Northern California Prescription Drug Rehab

Residential Addiction Treatment for Prescription Drug Misuse, & Abuse

Although they are used to manage and treat a wide variety of health concerns, prescription drugs can also be highly addicting. Unfortunately, many people who begin taking prescription medications to treat legitimate medical conditions eventually find themselves struggling to control their drug use—and many develop full-blown addictions.

At The Lakes Treatment Center, we help people struggling with prescription drug misuse, abuse, and addiction navigate the road to recovery and long-term sobriety. Located on beautiful Lake Tulloch, our residential drug rehab provides the ongoing care and support you or your loved one needs to break the cycle of addiction, rebuild relationships, and, most importantly, heal.

Whether you are having trouble controlling your own prescription drug use, or you are concerned about a loved one, our team is here to provide the answers, guidance, and support you need. We encourage you to take the first step today by reaching out to our team to learn more about our facility, our intake and admissions process, our treatments and services, or our insurance options during a free and private consultation.

On This Page:

• What Is Prescription Drug Abuse?
• What Are the Most Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs?
• Warning Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse

Contact us online using our simple submission form or call (209) 309-3573 today to get started. Learn more about our Northern California prescription drug addiction treatment services.

What Is Prescription Drug Abuse?

In simple terms, prescription drug abuse occurs when an individual uses a prescription medication in any way other than it was prescribed or for non-medical reasons.

Some examples of prescription drug misuse and abuse include:

• Taking more of a drug or higher doses than prescribed
• Taking medications prescribed to someone else, such as a family member or friend
• Taking medications in a different form than prescribed (e.g., crushing up pills, etc.)
• Taking a medication for longer than prescribed
• Using a prescription drug solely for the purpose of getting high

Over time, misusing or abusing prescription drugs can build dependency. Once a person has become dependent on a drug, they may begin engaging in riskier behaviors and going to greater lengths to obtain and/or use the drug. Often, as time goes on, dependency leads to addiction. At this point, a person may find that they are unable to manage or control their drug use whatsoever.

What Are the Most Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs?

The most commonly abused prescription drugs in the United States are those with the highest risk of developing dependency. In other words, highly addictive prescription medications are most frequently misused and lead to the most instances of prescription drug addiction.

Some examples include:

• Opioids: Opioids are powerful prescription medications used to treat pain. Medical professionals have been using and prescribing opioids, such as codeine and morphine, for centuries. However, in recent years, doctors have dramatically increased the rate of opioid prescriptions due to inaccurate information from pharmaceutical companies downplaying the addictive nature of these drugs. As a result, the U.S. has a serious opioid epidemic, with millions of Americans currently struggling with prescription opioid abuse and addiction. Common prescription opioids include OxyContin, Percocet, and Vicodin, as well as other oxycodone and hydrocodone medications.
• Benzodiazepines: Used to treat a variety of anxiety disorders and sleep disorders, benzodiazepines like Xanax, Ativan, and Valium can be highly addicting, meaning they are frequently misused or abused in the U.S. These medications belong to a group of drugs known as central nervous system depressants, which affect the brain’s gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA. This, in turn, causes a calm or drowsy affect. Over time, the body requires more of the drug to achieve this same effect, which can quickly lead to dependency and addiction.
• Barbiturates: Barbiturates (such as amobarbital, pentobarbital, phenobarbital, and secobarbital) are also central nervous system depressants. These medications are commonly prescribed to help patients manage and treat seizures. They are also used as anesthesia. However, when patients misuse or abuse these types of medications, they can quickly come to require higher and/or more frequent dosages to achieve the same or similar effects, leading to dependency. Some common name brand barbiturates include Amytal, Nembutal, Luminal, and Seconal.
• Stimulants: Used to treat a variety of medical conditions, from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD) to depression to narcolepsy, stimulants are highly susceptible to abuse due to their addictive nature and tendency to produce a euphoric “high.” These drugs are also very dangerous when used incorrectly, as they can lead to increase blood pressure, heart rate, blood sugar, and body temperature. Some common types of prescription stimulants include amphetamines, dextroamphetamines, lisdexamfetamines, and methylphenidates with name brands such as Ritalin, Adderall, Dexedrine, Dextrostat, and Daytrana.

While these are some of the most commonly misused and abused prescription drugs in the United States, there are many other types of medications that pose a serious risk of abuse, dependency, and addiction. If you or a loved one is struggling with any type of prescription drug addiction, know that help and healing are possible.

Warning Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse

Because medications are often used in hospitals and prescribed to patients for legitimate reasons, it can be extremely difficult to detect when prescription drug use has crossed the line into misuse or abuse. Knowing the warning signs can allow you to seek help on behalf of yourself or someone you love.

Some of the most common warning signs of prescription drug misuse, abuse, and addiction include:

• Increasing or changing the dosage without consulting a doctor or against a doctor’s recommendations
• Continuing to take a medication after the recommended timeframe or after the initial health condition has healed
• Taking or stealing medications that have been prescribed to someone else, such as a family member or friend
• Making false statements or misrepresenting a medical condition to obtain a prescription or prescription medication
• “Losing” or forging prescriptions in an attempt to obtain more the drug, requesting early refills, or seeing multiple doctors to obtain more than one prescription
• Buying someone else’s prescription medications, whether a family member, friend, acquaintance, or stranger
• Unexplained and unusual changes in mood or behavior, such as increased irritability, mood swings, excessive energy or fatigue, hostility, lying, etc.
• Changes in sleep patterns, including new or worsened insomnia, drowsiness, fatigue, or apparent sedation
• Lying about or feeling a desire to lie about or downplay one’s prescription drug use

If you believe that your prescription medication usage has gotten out of control, or if you are concerned about a loved one, you are not alone. At The Lakes Treatment Center, our entire staff is here to provide the compassionate, personalized guidance you need in taking the first steps toward healing and recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does prescription drug addiction treatment at The Lakes Treatment Center last?

Our addiction treatment programs vary in duration depending on the needs of each patient. However, most patients undergo treatment for approximately 30 to 90 days, with the option for extended care.

What sets The Lakes Treatment Center apart from other addiction treatment facilities in Northern California?

The Lakes Treatment Center stands out for our comprehensive approach to prescription drug addiction treatment, combining evidence-based practices with compassionate care. Our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to providing treatment tailored to each patient's unique needs. Our commitment to ongoing support ensures that patients have the resources they need to maintain sobriety.

What is the first step in seeking treatment for prescription drug addiction?

The first step is to reach out to a healthcare professional or addiction treatment center for a confidential assessment. This assessment will help determine the severity of the addiction and the most appropriate treatment plan.

What is the risk of relapse after completing treatment?

Relapse is a common concern for individuals recovering from addiction. It is important to have a relapse prevention plan in place and to continue to receive support after completing treatment.

How can I prevent relapse?

To prevent relapse, it is important to maintain a strong support system, avoid triggers, and practice healthy coping mechanisms. Attending aftercare programs and participating in support groups can also be helpful.

Can I continue to work or go to school while in treatment?

It depends on the type of treatment program. Outpatient programs often allow individuals to maintain their daily responsibilities, while inpatient programs may require a more intensive focus on recovery.

Our team understands firsthand the challenges you and your family are facing, and we are here to help you develop the tools and skills you need to achieve effective, long-lasting sobriety. Contact us today to get started and learn more about our residential prescription drug rehab in Northern California.