Prescription Drug Rehab In Utah

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Prescription Drug Addiction

Misuse of prescription drugs is a widespread issue. When someone misuses a prescription medication, they either take it other than as prescribed or take a medication not initially prescribed. Whether a person is taking an unprescribed medication for a legitimate medical issue or to produce a high, they run the risk of developing a physical and psychological dependence on the drug.

Spirit Mountain Recovery treats people struggling with prescription drug misuse and dependence with a highly effective and individualized treatment program. We combine evidence-based therapies with professional medical care, guiding our clients through every stage of the recovery process. Contact us today to learn more about our Utah prescription drug treatment program.

Prescription Drug Misuse Facts & Statistics

The National Institute on Drug Abuse found that “5.1% (or about 14.3 million people) reported misusing any prescription psychotherapeutic drug in the past 12 months.” The most commonly misused prescription drugs are opioid painkillers, stimulants, and benzodiazepines. Prescription painkillers are the most commonly misused type of prescription drug. In 2021, approximately 8.7 million people reported misusing a prescription painkiller in the past year.

The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics reports that young adults are the heaviest users of prescription drugs, with 16 million Americans over 12 reporting prescription drug abuse within the past year. Of these individuals, roughly 2 million suffer from a diagnosable prescription drug use disorder. Because the symptoms associated with prescription drug addiction vary so significantly, it is essential to determine which treatment options will be the most effective for each individual.

Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription drug addiction is characterized by the misuse of prescription medications. Those who struggle with a diagnosable prescription drug use disorder often exhibit a range of physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral signs and symptoms. For a person to be diagnosed with an addictive disorder, two or more of the following symptoms must be present:

A higher dose of the medication is used longer than recommended or anticipated.
Repeated attempts to cut back or quit with limited success.
Personal consequences directly related to prescription drug use have been impacting the overall quality of life.
Professional recommendations to cut back or quit have been ignored.
“Doctor shopping” — obtaining more than one prescription at a time.
An increase in risk-taking behaviors, which might include combining prescription medications with other chemical substances, like alcohol.
A physical tolerance develops; a higher dose is required for the desired effects to be achieved.
Withdrawal symptoms develop when prescription drug use is stopped.

Symptoms of Addiction by Type of Medication

Prescription drug addiction can be challenging to detect, even more so if a person is misusing a prescription drug originally prescribed to them for a legitimate medical condition. The signs and symptoms associated with prescription drug addiction vary depending on the type of prescription drug being misused.

The most common symptoms of prescription opioid addiction include:

Constipation
Nausea and vomiting
Drowsiness and dizziness
Confusion
Loss of coordination
Increased sensitivity to pain
Slowed breathing rate

The most common symptoms of benzodiazepine addiction include:

Drowsiness and dizziness
An inability to concentrate
A loss of coordination
An inability to walk straight or stay standing
Memory problems

The most common symptoms of prescription stimulant addiction include:

Increased alertness
Increased energy levels
Loss of appetite and weight loss
High blood pressure
Increased body temperature.
Anxiety and panic attacks
Paranoia
Agitation and irritability
Insomnia and an inability to fall or stay asleep

Commonly Misused Prescription Drugs

The three medications that are most commonly misused include:

Opioids — Prescription opioid narcotics, or painkillers, are typically prescribed to treat moderate or severe pain.
Stimulants — Prescription stimulants are most commonly prescribed to treat attention deficit disorders like ADD and ADHD.
Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants — CNS depressants include sedatives, hypnotics, and tranquilizers and are typically prescribed to treat sleep-related issues like insomnia and anxiety disorders.

Prescription Opioids

Prescription opioids, also known as painkillers, are opioid narcotics prescribed for the treatment of moderate or severe pain. In most cases, prescription opioids are used to treat acute, severe pain, and are not prescribed to be taken for longer than 2 to 3 weeks at a time.

Some commonly prescribed opioid painkillers include hydrocodone, oxycodone, codeine, and morphine. In recent years, fentanyl (a synthetic opioid painkiller) has been responsible for the majority of overdose-related deaths in the U.S.

Prescription Stimulants

Prescription stimulants include medications like Adderall, Ritalin, and Concerta. These medications are typically prescribed to adolescents or young adults struggling with symptoms of ADHD. They have gained a reputation as “study drugs” because college students widely misuse them to increase alertness and energy levels. Prescription stimulants have a very high potential for misuse and dependence.

CNS Depressants

CNS depressants, also known as sedatives and tranquilizers, are typically prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, severe cases of insomnia, and severe symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal. Most CNS depressants fall into the benzodiazepine category. Commonly prescribed brand name benzodiazepines include Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin.

Get Help for Prescription Drug Addiction in Utah

If you or someone close to you has been struggling with prescription drug addiction and is looking for effective drug rehab options in Utah, we are available to help. At Spirit Mountain Recovery, we offer a range of male-specific treatment options. We offer several levels of clinical care, including medically monitored detox, a men’s residential program, co-ed day programs, and co-ed intensive outpatient treatment. Contact us today to learn more about our prescription drug rehab in Utah or to begin your journey of recovery.

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We Accept Most Major Insurance

We work with most major insurance insurance providers to help cover the costs associated with treatment at Spirit Mountain Recovery.

We are also in-network with the following providers including Cigna, TRICARE, and First Health Network.

Prescription Drug Rehab In Utah

Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription Drug Misuse Facts & Statistics

Prescription Drug Addiction

Symptoms of Addiction by Type of Medication