Prescription medications can be effective when used as directed, but misuse can lead to dependence and addiction that affects every area of your life. Our Athens prescription drug addiction treatment program provides individualized, evidence-based care that addresses the physical, emotional, and behavioral aspects of prescription drug use. Following a comprehensive clinical assessment, we create a personalized treatment plan that helps you build healthy coping skills, strengthen long-term recovery, and continue many of your daily responsibilities when clinically appropriate.
Drugs are often prescribed by doctors to treat medical conditions and their symptoms. You may not know it, but many commonly prescribed drugs have the potential for addiction. Building a tolerance to a drug can lead to dependence, misuse, and prescription drug addiction, which can be dangerous and even fatal.
Prescription drug addiction is characterized by the compulsive use of prescription medications despite negative consequences. It involves drugs that are legally obtained through a healthcare provider’s prescription. They are often prescribed for the treatment of pain, anxiety, insomnia, or other medical conditions. However, “abuse” begins when the medication is not used as intended by the prescriber. This could mean taking the drug more often than prescribed, taking a higher dose, or continuing use after the problem has resolved. What begins as a legitimate medical treatment can spiral into addiction when the individual develops a dependence on the drug’s effects.
The process of prescription drug addiction usually starts with a legitimate medical need. Patients may initially take prescription medications as directed by their healthcare provider. This may be to manage pain, alleviate anxiety, or address other health issues. However, as tolerance develops, individuals may find themselves needing higher doses to achieve the same effects, leading to misuse or overuse of the medication.
It’s important to note that taking medication as prescribed by your doctor is not inherently dangerous. There are often risks and side effects that you should be aware of, but taking prescribed drugs does not mean you will become addicted. However, you should be vigilant of the signs of prescription drug addiction to protect yourself and identify worrying symptoms early. Remember, addiction can happen to anyone.
There are several classes of prescription drugs commonly associated with addiction, including opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants. The signs of addiction differ for each type of drug.
Prescription drug addiction poses significant dangers to individuals’ physical, mental, and social well-being. One of the primary dangers is the risk of overdose, which can result in respiratory depression, coma, and even death. Because the drugs affect the central nervous system, overdosing on them can lead to respiratory failure, a potentially fatal consequence.
Prescription drug addiction often leads to a range of physical health issues, including cardiovascular problems, liver damage, gastrointestinal complications, and hormonal imbalances. Chronic misuse of prescription medications can also weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and other illnesses.
In addition to the physical dangers, prescription drug addiction can have severe psychological consequences. It can exacerbate underlying mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, leading to a vicious cycle of substance abuse and worsening mental health symptoms. The addictive nature of prescription drugs can hijack the brain’s reward system, leading to compulsive drug-seeking behavior and an inability to control drug use despite negative consequences.
Prescription drug addiction can strain relationships with family members, friends, and colleagues, as individuals may prioritize obtaining and using drugs over their personal and professional responsibilities. Legal repercussions, including arrests and criminal charges related to the illegal acquisition or distribution of prescription medications, are also common dangers associated with prescription drug addiction.
At Athens Area Commencement Center, we believe that getting help for substance use disorder (SUD) shouldn’t be a shameful experience. No one ever means to get addicted, and SUD doesn’t say anything about who you are as a person. Our goal is to make addiction treatment an educational and empathetic experience. Here, you’ll receive comprehensive care tailored to your needs without judgment.
We believe in an abstinence-only approach to SUD treatment. That means that when you choose us for your recovery journey, we’ll help you find alternative pain management strategies to treat your conditions without narcotics. This approach will give you the best chance at a successful treatment experience.
Treatment for prescription drug addiction at Athens Area Commencement Center usually involves a combination of evidence-based modalities along with holistic approaches. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and group therapy are effective therapeutic interventions recommended by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). We also offer guidance in practices such as mindfulness and yoga, which can supplement traditional treatment and help with chronic pain.
Treatment plans are tailored to you and in collaboration with each individual client. We want to empower you to take an active role in your recovery and be in charge of your healing journey.
Education is a vital part of recovery from addiction. AACC aims to educate clients and their families about prescription drug use and addiction. We believe that education is the key to prevention and empathetic intervention.
For clients who require continuing support after they complete treatment, we offer aftercare services. We can help you with medication management and relapse prevention to keep you on the path to sustained sobriety.
If you’re struggling with prescription drug addiction, help is available. Call Athens Area Commencement Center at (706) 546-7355.