Today, prescription drugs are one of the leading causes of addiction in Washington State and across the country. Many drugs prescribed every day lead to addiction, including opioids, SSRIs, benzos, and amphetamines. The team at Northpoint Seattle is here to help the community of Seattle overcome prescription drug use together through our integrative outpatient treatment programs.
If you or someone you love is struggling with prescription drugs, call Northpoint Seattle today. Our substance abuse treatment programs in Seattle and Bellevue provide a range of care for effective prescription drug addiction treatment. Reach our staff now at 888.483.6031 to get started.
Which Prescription Drugs Lead to Addiction?
Today, many drug classes like opioids and benzos are highly addictive. No matter the prescription, any substance that alters brain chemistry and creates a dopamine reward effect can lead to addiction. Dopamine is a chemical naturally made and released in the brain. Synthetic drugs often release a sudden burst of dopamine, causing euphoria, motivation, and a sense of joy. Over time, the brain will stop making dopamine and rely on prescription dopamine. This is one of the leading causes of prescription drug addiction. Some common prescriptions that can become addictive include:
- Adderall
- Ambien
- Amytal
- Biphetamine
- Codeine
- Concerta
- Darvocet
- Dexadrine
- Darvon
- Demerol
- Dilaudid
- Fentanyl
- Hydrocodone
- Hydromorphone
- Lorcet
- Lortab
- Lunesta
- Luvox
- Methadone
- Morphine
- Opana
- Oxycodone
- Percocet
- Paxil
- Ritalin
- Sonata
- Strattera
- Suboxone
- Vicodin
Abusing a prescription by taking more pills, crushing pills, or taking pills for longer than prescribed can lead to addiction. Many prescriptions provide relief and mental and physical support for short-term healing. Unfortunately, long-term use of most prescriptions leads to dependence and the use of illicit drugs. Just because a doctor prescribes a drug does not mean it’s less likely to cause addiction or overdose.
Taking any prescription medication in a way that’s different from how it was prescribed is abuse. There are many different ways that prescription pills can be abused. These include:
- Taking a drug that was prescribed for someone else
- Taking a larger dose of a drug than is needed or prescribed
- Taking the medications in a way that is different than how they were prescribed
- Using prescription drugs for the purpose of getting high
- Purchasing prescription medications online for use, without a prescription
Someone who is abusing prescription drugs may or may not be aware of their addictive potential. The longer a drug is abused, the higher the chance that it will lead to a prescription drug addiction.
Signs and Symptoms of Prescription Drug Abuse
Sometimes, it can be hard to tell when prescription drug use becomes drug abuse. Some common symptoms include:
- Short-term memory loss
- Slurred speech
- Problems with coordination
- Dilated pupils
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Aggression
- Mood swings
- Frequent headaches
- Digestive issues, such as constipation
- Bouts of dizziness
- Taking pills with alcohol
- Mixing pills
- Drug-seeking behavior
The more someone misuses a prescription and the longer they take a drug, the more intense their side effects become. Unfortunately, most prescription drugs weaken in effect the longer someone takes them. As a person builds a tolerance, they may begin mixing pills, drinking with pills, and taking higher doses. This increases the risk of overdose and death.
Unfortunately, prescription drugs can be difficult to stop taking without professional help. During withdrawal, willpower is not enough to keep someone from reusing and potentially overdosing. Prescription drug addiction is often a sign of deeper issues like co-occurring mood disorders or unresolved trauma. A dual diagnosis treatment at Northpoint Seattle can help people understand and heal from prescription drug addiction with individual, group, and family therapy.
Call Northpoint Seattle to Get Started Today with Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment
The first sign of prescription drug addiction is withdrawal. If you or someone in your life is experiencing withdrawal symptoms or is ready to stop taking prescription drugs, call Northpoint Seattle today. Our Seattle-based clinic has two centers in Bellevue and Seattle, providing integrative addiction treatment. With three levels of outpatient care, Northpoint Seattle can help you recover with a program that meets your schedule and budget. We accept most insurance carriers and help clients find the right detox program before joining Northpoint Seattle.
Call the staff at Northpoint Seattle now at 888.483.6031 to get started with prescription drug addiction recovery today.