Your Path to Healing Starts at Mt. Sinai
Prescription Drug Abuse Treatment, Atlanta
At Mt. Sinai Wellness Center near Atlanta, our team helps people break free from prescription drug problems. We use proven methods to ensure safe, lasting recovery for all our clients.
What Is Prescription Drug Abuse?
When you take meds in ways other than prescribed, this counts as prescription drug abuse. Most people don’t set out to develop a prescription drug addiction. It just happens bit by bit, until one day they can’t stop. About 14.2 million Americans aged 12 or older misuse prescription drugs in a year.
Prescription drug abuse includes:
- Taking extra pills
- Using meds to get high
- Crushing pills to snort
- Mixing pills with alcohol
- Using someone else’s medicine
- Taking pills after you no longer need them
Common Types of Abused Prescription Drugs
Three types of addictive prescription drugs cause the most problems:
Pain Pills
Medications like OxyContin, Vicodin, and fentanyl work great for pain, but they’re highly addictive. Our opiate addiction treatment near Atlanta can help if you’re struggling.
Calming Medication
Xanax, Valium, and sleep aids like Ambien can be hard to quit. Plus, stopping suddenly can be dangerous. Our benzodiazepine addiction program helps you quit safely.
Focus Stimulants
Adderall and Ritalin help people with ADHD, but many students and workers use them to stay awake or focus better. When they can’t get these pills, some turn to street drugs like cocaine or meth use.
Why Do People Become Addicted to Prescription Drugs?
A pill addiction usually doesn’t stem from ill intentions. Common reasons for drug abuse include:
- Some get addicted faster than others.
- Many start taking pills for real pain or problems.
- People think “If a doctor gave it to me, it must be safe.”
- Over time, your body needs more pills to feel the same relief.
- When trying to quit, withdrawal can be unbearable for many.
Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse
If you think you or a loved one is struggling, look for these symptoms of prescription drug abuse:
- Needing more pills to feel the same
- Feeling sick when trying to stop
- Not being able to control intake
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut back
- Continuing use no matter the consequences
- Constantly thinking about pills
- Going to more than one doctor for the same meds
- Always "losing" prescriptions
- Mood swings
- Sleeping too much or too little
Dangers and Consequences of Prescription Drug Misuse
Abusing prescription drugs can cause short-term and long-term harm.
Immediate risks include:
- Overdose
- Bad reactions when drugs mix
- Breathing problems from pain pills (opioids)
- Seizures from anxiety meds (benzodiazepines)
- Heart problems from stimulants
Long-term effects include:
- Damage to organs
- Strained relationships
- Loss of trust from loved ones
- Job loss and money problems
- Legal trouble and even jail time
Many people with pill problems experience co-occurring mental health concerns. Our dual diagnosis program in Georgia treats both your addiction and mental health concurrently.
How Is Prescription Drug Addiction Treated?
At our drug rehab near Atlanta, we use evidence-based methods. We design a tailored drug addiction treatment that includes therapies best suited to your needs. Part of this involves evaluating which level of care is best for you at your current stage of recovery.
Medical Detox for Prescription Drug Abuse
Our medical detox team keeps you comfortable and safe as the drugs are flushed from your system. We monitor for problems and can give you meds to ease withdrawal.
Outpatient Programs and Continuing Care
As you get stronger, you’ll start to move back to normal life. Your recovery journey includes learning how to handle cravings with aftercare services, strengthen family support, and prevent relapse.
Residential (Inpatient) Drug Rehab
The inpatient rehab program we offer gives you round-the-clock care. You’ll grow through therapies like CBT, individual talk therapy, and more. We help you identify the root of your addiction and provide holistic exercises like nutrition and exercise.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
For some, like those who’ve abused pain pills, medication-assisted treatment helps make detox easier. For lasting recovery, MAT is best paired with behavioral therapy.
How to Prevent Prescription Drug Misuse
There are effective steps to help you manage prescriptions responsibly:
- Take your meds exactly as the doctor says
- Know how your pills affect you before driving
- Ask if your pills mix badly with alcohol or other meds
- Tell your doctor if you've had drug problems before
- Don't change your dose without asking your doctor
- Don't just stop taking your meds on your own
- Never crush pills meant to be swallowed whole
- Keep your meds to yourself
- Don't take pills meant for someone else
Get Help for Prescription Drug Addiction Today
At Mt. Sinai, our prescription drug rehab center near Atlanta, Georgia, we strive to help you achieve a sober life. Our team offers judgment-free, expert care in comfortable facilities. If you or your loved one is ready to learn about a typical program day or more about our prescription pill abuse treatment, reach out.
Take that first step — embrace a drug-free, fulfilling tomorrow at Mt. Sinai.
FAQs
Which prescription drugs are addictive?
The most addictive prescription pills are pain pills like OxyContin, anxiety meds like Xanax, sleep aids like Ambien, and stimulants like Adderall.
How do I know whether I'm addicted to prescription drugs or not?
If you need more pills to feel normal, get sick when you don’t take them, can’t cut back, or keep using despite problems, you might be addicted. Reach out to our admissions team for guidance.
What is the most addictive prescription drug?
Pain pills like fentanyl and oxycodone usually hook people the fastest, but it depends on the person.
What to do with leftover prescription drugs?
Use community drug take-back programs or secure drop boxes at pharmacies and police stations in Georgia. Don’t flush medications unless specifically directed on the label.
