Americans of all age groups suffer from prescription drug addiction – yes, even teenagers misuse prescription drugs and fall victim to codependency. Abusing prescription drugs can vary from taking high doses of other people’s prescription painkillers to snorting mashed up pills or injecting them. When drug use becomes ongoing and compulsive despite negative side effects and consequences, individuals will need outside assistance to help them overcome their addiction. Being aware of the potential signs of drug abuse will help individuals assist any loved ones in dealing with addiction.

Most Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs

Due to their mind-altering and euphoria producing abilities, the most commonly abused prescriptions are opioids, anti-anxiety medications, sedatives, and stimulants.

Opioids are prescribed to treat severe pain, which often includes medications containing oxycodone and hydrocodone. A few examples of the most commonly prescribed opioids are Oxycontin, Percocet, and Norco. Some commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications and sedatives include Xanax, Valium, and Ambien. Lastly, some of the stimulants used to treat ADHD and sleep disorders include Ritalin, Adderall, Mydayis, and Dexedrine.

Symptoms of Prescription Drug Use

Symptoms and signs of drug abuse vary depending on the prescription drug. For example, some common symptoms of individuals abusing opioids include confusion, inability to concentrate, higher tolerance, drowsiness, euphoric feelings, constipation, and nausea. Symptoms of anti-anxiety prescription drug abuse also include drowsiness, confusion, and inability to concentrate. However, other symptoms include slurred speech, poor memory, slowed breathing, and inability to walk straight. Lastly, some common symptoms of stimulant misuse include abnormal heartbeat, heated body temperature, high blood pressure, inability to sleep, irritation, feeling high, anxiety, paranoia, and heightened alertness.

Other obvious signs of drug abuse include stealing from strangers or loved ones, taking more than the prescribed dosage, pretending to lose prescriptions just to get more refills, going to more than one doctor to get prescriptions, experiencing constant mood swings or aggressiveness, lacking in proper decision making, and appearing high or sedated.

If you believe you or a loved one may be abusing prescription drugs, it’s important to seek help immediately before the problem worsens and becomes irreparable. Even if you feel embarrassed or ashamed, medical professionals are trained to assist and not judge. Not receiving help could lead to accidental overdose, which is not uncommon. Overdoses result from individuals increasing their dosage without realizing the negative effects certain drugs have on their heart and other organs. Those who lost their lives from overdosing often suffered from respiratory or cardiac arrest.

Alternative Treatment Center in Tennessee

What to Know About Prescription Drug AbuseAt Discovery Place, we offer various programs for individuals seeking alternative treatment centers for themselves or their loved ones in Burns, Tennessee. Our programs are tailored to meet our patients’ needs regardless of where they’re at in their recovery journeys. We are passionate about helping our patients maintain sobriety and regain control of their lives. Some of our services include a 30-Day Alternative Residential Addiction Recovery Program and a Long-Term Alternative Addiction Recovery Program. If you would like more information or have additional questions, please contact us today for a free consultation at (800) 725-0922.

Testimonials

  • Discovery Place was the answer for my son. He did the 90 day and then the step down program and sober living. We give this organization 10 stars. They met my son where he was …emotionally, mentally, physically. They helped him put his life back on track. Discovery Place employees care about their guests. If your son, brother, nephew, grandson or husband needs excellent supportive care THIS is indeed the facility.

    Kim Morton
    Alumni Parent
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    Roy Mantelli
    Alumni
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    Matt Kassay
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place means the world to me. They showed me the tools that I’ve tried to use everyday in my life to think less often of myself, and more frequently of others. I am learning to lend a hand when I am able and to have a honest and humble relationship with God and the people around me. Not only am I clean and sober, but also I am happy and fulfilled.

    Tommy Parker
    Alumni
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    Creed McClellan
    Alumni
  • When I got to Discovery Place my whole life was in shambles, but I didn’t know it. I spent 6 months in their programs, participating in all three phases, and was met with kindness and love all along the way. It is unbelievable to me, where I am now relative to where I was when I arrived at DP.

    Lance Duke
    Alumni
  • I can never say enough good things about Discovery Place and the people who work there. Before checking in to DP, I was out of options and out of answers. Fortunately, Discovery Place has a solution. Taking suggestions from the staff at DP saved my life, and as a result, I’m now more content and hopeful about life. I’m grateful for Discovery Place showing me how to live a healthy life so that I can become a better man and help the next guy.”

    Tyler Buckingham
    Alumni

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