At North Port Behavioral Health in North Port, Florida, we provide specialized care for adults who are struggling with mental health concerns and co-occurring prescription drug addiction. Because every person’s recovery journey is unique, our expert care team collaborates with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan. Our mission is to provide our patients with the skills and support they need to achieve lasting recovery and build a healthier, more fulfilling future.
What Is Prescription Drug Addiction?
Prescription drug addiction is a widespread and growing public health concern. It often begins unintentionally when a person becomes dependent on a medication that was originally prescribed for a medical condition. This is especially common with certain medications, like painkillers, sedatives, and stimulants, particularly when they are used for longer than necessary.
Prescription drug addiction can lead to significant challenges in a person’s life. If it is left untreated, it can cause health problems and strained personal relationships. It can also increase the risk for prescription drug overdose.
Signs & Symptoms of Prescription Drug Addiction
At North Port Behavioral Health, we understand how challenging it can be to recognize the signs of prescription drug addiction, especially when a person’s medication was initially prescribed for legitimate health reasons. However, spotting the signs and symptoms of addiction early on can be the first step toward recovery. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Using more medication than prescribed: Taking higher doses or using medication more frequently than a doctor has directed
- Cravings for the medication: Feeling a strong urge to take the medication, even when it’s not needed for pain or another medical condition
- Behavior changes: Pulling away from loved ones, neglecting personal responsibilities, or acting in ways that seem out of character
- Doctor shopping: Visiting multiple doctors or pharmacies to obtain additional prescriptions
- Physical symptoms: Experiencing withdrawal symptoms like nausea, anxiety, and irritability when the person’s medication isn’t available
- Risky behaviors: Engaging in dangerous behaviors, like driving under the influence or seeking medication through unsafe methods
Some people may show just a few of the signs of prescription drug addiction, while others might display a wider range of symptoms. If you or someone you know is showing any of the signs and symptoms above, seeking help at a professional addiction treatment center is essential, because early intervention can lead to a better chance of long-term recovery. At our prescription drug addiction treatment center, we provide compassionate support and personalized care plans for people who are struggling with mental health concerns and co-occurring prescription drug addiction. Recovery is possible, and we’re committed to walking that journey with you or your loved one, every step of the way.
Potential Causes of Prescription Drug Addiction
Prescription drug addiction can arise from a range of factors, which can vary from person to person. Some of the most common contributing factors are:
- Ease of access: Easy access to prescription medications increases a person’s risk for misuse.
- Escalation of medical use: Medications such as painkillers, sedatives, and stimulants are commonly prescribed for chronic pain or other health conditions. Over time, some individuals may develop a tolerance to these medications, leading them to take higher doses than prescribed.
- Mental health concerns: Mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can increase the risk for misusing prescription drugs.
- Impact on brain chemistry: Certain prescription drugs, including opioids, benzos, stimulants, barbiturates, and muscle relaxants, interact with the brain’s reward system and produce a sense of euphoria that can gradually lead to dependency.
- Influence of environment: Stressful experiences, peer pressure, and being in settings where drug misuse is normalized can play a significant role in the development of addiction.
- Genetic predisposition: People who have a family history of addiction may have an increased risk for developing substance use disorders.
Potential Effects of Prescription Drug Addiction
Prescription drug addiction can have a wide range of effects on a person’s life, including:
- Mental health concerns: Prescription drug addiction can negatively impact a person’s mental health, which can lead to depression, anxiety, or mood swings. Our treatment plans include therapeutic support to help patients find greater emotional balance.
- Relationship strain: Prescription drug addiction can lead to strained relationships, which can result in isolation. At North Port Behavioral Health, our team works with patients and their families to help them rebuild their connections.
- Difficulties with daily responsibilities: Prescription drug addiction can make it hard for a person to manage their work, school, or home life. Our addiction treatment options are designed to help patients regain and maintain a sense of stability.
- Financial difficulties: Prescription drug addiction can lead to financial problems. We help patients develop healthier habits and life skills so that they can work toward a more secure future.
- Physical health concerns: Prescription drug addiction can cause fatigue, a weakened immune system, and even organ damage in severe cases. Our personalized care options can help patients improve their physical health and vitality.
If you or a loved one needs treatment for a prescription drug addiction, our caring staff is here to help you get started on your journey to recovery. While reaching out for help may feel overwhelming, every step forward can bring you closer to healing and hope.
Prescription Drug Addiction Statistics
If you are struggling with a prescription drug addiction, it is important to know that you are not alone. Millions of people around the world face similar challenges every year. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 6% of Americans age 12 and older abuse prescriptions each year, and 12% of those become addicted to their medications. About 9.3 million people, or 57% of those who abuse prescription drugs, misuse opioids specifically.
Prescription drug addiction doesn’t have to define your life. The team at North Port Behavioral Health works with patients to create personalized treatment plans that address both mental health concerns and co-occurring prescription drug addiction. We believe that recovery is possible, and we want to be your partner in lifelong healing.
Benefits of Receiving Treatment for Prescription Drug Addiction
Seeking treatment for prescription drug addiction is a courageous step toward a brighter future. Professional treatment can provide you with the tools to help you heal and reclaim your life. Potential benefits of treatment include:
- Improved emotional well-being: Prescription drug addiction often impacts a person’s mental health. Our compassionate care team can provide you with tools to help you manage stress, reduce symptoms, and strengthen your emotional resilience.
- Stronger relationships: Addiction can negatively affect a person’s connections with loved ones. Participating in family therapy can help you repair trust and nurture meaningful relationships.
- A supportive community: At our prescription drug addiction treatment center, you’ll connect with others who share your commitment to recovery. Together, you can build lasting relationships that can help support your long-term healing.
- Enhanced physical health: Our treatment options can help you safely manage withdrawal symptoms and develop a healthier lifestyle, which can lead to better overall physical health.
- Greater chance of long-term recovery: Receiving treatment for a prescription drug addiction can equip you with practical tools and coping mechanisms to help you achieve and maintain recovery.
At our Florida-based prescription drug addiction treatment center, our dedicated and compassionate team can help guide you toward lasting change. Contact us today to take the first step on your recovery journey.
Therapies Used at Our Florida Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Center
At our prescription drug addiction treatment center in North Port, Florida, we offer a range of personalized treatment options designed to help people who are struggling with prescription drug addiction, including therapy. Therapy is a powerful tool that can help people better manage stress, triggers, and cravings. It can also help patients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
We offer group therapy sessions that incorporate evidence-based modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing (MI). These modalities have been shown to help people who are struggling with addictions address unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors. We also offer group therapy, which can provide a nonjudgmental space for patients to connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges. And because addiction can affect a person’s whole family, we offer family therapy designed to help people strengthen trust and communication with their loved ones as they heal.
Our team of professionals is committed to helping you navigate the path to healing by providing personalized attention and care. If you or a loved one needs treatment for a prescription drug addiction, please reach out today. We can help you get started on the journey to a healthier, brighter future.
Why Choose Our Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Center in North Port, Florida
At North Port Behavioral Health in Florida, we know how important it is to find the right treatment center. While you are here with us, you will receive expert, compassionate care in a serene environment designed to foster relaxation and restoration. Our treatment facility offers a comfortable, supportive space where you can focus solely on healing.
Seeking treatment for a prescription drug addiction can feel overwhelming, but it’s a critical first step toward a healthier future. If you would like to know more about our personalized care options, please contact our admissions team today. We are here to listen, to help, and to walk beside you on the path to recovery.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at North Port Behavioral Health.