a man checks himself into a prescription drug addiction treatment program

Many substance use disorders (SUDs) start with the legitimate use of prescription medications that physicians want their patients to take for pain, anxiety, insomnia, or other treatable disorders. While most people take these medications as prescribed, a significant number of people struggle to stop and continue using them against doctor’s orders. Prescription drug abuse can lead to physical tolerance, dependence, and ultimately addiction. Prescription drug rehab can help those with a dependence on prescription medications.

If you are looking for a substance abuse treatment program in Tennessee, consider Nashville Treatment Solutions. Our modern, cutting-edge facility offers evidence-based treatments provided by experienced professionals. Prescription drug addiction treatment can help you or someone you love who is gripped by addiction. 

Addictive Prescription Drugs

People can become addicted to a range of prescription drugs. The most commonly abused prescription drugs include:

  • Painkillers – Opioid painkillers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and morphine are all used for medical pain relief but can lead to opioid addiction. Even people without prescriptions can acquire and abuse these drugs.
  • Benzodiazepines – Also known as benzos, these tranquilizing drugs are prescribed for anxiety and insomnia and include name brands like Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, Paxipam, and Librium. It is common to become tolerant, increase dosage for desired effects, and eventually become addicted.
  • Barbiturates – Drugs like Nembutal are prescribed sedatives to relax the body, reduce anxiety, and mitigate sleep disorders.
  • Sedative-hypnotics – Sleeping pills like Ambien are non-narcotic depressants that can be abused to feel the calming effects, leading to tolerance and addiction.
  • Stimulants – The clear-headed, energized feeling of a stimulant like Dexedrine, Ritalin, or Adderall can lead to overuse and addiction. Stimulants are commonly abused by those for whom they were never prescribed.

If you have a dependence on or addiction to a prescription drug, recovery is possible. Prescription drug addiction treatment can help you manage this chronic disease and live a healthy, sober life.

Prescription Drug Abuse and Addiction

Prescription drug addiction can sneak up on those who use these medications. Knowing what to look for in yourself or a loved one can help you decide your best course of action.

Behavioral changes that are red flags for addiction include:

  • Spending more time and energy on drug-seeking than other things in your life.
  • Lying to acquire drugs. This includes lying to your doctors, your family, and yourself.
  • Losing track of your former priorities, such as family, school, career, and relationships.
  • Financial setbacks due to increasing expenditures as you increase drug intake to compensate for physical tolerance.
  • Finding illegal alternatives for acquiring drugs formerly prescribed to you.
  • Stealing prescriptions from friends or family.
  • Being unable to stop, despite trying and regardless of the negative consequences of drug use.

These warning signs will alert the people in your life that your prescription drug abuse is becoming riskier and that you may be addicted to your prescription medication.

Physical and psychological signs of addiction are another way to tell if there is a problem. Look for psychological signs such as:

  • Mood swings
  • Hostility
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Euphoria
  • Agitation
  • Paranoia
  • Delusions and/or hallucinations
  • Disorientation
  • Loss of motivation

Look for physical signs such as:

  • Sudden or extreme weight loss
  • Frequent respiratory infections
  • Dry mouth
  • Hypertension
  • Suppressed respiration
  • Tremors
  • Fever
  • Constricted pupils
  • Slurred speech 

Prescription drug abuse and addiction are dangerous and require professional treatment at a substance abuse treatment center. 

Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment in Nashville, TN – Nashville Treatment Solutions

At Nashville Treatment Solutions, we offer a comprehensive range of evidence-based therapies for anyone suffering from prescription drug addiction.

Prescription drug rehab at Nashville Treatment Solutions offers the following therapies, among many others:

  • Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
  • Community reinforcement and family training (CRAFT)
  • Dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Eye movement and desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Experiential/adventure therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Holistic therapy
  • Mindfulness therapy
  • Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Music therapy
  • Faith-based programs 

In addition, you’ll have access to life skills training, 12-step peer support programming, and the wrap-around care of a professional team that prioritizes your individual recovery goals. 

Let Nashville Treatment Solutions help you take the first steps toward recovery. Call us today at 866.714.5630 or use our online form to connect with one of our counselors.