More than 20% of individuals in the United States aged 12 or older have abused prescription drugs. While the reasons for prescription drug abuse vary by age group and location, it’s clear that something needs to be done.
If you’re struggling to overcome substance abuse or addiction, learn how education and treatment can help you fight back and try avoid a prescription drug overdose.
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Identify the Most Common Drugs Associated With Prescription Drug Abuse
One of the best ways to fight back against prescription drug abuse is to understand which drugs people abuse most. Many men abuse opioids, which doctors and physicians prescribe to treat chronic or intense pain. Used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders, people also abuse central nervous system (CNS) depressants. Stimulants such as amphetamine or dextroamphetamine are another common culprit.
Prescription drug abuse can cause damaging consequences. When taken as prescribed, CNS depressants and opioids can treat anxiety and pain effectively. Over the long-term, substance abuse can lead to dependence. Dependence is often the first step on the path to addiction. Addiction, of course, can lead to a chaotic, debilitating lifestyle—not to mention a potentially fatal overdose.
Understand How Prescription Drug Abuse Affects The Body
CNS depressants affect a particular neurotransmitter in your brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA decreases brain activity and causes drowsiness.
Common sedative drugs that can be abused include:
When used as recommended, opioids greatly improve the quality of life for men suffering from chronic pain.
Common opioids include:
- Fentanyl
- Hydrocodone
- Methadone
- Oxycodone
- Hydromorphine
While some signs of opioid abuse may be difficult to recognize, some are more obvious. If you believe someone you love is struggling with prescription drug abuse, pay close attention to see if he’s taking larger than recommended doses. This can be as simple as taking a medication one additional time per day than the prescription calls for.
Encourage Men Suffering From Prescription Drug Abuse To Seek Professional Treatment
If you or someone close to you is struggling with prescription drug abuse, seeking professional treatment is the best way to fight back. When you seek addiction treatment programs, you put yourself in the best position possible to get better. Treatment can be especially important when a dependence develops. Individuals suffering from dependence often exhibit intense drug-seeking behavior, making it nearly impossible to recover without medical intervention.
Located in California, Serenity Lodge offers professional drug and alcohol addiction treatment for men. Serenity Lodge can treat addiction to prescription drugs as well. The professionals at this treatment facility will work with you to help you break away from your physical and psychological dependence to controlled substances.
Our qualified therapists use methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to address negative addictive behaviors in the hope to initiate change.
We also offer a number of amenities to enhance the recovery process, including:
- A 1500 square ft. gym
- A movie theater
- A 12 person sauna
- A pool
- Access to a golf course
If you’re a man struggling with addiction or someone you know is trying to break free from patterned abuse, it’s time to get help. Call Serenity Lodge today at (855) 932-4045.
