Doctors frequently prescribe medications to treat a variety of things like chronic pain, mental health conditions, and insomnia. When used as prescribed, prescription drugs can be very effective for treating symptoms or conditions. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for people to abuse prescription drugs. When a person uses more than their prescribed dose and becomes dependent on the drug to feel normal, they likely develop an addiction. This addiction can wreak havoc on their physical and mental health, as well as their relationships and responsibilities.
Prescription drug addiction can happen to anyone. Many people have been prescribed drugs like opioids, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines for common ailments. However, these drugs must be used safely and according to the prescribed dose. If taken incorrectly, an individual can experience dangerous consequences. The long-term effects of abusing prescription drugs can be severe. If you or someone you know is struggling with prescription drug abuse, Rise Above Treatment can help. Contact our staff today to learn about our many substance abuse treatment programs.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Abusing Prescription Drugs?
Recognizing the signs of prescription drug abuse can significantly impact when a person attends treatment and recovery. Those struggling with addiction are often good at hiding their struggles. If you recognize that someone is abusing prescription drugs, you can encourage them to seek treatment and prevent their symptoms and addiction from worsening.
The signs of prescription drug abuse include:
- Taking a higher dose than prescribed
- Changes in sleep
- Seeking a prescription from more than one doctor
- Extreme mood swings
- Poor decision-making
- Requesting an early refill or “losing” a prescription to get more
Addiction is a serious illness, but what are the long-term effects of abusing prescription drugs? Prescription drug abuse has physical, psychological, and personal long-term impacts. It affects an individual’s physical and mental well-being and various aspects of their personal life.
Some of the long-term effects of abusing prescription drugs are:
- Organ damage, especially to the liver and kidneys
- Decreased cognitive function
- Psychological addiction and cravings
- Developing mental health disorders
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug
- Problems with personal relationships
- Difficulty meeting professional or family responsibilities
The first step in the recovery process is to reach out for help. Once you have become addicted, trying to quit drugs is not easy. It is challenging to try and recover on your own without medical attention. Reach out to an addiction treatment facility that will provide you with the support and healthy environment you need to recover safely.
Treating the Long-Term Effects of Abusing Prescription Drugs
Those struggling with addiction are likely overwhelmed and hesitant to seek help. The treatment and recovery process is not easy, but the right combination of treatments can make a healthy, sober life possible. At Rise Above Treatment, we offer many substance abuse treatment programs to ensure that all our clients receive the care and support they need.
The substance abuse treatment programs we offer at Rise Above Treatment include:
- Drug and alcohol detox center
- Dual diagnosis treatment program
- Early intervention program
- Intensive outpatient treatment
- Partial hospitalization program
- Medication-assisted treatment program
- Residential treatment center
- Relapse prevention plan
- Sober living center
Because prescription drugs are prescribed at a high rate, prescription drug abuse is becoming a significant problem. The long-term effects of abusing prescription drugs can be severe and life-threatening if left untreated. It is not too late to seek treatment and learn how to live a healthy, fulfilling, sober life.
Substance Abuse Treatment Programs at Rise Above Treatment
If you or someone you know is living with prescription drug addiction, it is critical to seek professional help. Contact Rise Above Treatment at (877) 641-0717 for more information about our various substance abuse treatment programs.
