helped me tremendously! The staff are very helpful and caring to each person’s needs, and helped me to realize the beauty of living a sober life.

    Josh M.
    star
  • Hathaway Recovery stuff saw potential In me when I couldn’t. They showed me a new way of life, a better life. Coming to Hathaway recovery is the best decision I’ve ever made. I’m beyond grateful for everything the program has done for me!

    Gilberto F.
    star
  • Finally, Hathaway is a Treatment Center that offers a holistic approach to addiction. This center offers a safe place, community and a network to grow with throughout your recovery process. They make you feel that you are NOT alone. The leadership has been in your shoes!!! Hathaway Recovery is more than just a temporary fix, it is a foundation, a movement, a family to be a part of.

    Anthony P.
    star
  • One of the best places I have been too! They really know how to treat you and very professional!

    Ashley A.
    star
  • Hathaway Recovery and their staff have been nothing but supportive and understanding throughout our family member’s journey. I truly appreciate all the staff and their hard work. The communication has been great and has provided us a really positive experience. I would highly recommend this facility to anyone looking for a rehabilitation center for themselves or a loved one. Thank you Hathaway Recovery!

    Lilit H.
    star
  • Hathaway Recovery is a very solid, very friendly place. My boyfriend decided to go here and has spent a significant amount of time at the recovery house. They are very good at bringing clients to meetings and on fun outings occasionally! Hathaway is committed to their clients’ recovery and their sobriety and to helping them in any way possible. They go above and beyond for the clients and I definitely would recommend considering Hathaway for your sobriety/recovery.

    Rena
    star
  • Hathaway is a warm caring treatment oriented environment to receive help from various addictions and behavioral problematic issues. The location itself is serene and safe.. I enjoyed the both staff/professional’s and patient’s… It has many services available, a very unique place… I recommend anyone to come and receive long-term treatment here at Hathaway…

    Mia
    star
  • Hathaway Recovery is a very solid, very friendly place. My boyfriend decided to go here and has spent a significant amount of time at the recovery house. They are very good at bringing clients to meetings and on fun outings occasionally! Hathaway is committed to their clients’ recovery and their sobriety and to helping them in any way possible. They go above and beyond for the clients and I definitely would recommend considering Hathaway for your sobriety/recovery.

    Rena
    star
  • “There was no longer any doubt in my mind that I was in the right place for my drug abuse treatment, “Of all the rehabs I could have chosen, I am glad I picked The Hathaway Recovery Support hope respect and care is what i was offered thanks for everything Hathaway recovery you are the best

    Inga
    star
  • Hathaway Recovery is an awesome place the whole staff has been so helpful they are very professional and very nice Hathaway recovery is a great place to get your addiction treated my brother is doing very well there and we are so glad they were very understanding and willing to help him.

    Lisa
    star
  • A very welcoming environment and kind hearted staff that really took care of my relative and cleaned him up. Thanks Hathaway recovery.

    David
    star
  • When your loved one is sick and needs help you look for the best and I found the best for my son thank you for everything you did for him.

    Makruhi
    star

    Hathaway Recovery is an exclusive addiction rehab treatment center in California offering healing recovery from all substances. We’re proud to provide a great combination for drug, alcohol, psychiatric and psychological recovery treatment backed by experts in the addiction treatment field. Our drug and alcohol rehab is built on the cornerstone of care and compassion and accommodates clients and their families from all backgrounds to educate, inform, and create change around substance use disorder. In a secluded mountain hill luxury resort, our facility offers a therapeutic environment and array of clinical modalities to help individuals and their families. Our staff are also multilingual to address the needs of clients from anywhere in the world.



    *100% Private & Fully Confidential form
    I authorize and consent to give permission to Hathaway Recovery to verify my personal data and Health Care Insurance benefits.
    I understand that I have the option to choose various methods of communication( text, email, chat, etc). and I can revoke this permission in writing at any time. I consent to the conditions and instructions outlined in this fully confidential form & privacy policy.

    map
    FULLY CONFIDENTIAL

    Insurance Verification Form

    Treatment with a Difference

    All treatment inquiries and personal information is always kept confidential.

    By clicking Check Insurance, I acknowledge that I have read and understood Policy and Privacy.

    Private pay and most insured policies (PPO) are accepted. In network with Multiplan, Tricare. Unfortunately, we are not contracted with medi-care, med-ical, med-icad, ieh-p or kaiser insurance and were not able to accept mentioned insurance policies.

    Copyright © 2022 Hathaway Recovery Center · Privacy Policy · Employment Opportunities

    Sitemap HTML | Sitemap XML

    MEMBER OF LEGITSCRIPT MONITORED

    24/7 Help Is Standing By, Call Us Now
    /
    GRANTED FOR
    HIGHEST STANDARDS
    IN ADDICTION RECOVERY