Out of the 200 most commonly prescribed medications in the United States, 5 are highly addictive opiates. Benzodiazepines, like Xanax and Ativan, are also regularly prescribed and prone to abuse. A prescription drug detox center is typically necessary when you begin recovery because prescription medications like Vicodin, OxyContin and Xanax can cause severe and painful withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can make it difficult to remain abstinent because using will end those painful withdrawal symptoms.
More than 6% of Americans ages 12 and older have misused prescription medications in the past year. Prescription drugs are highly accessible in the United States, with more than 3.7 billion prescriptions filled in in 2018 alone. Unfortunately, many prescription medications are prone to abuse and can lead to addiction.
Prescription Drug Abuse
More than 10% of Americans ages 12 and older meet the criteria for a substance abuse disorder. Addiction also carries fatal consequences because most substances can cause overdoses. Overdoses have reached epidemic rates in the United States, becoming the leading cause of accidental death in the country. Prescription medications are a major contributing factor to the prevalence of fatal overdoses.
The following are among the most common prescription medication addictions:
- Vicodin, OxyContin, and Percocet
- Xanax, Ativan, and Klonopin
- Adderall, Ritalin, and Vyvanse
- Ambien and sleeping pills
- Morphine, Subutex, and fentanyl
Prescription medications often share similar derivatives as illicit narcotics. For example, OxyContin and heroin are both derived from opium. Prescription drug abuse is also a gateway to illicit drugs. As many as half of all heroin addicts previously used or abuse prescription opiates before using heroin.
Unfortunately, you can become addicted to prescription medications even if you are taking them exactly as prescribed. Common 
signs of prescription medication addiction include:
- Needing to use your prescription medication to feel normal
- Taking more than prescribed
- Running out of medications early
- Having an increased tolerance
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms and cravings when you don’t use
Withdrawal symptoms can begin within hours of your last use and can make it difficult to function. Some withdrawal symptoms can also cause potentially fatal complications, like seizures or delirium tremors. A prescription drug detox center in Orange County CA can limit your withdrawal symptoms and decrease your risk of relapsing.
What is a Prescription Drug Detox Center?
When you are addicted to prescription medications, you can experience withdrawal symptoms, such as:
- Nausea, vomiting and stomach pains
- Shakes, tremors, chills, and sweats
- Insomnia, nightmares, using dreams and exhaustion
- Malaise
- Disorientation, psychosis, and seizures
- Changes to your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing
Withdrawal symptoms can last for up to a week. Some medications may result in longer than normal withdrawal periods. The severity of your symptoms depends on what medication you are addicted to, how much and how often you use. Most times, withdrawal symptoms begin to alleviate within 4 to 5 days.
Once you complete treatment at a prescription drug detox center, you can choose to attend an inpatient or outpatient prescription drug addiction treatment center. Sometimes, a prescription drug detox center may also offer inpatient or outpatient treatment programs. Inpatient programs offer the highest level of care and are residential in nature, while outpatient programs allow you to return home each night. A prescription drug detox center can provide you with proper treatment recommendations.
Finding Help Today
When you are struggling with a prescription medication addiction, withdrawal symptoms can make it hard to recover without the help of a prescription drug detox center. Detox is the first step in the recovery process. If you or a loved one is battling a substance abuse problem and needs help, contact us today at 866.782.0247 to learn more about our programs.