Images of drug addicts in popular media are not always accurate. Many people striving to overcome opioid dependency never touch a needle, never take an illegal substance. Instead, opioid dependency may begin as medically compliant behavior.
Prescription Pill Addiction
Opioids are available in a variety of forms, including pills, many of which are commonly prescribed for pain:
- OxyContin (Oxycodone)
- Fentanyl
- Hydrocodone
- Percocet
As with any opioid, patients can develop a tolerance to these prescriptions, requiring higher doses to achieve the same pain relief or (in the absence of pain) “high.” Prescription opioids cause the same changes to brain chemistry, resulting in chemical dependency and withdrawal symptoms when medication is no longer available. In fact, quitting some prescription drugs cold turkey can be dangerous.
Still, opioids are not the only prescription pills commonly abused. Sedatives, like Xanax and valium, are often the object of abuse and dependency. When combined with opioids, drug interactions can be fatal.
Treatment for Chemical Dependency & Addiction
Duke City Recovery Toolbox provides treatment effective in addressing prescription pill addiction. In addition to opioid replacement therapy (medication-assisted treatment), we also work with prescribing physicians to ensure participants are safely weaned off medications. Medication-assisted therapy is rarely administered alone. It is typically one component of a comprehensive addiction recovery program.
Contact Duke City Recovery Toolbox to schedule an intake appointment to begin your recovery.
