Prescription Drug Abuse in Mesa, AZ

An estimated 52 million people in the United States over age 12 have used prescription drugs for nonmedical purposes in their lifetimes, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Although prescription drug abuse may be common, it can be very dangerous. Abuse and addiction can also lead to illegal behavior, such as stealing or forging prescriptions.

According to the NIDA, the rates of prescription drug abuse in Arizona are some of the highest in the United States. An estimated 5.33 to 6.37 percent of people in the state use prescription drugs for nonmedical purposes. If you or a loved one suffers from prescription drug abuse and addiction, help is available through Drug Detox Centers Mesa.

Common Prescription Drugs of Abuse in Mesa

Both over-the-counter and prescription medications can be addictive. However, some medications are known to be more addictive than others. The following are common prescription drugs associated with addiction in Mesa.

Opioids (Painkillers): Opioid painkillers include oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and fentanyl. These medications can be highly addictive and difficult to withdraw from without professional medical intervention.

Stimulants: Central nervous stimulants include Adderall and Ritalin. These medications are commonly prescribed to treat attention hyperactivity disorder and/or narcolepsy. However, people may abuse these medications as a means to lose weight, stay up longer, or improve concentration or physical performance.

Sedatives: Sedatives such as Xanax, Ativan, Valium, and Klonopin are medications used to reduce anxiety and/or the incidence of seizures. Sedatives are usually meant to be used short-term. Their long-term abuse can lead to addiction.

Signs a Loved One May Be Abusing Prescription Drugs

Recognizing signs of prescription drug abuse in your or a loved one can be difficult. People commonly believe that because prescription drugs are legal, they cannot be addictive or harmful. The opposite is, in fact, true.

Examples of behaviors that could indicate a person is struggling with prescription drug abuse include:

• Experiencing changes in personality and unexplained mood swings
• Having to take more of a medicine to achieve the same effect as before
• Experiencing problems at work, school, or financially
• Stealing medications from others, such as family members
• “Doctor” shopping or going to several doctors to try and obtain prescriptions
• Repeatedly “losing” prescriptions and trying to get others
• Using other drugs and/or alcohol to reduce withdrawal symptoms
• Using medications other than prescribed, such as snorting or injecting the medication

These and other symptoms can indicate a person may suffer from a prescription drug abuse problem.

How Holistic Treatment Helps

Physical and mental addiction to prescription drugs can be very difficult to overcome with professional medical intervention. Medical experts provide care that can include administering prescription medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms as well as providing therapy to help a person identify the effects of mental addiction to a particular medication. We also provide additional holistic services to help a person relieve stress and anxiety, such as massage, art, and/or music therapy to help a person live a healthier life.

For more information on prescription drug abuse and programs to overcome the addiction, call Drug Detox Centers Mesa at (480) 750-2471.