Prescription Drug Treatment in Los Angeles
Many people begin using prescription drugs for tangible medical reasons, only to find themselves dependent on them later. Addiction treatment can help individuals safely stop their use, manage withdrawal symptoms, and rebuild a healthy life unhampered by prescription drug addiction.
How Do People Become Addicted to Prescription Drugs?
Many people begin taking prescription drugs for real medical reasons like surgery, chronic pain, or anxiety. In the 1990s and early 2000s, opioids were widely marketed as safe and non-addictive to use for chronic pain. Doctors were encouraged to prescribe them freely, and millions of people did not realize they carried a risk of dependence.
As a person uses a potentially addictive medication over time, the body gets used to the presence of the drug and needs more of it to feel the same relief. This can lead to misuse, even if someone never intended to abuse the medication.
Prescription drug addiction doesn’t always start with reckless behavior. For individuals with underlying mental health conditions or high stress, these drugs can offer temporary relief and escape. Easy access and the presence of leftover pills in households can also make it easier for teens and young adults to experiment with drug use.
Commonly Misused Prescription Medications
Certain prescription drugs carry a higher risk of addiction due to how they affect the brain. Opioid painkillers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine work by blocking pain and triggering strong feelings of relaxation or euphoria. These effects can cause physical dependence in just a few weeks, especially when taken in high doses.
Benzodiazepine drugs (such as Ativan, Klonopin and Xanax) are often prescribed to help people manage anxiety or sleep-related problems. They slow brain activity, which can have a calming effect at first. But over time they can disrupt sleep cycles and cause withdrawal symptoms like panic attacks or seizures.
Stimulant medications like Adderall, Dexedrine, and Ritalin are designed to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. These drugs increase dopamine in the brain, which can boost focus but also trigger addictive behavior when misused. People may crush or snort them to get a stronger, faster effect, especially in academic or high-pressure settings.
Muscle relaxants and sleep aids like Soma and Ambien are also misused. Many people don’t realize that using these (and similar) drugs outside of their prescribed use can be just as dangerous as using street drugs.
Signs of Prescription Drug Addiction
Prescription drug addiction can be hard to spot, especially in the early stages. Many people hide their use or believe they have it under control. Over time, though, the need to keep using can take over daily life.
Common signs of prescription drug addiction include:
- Taking higher doses than prescribed: The person needs more of the drug to feel the same effect.
- Doctor shopping: This person visits several doctors to get more prescriptions without telling them about current or previous prescriptions.
- Running out of medication early: They may finish a month’s supply in just a couple of weeks.
- Changes in mood or behavior: Irritability, anxiety, or mood swings can take place and become more frequent.
- Neglecting responsibilities: Work, school, or family duties start to slip as drug use becomes a priority.
- Withdrawing from loved ones: The person may become secretive, isolated, or avoid conversations about their health.
- Physical symptoms: Slurred speech, drowsiness, or poor coordination may be noticeable even when they claim to be “fine.”
- Spending a lot of time getting the drug: This includes looking to buy drugs online, asking others for pills, or visiting multiple pharmacies.
- Failed attempts to quit: They may try to stop using prescription drugs recreationally, but quickly go back due to withdrawal or cravings.
Addiction isn’t a failure of willpower. It’s a medical condition that often needs professional support to overcome.
Short- and Long-Term Effects of Prescription Drug Addiction
Prescription drug addiction doesn’t just impact behavior. Some effects show up quickly, while others can develop over time with continued use. These outcomes vary depending on the type of drug, how often it’s used, and whether it’s combined with other substances.
Short-Term Effects
- Drowsiness or Fatigue: These drugs can slow brain activity, making it hard to stay awake or alert.
- Confusion and Poor Memory: Short-term memory may fade, especially after long periods of use.
- Nausea or Constipation: Many opioids upset the stomach or slow down digestion.
- Slowed Breathing or Heart Rate: High doses can dangerously depress the body’s basic functions.
- Impaired Judgment: People may end up making risky choices they’d normally avoid, such as driving while impaired.
Long-Term Effects
- Physical Dependence: The body adapts to the drug and reacts painfully when it’s not available.
- Higher Risk of Overdose: Tolerance builds over time, pushing people to take larger and riskier doses.
- Mental Health Issues: Anxiety, depression, and sleep problems can get worse over time.
- Liver or Kidney Damage: Processing large amounts of drugs can strain major organs.
- Strained Relationships: Addiction often leads to lying, trust issues, and emotional distance.
- Job Loss or Legal Trouble: Ongoing use can affect performance, reliability, and decision-making.
Prescription Drug Withdrawal Symptoms
When the body becomes used to prescription drugs, stopping suddenly can trigger uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can vary based on the type of drug used and how long it was taken. But general signs of prescription drug addiction include:
- Anxiety: This symptom can be especially prominent after stopping benzodiazepines or stimulants. It can feel like constant worry or restlessness.
- Sweating and Shaking: The nervous system becomes overactive, leading to chills, tremors, or cold sweats.
- Insomnia: Many people find it hard to fall or stay asleep without the drug.
- Nausea and Vomiting: The stomach often reacts strongly as prescription drugs leave the body.
- Depression: Mood crashes are common, especially after long-term stimulant or opioid use.
- Muscle Aches: Body pain can return or worsen during early withdrawal, especially for people who abuse opioids.
- Irritability or Anger: The brain is adjusting without the calming or energizing effect of the drug, which can cause unbalanced emotions.
- Cravings: A strong desire to use the drug can come and go in waves.
These symptoms are not permanent, but they are a real challenge. Medical support during withdrawal can make a big difference in staying safe and comfortable.
Treatment for Prescription Drug Addiction
Stimulant addiction can affect every part of a person’s life, from physical health to emotional well-being. These drugs can change how the brain works, which can make quitting feel overwhelming. The right treatment plan can help people stop using the drugs safely and provide structure during the rebuilding process.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
A PHP can offer more support than IOP, and is often used as a step between full-time care and outpatient services. Clients attend full-day treatment sessions but return home at night. The goal of PHP is to help ease withdrawal, improve emotional balance, and build skills to prevent returning to drug use.
Outpatient Program
Outpatient Detox
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Contact Recovery Zone LA for Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment
We know how hard it is to take that first step toward recovery. At Recovery Zone LA, we listen without judgment and care deeply about the unique story each person brings with them. We take the time to understand your story so we can build a treatment plan that fits your life, not just your symptoms.
What sets us apart is our focus on personalized care, trauma-informed therapy, and whole-person healing. Our team includes licensed professionals who specialize in both addiction and mental health. We offer flexible programs at different levels of intensity and immersion, all in a welcoming and private environment.
If you or someone close to you is going through a tough time, we’re here to help. Contact Recovery Zone LA today to learn more about our prescription drug treatment options.
Get Help for Addiction
Most Major Insurance Accepted
Recovery Zone works with most major PPO + POS insurance plans that cover out-of-network benefits. To get help right now, click the button below to verify your insurance benefits.