Prescription Drug Abuse in Grand Rapids, MI 616-828-4790

Prescription drugs contain psychoactive substances with a high potential for abuse. People taking prescribed medications become addicted when these drugs are abused. Many people turn to illicit substances as substitutes. Prescription drug abuse in Grand Rapids is a serious and rapidly-growing health concern. At Alcohol Drug Treatment Grand Rapids, our knowledge can help those individuals find appropriate treatment facilities. To find out more about how you can get treatment for prescription drug abuse, call at 616-828-4790.

Commonly Abused Prescription Medications

Prescriptions for opioid medications are greatly increasing due to their effectiveness in treating chronic and acute pain. Some examples of commonly prescribed opioids are:

Codeine
Morphine (MS Contin)
Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
Oxycodone (Oxycontin)

Sedatives are used to treat anxiety and insomnia. Some examples of commonly prescribed sedatives are:

Alprazolam (Xanax)
Diazepam (Valium)
Eszopiclone (Lunesta)
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Zaleplon (Sonata)
Zolpidem (Ambien)

Stimulants are used to treat attention disorders and other illnesses. Some examples of stimulants are:

Amphetamines (Adderall)
Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
Methylphenidate (Ritalin)

Signs and Symptoms of Prescription Drug Abuse in Grand Rapids

Opioid painkillers:

Constipation
Depression
Low blood pressure
Decreased breathing
Confusion
Agitation
Sweating
Poor coordination

Sedatives and anti-anxiety medications:

Drowsiness
Confusion
Unsteady gait
Poor judgment
Involuntary eye movements
Dizziness
Forgetfulness

Stimulants:

Weight loss
Agitation
Irritability
Sleeplessness
High blood pressure
Irregular heartbeat
Restlessness
Impulsiveness

Health Risks

Prescription drug abuse in Grand Rapids carries numerous health risks.

Opioids Health Risks:

Choking
Low blood pressure
Slowed breathing
Stopped breathing
Coma

Sedatives Health Risks:

Memory problems
Low blood pressure
Slowed breathing
Coma
Death

Stimulants Health Risks:

Elevated body temperature
Heart problems
Elevated blood pressure
Seizures
Tremors
Hallucinations
Aggressiveness
Paranoia

Treatment Medication

There are a number of treatment medications available to help people leave prescription pill abuse behind.

Suboxone contains buprenorphine (an opioid) and naloxone and is used to treat an opiate addiction. Naloxone is a narcotic drug that reverses the effects of other narcotic medicines.

Methadone is an opioid medication that relieves withdrawal symptoms in individuals addicted to heroin or other narcotic drugs, as a pain reliever and as part of drug addiction detox and maintenance programs.

Naltrexone is a narcotic drug that blocks the effects of other narcotic medicines and used to treat narcotic drug or alcohol addiction.

Neurontin is used to control convulsions or seizures.

Bupropion is an antidepressant used to treat depression and helps reduce cravings and other withdrawal effects.

How to Get Help

Prescription medication abuse is something we can help you deal with. At Alcohol Drug Treatment Grand Rapids we understand the detriments of addiction and can help you search for the right treatment center and answer any questions you may have. Give us a call today at 616-828-4790.