Opioids and opiates are the most commonly abused prescription drugs in the United States. These prescription drugs serve a vital purpose for those suffering from long-term chronic pain or temporary pain resulting from an injury or surgery. Unfortunately, even people who follow their doctor’s orders and take their prescription exactly as prescribed can be vulnerable to addiction. Does that mean you have to forgo your prescription, deal with the pain, or settle for lesser relief from aspirin or ibuprofen? Not necessarily. The best course of action is to arm yourself with information about opioid abuse. Then, you will know if and when it is time to get help from a prescription drug detox center.
If you or someone in your life is struggling with opioid or opiate abuse, Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston is here to help. We understand the highly addictive nature of these prescription drugs, and we are proud to provide welcoming, non-judgmental care at our Houston-based detox center. Reach out to us at 866.516.8356 to learn more about the medication and therapies we use to address prescription drug addiction.
Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs
The following are the five most commonly abused prescription drugs. As one would expect with the current opioid epidemic, the most common prescription drug addictions involve opioids and opiates. If you or a loved one are taking one of the following, it is essential to learn the signs of dependence to know when treatment is necessary.
Codeine
In many cases, doctors prescribe codeine to treat mild to moderate pain and coughs. It imparts a feeling of relaxation and euphoria. Some people use codeine cough syrup recreationally by mixing it with soft drinks to create a cocktail known as Purple Drank.
Fentanyl
Doctors often do not prescribe fentanyl unless other prescription painkillers do not effectively address a patient’s pain. This potent prescription opioid drug is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, making it incredibly addictive.
Hydrocodone
Doctors use hydrocodone to treat moderate to severe pain and coughs. Vicodin, Norco, and Lortab are all brand names of hydrocodone.
Morphine
Morphine is a highly addictive opiate painkiller. Unlike opioids that are synthetic or partially synthetic, morphine is derived from the opium plant, classifying it as an opiate.
Oxycodone
Oxycodone is a potent prescription opioid painkiller that doctors use to treat moderate to severe pain. Percocet and OxyContin are two of the most commonly prescribed oxycodone medications.
How to Recognize the Signs of Opioid Abuse
If you have a doctor’s prescription for one of the commonly abused prescription drugs, you should learn the signs of opioid or opiate abuse. The earlier you recognize the symptoms of dependence or addiction, the sooner you can reach out for the help you need to quit. The above five opioid and opiate drugs all present similar signs and symptoms of abuse, such as:
- Developing a tolerance and needing higher amounts of the drug
- Continuing to use the drug after the pain or cough has subsided
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to discontinue using the drug, such as nausea, vomiting, anxiety, and insomnia
- Doctor shopping to obtain more prescriptions
- Experiencing impaired performance at work or school
- Having legal or financial problems related to drug use
- Continuing to use the drug despite the adverse effects on your life
Once opioid abuse starts having a negative impact on your life, it is time to speak with your doctor or an addiction treatment center. They can determine if you have developed an opioid use disorder and design an effective treatment plan to help you discontinue using prescription drugs.
Seek Support at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston
If you notice signs of opioid abuse, reach out to Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston. Our prescription drug detox center can provide you with medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help with withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Our behavioral and holistic therapies will teach you the skills you need to ensure your long-term recovery success. You can navigate life without dependence on prescription opioids to ensure your long-term recovery success through our treatment. Call us at 866.516.8356 to speak with an intake specialist about our prescription drug detox programs.
