Prescription Drug Abuse in Philadelphia, PA

Prescription drugs are composed of psychoactive substances, which have a high potential for abuse. Prescription drug abuse in Philadelphia is a serious condition that affects millions of Americans each year. People who are prescribed these drugs may become addicted. Treatment for prescription drug abuse in Philadelphia is available. Alcohol treatment centers Philadelphia is ready to help you find a rehab facility. Call (877) 804-1531 to speak to a specialist today and learn about rehab centers near you.

Highly Abused Medications

Opioid medications are commonly prescribed as they are effective in treating chronic pain. Commonly prescribed opioids are:

Morphine
Codeine
Hydrocodone
Oxycodone

Sedatives are effective in treating anxiety and sleeplessness. Commonly prescribed sedatives include:

Alprazolam
Diazepam
Lorazepam
Eszopiclone
Zaleplon
Zolpidem

Stimulants are effective in treating hyperactivity disorders and obesity. Commonly prescribed stimulants are:

Dextroamphetamine
Methylphenidate
Amphetamines

Signs and Symptoms of Prescription Medication Abuse

Opioid drugs: Constipation, depression, low blood pressure, suppressed breathing, disorientation, perspiration

Sedatives, anti-anxiety medications: Sleepiness, disorientation, unsteady gait, poor judgment, dizziness

Stimulants: Weight loss, anxiety, crankiness, insomnia, high blood pressure, heartbeat irregularities, restlessness, impulsiveness

Health Risks of Prescription Drug Abuse in Philadelphia

Prescription drug abuse carries numerous health risks.

Opioids

Choking
Low blood pressure
Slowed breathing
Stopped breathing
Coma

Sedatives

Memory problems
Low blood pressure
Repressed breathing
Stopped breathing
Coma
Death

Stimulants

Fever
High body temperature
Racing heartbeat
Elevated blood pressure
Seizures
Tremors
Hallucinations
Hostility
Paranoia

Adderall and Ambien Abuse

Treatment focuses on controlling physical symptoms and any mental health issues. Adderall and Ambien addicts can experience severe symptoms of withdrawal.

The following prescription medications can be used in the detoxification process:

Buprenorphine - alleviates withdrawal symptoms and acute pain

Methadone - assists patients in making the transition towards abstinence.

Treatment for Hydrocodone Abuse

Hydrocodone addiction needs a medical detox to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and maintenance medication to continue successful sobriety.

The following prescription medications can be used:

Buprenorphine - relieves pain due to withdrawal

Nalaxone - reverses opioid overdose

Naltrexone - blocks the opioid receptors in the brain

Methadone - helps the transition towards abstinence by imitating some effects of hydrocodone.

Treatment for Opiates Abuse

Hydrocodone addiction needs a medical detox to lessen withdrawal symptoms and maintenance medication to continue successful sobriety.

The following prescription medications can be used:

Suboxone - fills opioid receptors in the brain without euphoric effects, minimizes withdrawal symptoms and is a maintenance drug

Xanax - for panic disorders and anxiety and relieves symptoms of opiates withdrawal

Drug Abuse Statistics for Pennsylvania

According to studies published:

Mortality cases with any prescription opioid detected increased from 51.6 percent in 2011 to 65.5 percent in 2012.
Mortality indicators showed increases in the use of benzodiazepines.
Detection of antipsychotic and over-the-counter drugs, such as antihistamines, showed large increases in the mortality indicator.
Oxycodone drug reports continued to rank fourth among all drug reports from items analyzed in NFLIS laboratories in the first half of 2013.

Prescription Drug Abuse Help

Alcohol treatment Centers Philadelphia can assist you with finding a rehabilitation for prescription drug abuse. They can be reached at (877) 804-1531. To talk with professionals about your treatment options call now. You or a loved one can get the advice needed to find a treatment center right away.