Every day, millions of Americans rely on prescription medications to manage a variety of health conditions. While prescription medications are effective and have genuine medical value, many of them, including stimulants, benzodiazepines, opioids, and opiates, carry a high risk for abuse, dependence, and addiction. For most prescription drugs, the danger lies not in their medical effectiveness but in their euphoric side effects and how this disrupts normal brain functioning, specifically regarding the release of dopamine.
At Hill Country, we know how easily someone can become dependent upon prescription medications, particularly opioids. We provide comprehensive treatment for a range of substances, including opioid addiction treatment. If you or a loved one is abusing or has become dependent on opioids, prescription or otherwise, we are here to support you on your path to healing.
Understanding Opioids vs. Opiates
Many people think that opioids and opiates are the same, but there are differences between them. While all opiates are opioids, not all opioids are opiates. The difference between opioids vs. opiates lies in how they are made. To clarify:
- The term opioid refers to natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic drugs that react with opioid receptors in the body to relieve pain.
- The term opiates refers to natural opioids that are derived from the opium poppy.
Natural opioids (opiates) include morphine, thebaine, and codeine. Semi-synthetic opioids are derived from opiates that are chemically modified to enhance their qualities. Semi-synthetic opioids include Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, and heroin. Synthetic opioids are man-made and designed to mimic the characteristics of opiates. These drugs include fentanyl, Tramodal, and Methadone.
Semi-synthetic and synthetic opioids are more potent than natural opiates. Of all opioids, fentanyl is the most potent and dangerous, being up to 50 times more potent than heroin and up to 100 times more potent than morphine.
Know the Warning Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse
The dramatic rise in the number of opioid prescriptions during the 1990s is widely recognized as the beginning of the opioid epidemic. Doctors, and therefore patients, were misled about the addictive nature of these drugs, which led to overprescribing them, often in higher and higher doses. Many people developed dependence and became addicted before they recognized what was happening.
Recognizing prescription drug abuse can be challenging because it’s easy to hide, particularly in the early stages. However, knowing the warning signs can mean getting help before addiction takes hold. These warning signs can include:
- Not taking medications as prescribed
- An inability to control how much you’re taking
- Running out of prescriptions early
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not taking prescriptions
- Getting prescriptions from multiple doctors
- Buying or stealing prescription drugs
- Cravings and drug-seeking behaviors
- Significant changes in physical appearance, like weight loss and poor hygiene
- Failing to maintain daily obligations to home, work, or school
- Turning to the use of illegal drugs
Other warning signs of prescription drug abuse can include a sudden change in friends, isolation, withdrawal, problems at work or school, relationship conflicts, mood swings, financial problems, and being in trouble with the law.
Why Choose Treatment for Prescription Drug Abuse?
The foremost reason to choose treatment is that it can save your life. The risk of overdose from opioids is very high, and tens of thousands of Americans die prematurely from opioids every year. A professional treatment program at Hill Country provides the expertise and support needed to overcome prescription drug abuse. Through treatment, you can:
- Break the cycle of abuse or addiction
- Uncover and address the root causes of substance abuse
- Learn healthy coping mechanisms
- Forge connections with others who understand your challenges
- Rebuild damaged relationships
- Improve your physical and mental health
- Build the foundation for a life in recovery
At Hill Country, we understand the fears associated with choosing treatment. When you are ready to commit to recovery, we are here to provide the guidance and support you need.
Call Hill Country to Enroll in Opioid Addiction Treatment Today
Living with substance use disorder can feel lonely, but you don’t have to take on this challenge alone. Millions of others live with prescription drug abuse and addiction. The good news is that recovery is possible at Hill Country. Call 1.844.675.1628 to enroll in treatment today. You can also reach out by completing the online form.