Prescription Drug

Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Center in Florida

At Amethyst Recovery Center, we offer comprehensive treatment services to provide people struggling with an addiction to prescription drugs. Nobody is too far gone when it comes to addiction. At our prescription drug addiction treatment center in Port St. Lucie, Florida we believe in treating a person’s mind, body, and spirit with individualized care. This gives patients the best chance at recovery success.

Prescription Drug Misuse in Florida

Prescription drug misuse is a growing problem in the state of Florida. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Florida ranks third in the nation for prescription drug overdoses, with more than 3,200 deaths related to opioid overdose. This number has been increasing steadily since 1999. The primary factors leading to this crisis are uncontrolled prescribing practices, lack of awareness of the dangers associated with prescription drugs, and a thriving black market for illegally obtained opioids.

The Florida legislature has taken several steps to combat the issue. In 2019, the Governor signed the “Fight Opioid Abuse” bill which requires all practitioners to review a patient’s controlled substance history before prescribing certain medications. Additionally, a steering committee was created to develop recommendations on how to reduce opioid-related deaths and misuse in the state.

The Florida Department of Health has also taken action by launching public awareness campaigns aimed at raising awareness of the dangers associated with prescription drug abuse and opioid misuse. They have also worked to strengthen existing laws and regulations regarding prescribing, dispensing, and monitoring controlled substances.

Opioid Abuse in Florida

The opioid crisis in Florida has been described as an epidemic by state officials. In recent years, the abuse of opioids led to unprecedented levels of overdose deaths throughout the state. According to a report released by the Florida Department of Health, opioid-related fatalities reached an all-time high with over 6,500 deaths across the state.

Opioid abuse in Florida is attributed to a variety of factors. The most commonly reported sources of opioids include prescription medications, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone; black-market heroin; and fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid. In addition, the media has reported an increase in the use of synthetic opioids, such as carfentanil and U-47700, among Florida’s illicit drug users.

The state of Florida is taking action to address the opioid epidemic by increasing access to treatment programs and overdose reversal medications, such as naloxone. It has also introduced several laws and regulations to reduce the supply of opioids, including prescription drug monitoring programs, strengthening prescribing guidelines, increasing penalties for trafficking drugs, and expanding access to safe disposal options for unused medications. This proves even more that prescription drug addiction treatment center is necessary.

What Prescription Drugs Are Most Commonly Abused?

Prescription drug abuse is an ever-growing concern in the United States and other parts of the world. Commonly abused prescription drugs can be divided into three categories: opioids, depressants, and stimulants.

Opioids are a class of pain medications that include oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine. These drugs can be highly addictive and are commonly abused for their euphoric effects. They can also be dangerous when taken in large doses or combined with other drugs, such as alcohol.

Depressants are a class of medications prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. Commonly abused depressants include benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium. These drugs have a calming effect but can be addictive when used in high doses or for prolonged periods.

Stimulants are another class of prescription drugs commonly abused for their effects on energy, alertness, and euphoria. Stimulants include amphetamines such as Adderall and Ritalin, as well as cocaine. These drugs can be extremely addictive due to their powerful effects on pleasure centers in the brain. They also carry a high risk of overdose when taken in large doses or combined with other substances.

Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse

Prescription drug abuse is a serious problem that affects millions of Americans. People who are addicted to prescription drugs may not realize they have a problem, but several signs can indicate an issue with prescription drug use.

One sign of prescription drug abuse is if the person takes more than their prescribed dosage or takes the medication more frequently than prescribed. Taking too much of a prescription drug can cause an overdose and even death, so it is important to be aware of any changes in dosage or frequency.

Another sign that someone may be abusing prescription drugs is if they go “doctor shopping” for multiple prescriptions from different doctors without ever filling them. This is a sign of addiction because it is often an attempt to get more of the drug than what was originally prescribed.

How Do You Know If Your Dosage is Abusive?

It can be difficult to determine when your prescription drug usage has become abusive. Many signs could indicate you are misusing your medication, including:

• Taking more of the prescribed drug than prescribed
• Taking medications that were not prescribed for you
• Taking medications in a way other than as prescribed (for example, snorting or injecting)
• Taking your prescription drugs more often or for longer periods than directed
• Using prescription drugs to get high, instead of using them to treat an illness or pain
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the drugs
• Feeling a need to increase the dose to achieve the same effects
• Taking prescription medications with alcohol or other drugs

If you are noticing any of these signs, it is important to reach out and seek help from a healthcare professional. They will be able to provide guidance and support to help you safely address your drug use. Treatment for prescription drug abuse can include medication-assisted treatment, therapy, and/or support groups. With the right help, it is possible to break the cycle of addiction and lead a healthy life.

Treatments for Prescription Drug Addiction

Some treatment options that are available for prescription drug addiction include the following:

• Medical detox
• Addiction therapy services
• Holistic treatment
• Residential treatment
• Dual diagnosis
• 12-Step support groups

Find Help at Our Florida Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Center

If you are struggling with prescription drug addiction and think you need help, Amethyst is here to help. We aim to treat everything on an individualized basis to give them the best chance at recovery. If you or a loved one would like to find out more, you can contact us here.