Prescription drug addiction accounts for nearly 90% of men and women struggling with opioid addiction. A recent report found that out of almost 10 million people, 9 out of 10 patients said their addiction began with prescription drugs. Patients who want help from prescription drug abuse can get help from a substance abuse treatment program.
At Northpoint Colorado, we offer relief from prescription drug abuse through our prescription drug addiction treatment in Colorado. We use a mixture of behavioral therapy and medication-assisted detox to help patients through their withdrawal symptoms. At the same time, treatment gives them a better understanding of how addiction changes their brain chemistry and creates powerful cravings. Call 970.579.4569 today to speak with our experienced staff about prescription drug abuse to learn more about prescription drug addiction and our substance abuse treatment program.
How Can You Become Addicted to Prescription Drugs?
Modern science has allowed us to improve the medication that we use to treat several ailments. They improve a patient’s ability to manage pain and increase the survival rate for cancer and other deadly diseases.
Opioids offer fast-acting pain relief by binding quickly with your cells’ opioid receptors. They effectively reduce pain in patients who suffer from chronic pain, are in an accident, or have recently had surgery. Morphine is a natural opioid pain medication commonly used during and after surgery. However, opioids also create a euphoric sensation that is impossible to reproduce without more opioids. Prescription drugs have a lower risk of abuse for mentally healthy patients, but they can still create an addiction if patients do not follow the prescription. Patients with mental health issues like depression or PTSD are more likely to abuse prescription drugs for the euphoria they produce.
The five most addictive prescription drugs available today include:
- OxyContin
- Xanax
- Ambien
- Nembutal
- Adderall
At Northpoint Colorado, we can help you or a loved one struggling with prescription drug addiction at our prescription drug rehab center in Colorado.
Avoiding Prescription Drug Abuse
Addiction rates to opioid pain medication began climbing in the 1990s. Doctors began prescribing pain medication without knowing the full extent of their addictive properties. Even after warning patients of the risk of addiction and to follow the prescription, addiction rates continued to climb.
Increasing tolerance levels can make you think your medication is not working. Many patients are unaware that the more medication you take, the higher your tolerance levels will become. You will not feel the same effects over time, but that does not mean the medication is not working.
You can avoid prescription drug abuse by following these simple guidelines:
- Follow the prescription as recommended by your doctor
- Talk with your doctor about your pain levels and if you feel any urges to take more than they prescribed
- Be aware of your increasing tolerance levels and do not begin taking more as it increases
- Do not combine pain medication with alcohol or other drugs
Finding the proper medication to treat pain can be a tricky process. Every patient’s experience will be different, and working with your doctor will give you the greatest pain management with minimal risks of addiction.
Find Treatment at Northpoint Colorado
Northpoint Colorado offers prescription drug addiction treatment in Colorado for men and women who struggle with prescription drug addiction. Our therapy programs work to treat the whole person and not just the disease. During your time with us, you will participate in a variety of therapy programs, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Group and individual therapy
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Relapse prevention
- Family therapy
If you or a loved one needs help with prescription drug addiction, call 970.579.4569 today to speak with our professional and courteous staff about our prescription drug addiction treatment in Colorado.