Prescription Drug Abuse in Philadelphia PA (877) 804-1531
Prescription drugs consist of substances containing psychoactive properties which have high potential for abuse. Many people who abuse these drugs originally starting using prescription drugs from a doctor's prescription due to illness or injury. Many of these people become addicted to these substances resulting in prescription drug abuse. Some turn to illegal methods of getting prescription medications. Prescription drug abuse treatment programs at rehab centers in Philadelphia help patients overcome their abuse and addiction through medical detox and both traditional and alternative forms of therapy.
Common Drugs of Abuse
Opioid medications are prescribed for chronic pain: morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, oxycodone
Sedatives are prescribed for anxiety and sleeplessness: alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam, eszopiclone, zaleplon, zolpidem
Stimulants are prescribed for hyperactivity disorders and sometimes obesity: dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate, amphetamines
Signs and Symptoms of Prescription Drug Abuse
Opioid drugs:
- constipation
- depression
- low blood pressure
- suppressed breathing
- disorientation
- excessive sweating
Sedatives, anti-anxiety medications:
- insomnia
- confusion
- unsteady gait
- poor judgment
- dizziness
- memory loss
Stimulants:
- weight loss
- anxiety
- irritability
- insomnia
- high blood pressure
- heartbeat irregularities
- restlessness
- impulsiveness
Drug Abuse Facts: The DEA Schedule of Drugs
According to the DEA, prescription drugs fall into Schedules II through V classifications. Schedule I drugs have no approved medical use, even under medical supervision. This list gives an idea where popular drugs fall.
Schedule II (High potential for abuse leading to psychological or physical dependence, considered dangerous) includes:
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
- Concerta
- Methadone
- Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
- Meperidine (Demerol)
- Oxycodone (OxyContin)
- Percocet
- Fentanyl
- Dexedrine
- Adderall
- Ritalin
Schedule III (Moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence) includes:
- Products with less than 90 milligrams of codeine per dose (Tylenol with codeine)
- Suboxone
Schedule IV (Low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence) includes:
- Xanax
- Soma
- Darvon
- Darvocet
- Valium
- Ambien
Schedule V (Lower potential for abuse than Schedule IV) includes:
- Cough preparations with codeine (Robitussin AC),
- Lomotil
- Motofen
- Lyrica
- Parepectolin
Treatment for Hydrocodone Abuse
Hydrocodone addiction requires a medical detox to relieve withdrawal symptoms and maintenance medication to maintain sobriety.
Medications used in hydrocodone detox:
- Buprenorphine to relieve withdrawal pain
- Nalaxone to reverse opioid overdose
- Naltrexone to block the brain's opioid receptors
- Methadone to help the transition to abstinence by mimicking some effects of hydrocodone.
Treatment for Opiates Abuse
Opiates addiction needs a medical detox to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and maintenance medication to maintain sobriety.
Medications used in opiates detox:
- Suboxone to fill the brain's opioid receptors without euphoric effects, minimizes withdrawal symptoms and also used as a maintenance drug
- Xanax is used for panic attacks, agitation and anxiety and relieves symptoms of opiates withdrawal overall with calming and sedating effects.
Drug Abuse Health Risks
Prescription drug abuse carries numerous health risks including:
- Opioids: Choking, low blood pressure, repressed breathing, stopped breathing, drowsiness, coma, death
- Sedatives: Memory problems, low blood pressure, repressed breathing, stopped breathing, coma, death
- Stimulants: High body temperature, heart palpitations, elevated blood pressure, seizures, tremors, hallucinations, aggressiveness, hostility, paranoia, insomnia, weight loss
Getting Help
Prescription medication addiction is treatable. Philadelphia Drug Treatment Centers can help you with your search for rehab centers. Give us a call today at (877) 804-1531 for more information.