When we go to the doctor and are given medication, we all think it is perfectly safe. After all, why would a doctor give us a medication to treat something wrong with us if there was a potential for something to go wrong? Unfortunately, doctors can’t control everything, and many of the drugs they prescribe for us can become addictive if taken in the wrong doses or for extended periods.
Every day, we hear stories of people who have never had an addiction problem getting addicted to a prescribed medication. This has even led to some drugs being more tightly regulated than others in an effort to keep people safe. The important thing is to be able to recognize when you or a loved one have a problem with a prescription medication addiction and where to find prescription drug rehab near you. Drug rehab is the only way to truly get clean of substances once you have become addicted.
At Grace Recovery, we understand how easy it is to become addicted to a prescription and the harm that it can do to a person’s life and their loved ones. Today we are going to discuss prescription drug addiction, what drugs are commonly abused, and how to find prescription drug detox and rehab programs in Los Angeles.
Prescription Drug Abuse Statistics
Many different prescriptions are a problem in Los Angeles and the United States, with the largest by far being the drug category known as opioids. Over the last decade or so, the country has been experiencing what has come to be called an opioid epidemic, with more prescriptions than ever and more people becoming addicted than ever.
In fact, recent reports show that more than 500 people per year are dying from opioid use, with over 800 in 2019 and over 1500 in 2020. This has led to tight controls being placed on a number of different pain medications, as pain management is the primary reason for prescribing opioids. People are now turning to alternatives such as heroin and street variants of the synthetic opioid fentanyl, one of the strongest opioids in existence, to get their fix once addicted.
Other prescription medications are less widely used but show similar patterns with people using certain drugs like benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are a category of medication that is primarily used to treat mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. Most of these drugs are highly habit-forming, and doctors often rotate the medications that a patient is taking to reduce the likelihood of addiction among those who need the drugs for long-term use.
The problem with drugs is so severe in Los Angeles that it ranks third behind homicide and vehicular crashes as a leading cause of death. With the recent explosions in prescription drug use, these drugs are now leading the way with the problem.
The numbers paint an even darker picture. 51% of all drug overdose deaths in California were due to prescription drugs, and of those, 71% were opioid-related.
Which Prescription Drugs Are Commonly Abused?
Among the types of drugs that are abused in Los Angeles and the rest of California, the most widely abused are opioids, specifically semi-synthetic drugs like methadone. These drugs are the highest contributor to opioid-related overdoses and deaths, with fentanyl and heroin being a close second.
Beyond just opioids, people are abusing benzodiazepines like Klonopin, Xanax, and Valium. All of these drugs are used to treat mood disorders such as anxiety and are considered highly addictive. Though they are less likely to cause an overdose or death compared with opioids, their use is still widespread.
Lastly, among prescription drugs, stimulants like the ADHD medication Adderall are highly abused. These drugs are highly addictive, and many people take them illicitly once they run out because they enjoy the feeling it gives them. If people cannot secure a prescription medication supply, they may switch to a more hardcore drug such as the illegal drug cocaine.
How to Find Prescription Drug Treatment in Los Angeles
If you or someone you know is suffering from a prescription drug addiction, the next step is to contact Grace Recovery to get the help you need.
Grace Recovery is not your run-of-the-mill treatment facility. We have specialized programs for specific drugs and a variety of treatment options, from our Los Angeles inpatient residential rehab, to dual diagnosis, and intensive outpatient care. We also offer aftercare services to keep the success going once treatment ends. Don’t let prescription drugs ruin the life of you or your loved one, contact Grace Recovery today!
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