WebMD Substance Use Disorders and Addiction Guide: Prescription Drug Abuse

These drugs dull pain, but in large doses they can https://ecosober.com/ also cause a euphoric high — and dangerous side effects. Doctors usually prescribe morphine for severe pain and codeine for milder pain or coughing. When examining the causes and risk factors of prescription drug abuse, it’s important to consider various demographic factors that can contribute to this issue.

Helping Those Suffering from Substance Use Disorder

• Carrie’s strengths include trauma informed care counseling, genuine compassion for all residents.
• It is essential to address the availability and accessibility of prescription drugs, promote responsible prescribing practices, and educate individuals on the risks and proper use of these medications.
• However, with the right support and treatment, it is possible to overcome this challenge and reclaim a healthier, more fulfilling life.
• But you can reduce your risk by carefully following your health care provider’s instructions on how to take your medicine.

As President and Chairman of the Board, Dan’s mission is to grow the unique Elevate model outside of California and to bring it nationwide. Dan brings a unique and modern perspective to substance abuse and the problems faced by addicts, families, and society. Camille brings a warm and personable approach to her work, fostering strong connections built on trust and empathy.

Preventing prescription drug abuse in teens

• College graduates, in particular, express greater concern over prescription drug abuse than they did four years ago.
• Carrie’s focus is on leading the client to a future where they feel confident and have the ability to make the necessary changes in their life.
• This risk is higher when opioids are taken with other substances like alcohol, antihistamines, and CNS depressants.
• These therapies are essential components of a comprehensive treatment plan.

For the past 17 years, Christina has been managing the Health and Wellness Department at EAS in Watsonville, CA. Christina has volunteered for many years with Flying Doctors, a humanitarian group that provides health services to underdeveloped areas in Mexico and Central America. She also gives her time to Tara Home, an end of life/hospice care home at Land of Medicine Buddha in Soquel, Ca.

You’re Not Watching the News if You Don’t Know Opioids

They slow brain activity by binding to GABA receptors, inducing drowsiness and calmness. Providers and pharmacists play a role in prescription drug abuse preventing or reducing prescription drug misuse, but you can also take steps to reduce your risk. Short-term effects may cause dizziness, nausea, or euphoria, while long-term abuse can trigger organ damage, mental health decline, and dependence. Many kids assume that common household drugs or even prescription medicines are safer than street drugs because they’re legal. Get rid of the drugs you don’t need, and keep track of the ones you do.

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Conversely, individuals with higher socioeconomic status may have greater access to prescription drugs, making them more vulnerable to abuse. Factors such as high-stress occupations, access to healthcare professionals, and disposable income can contribute drug addiction treatment to the misuse of prescription medications in these groups. The availability and accessibility of prescription drugs play a significant role in the misuse and abuse of these medications. Prescription drugs are often obtained through legal means, such as prescriptions from healthcare providers. However, they can also be obtained through illicit channels, including sharing medications or purchasing them from unauthorized sources. Combining prescription stimulants with other medications, such as over-the-counter cold medicines, can increase dangerous side effects.

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Withdrawal can be dangerous and should be done under the guidance of a health care provider. Mason Ungar is a Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor-Clinical Supervisor who manages the Elevate Addiction Services South Lake Tahoe facility. As a Regional Director, Mason is responsible for all aspects of the South Lake Tahoe facility, including staffing, finances, rehabilitation services, community activities, certification and licensing and facility maintenance. Mason has worked in the drug and alcohol rehabilitation field for over 18 years, holding many positions throughout his career including conduct intervention counseling, family advising, and one-on-one counseling. With that in mind, let’s review what prescription drug abuse is, discuss the signs and symptoms to look out for, and explore how to help someone struggling with prescription drug abuse. ChoicePoint aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues.

The percentages of people taking prescription drugs increased with age.

Lisa is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 25 years of clinical experience working in the field of addiction treatment and mental health stabilization and care. Furthermore, prescription medication abuse can also cause social problems, such as strained relationships and job loss. Someone who is struggling with https://makkwatch.com/oxford-houses-recovery-support-in-kansas/ prescription drug abuse may neglect responsibilities at work or school, leading to job loss or poor academic performance. This can cause additional financial and emotional stress for the individual, as well as their loved ones.

Prescription drug abuse is widespread in the United States, with 5.1% (or about 14.3 million people) reporting misusing a prescription psychotherapeutic drug in 2021. Large epidemiologic studies suggest that Native Americans and Caucasians have the highest rates of prescription drug abuse (Huang et al., 2006; SAMHSA, 2013a). Early treatment and detection are possible if symptoms, reasons, and hazards are known . Counseling frees people from dependency and restores healthier lifestyles. Some of the most commonly abused prescription meds are painkillers — specifically, opioids.

Why Do People Abuse Prescription Drugs?

Kaylyn currently supervises our Conduct and Life Intervention Counseling department. Throughout their program, clients work with Kaylyn directly one-on-one in removing toxic people from their lives and rebuilding trust with loved ones. She genuinely loves helping people on their journey to recovery and brings a friendly, down-to-earth vibe to every session. Another approach has involved classifying subtypes based on motives for use, such as recreational users, “self-medicators,” and combinations of motives (Kelly et al., 2014; McCabe, Boyd, & Teter, 2009; McCabe & Cranford, 2012). Such studies have suggested that self-medicating groups report fewer problem behaviors, such as non-intended routes of administration, and other substance use. Such subgroup analyses have been relatively consistent in their findings; greater understanding of the implications of these groups on prevention and treatment will be an important direction for future research.