Prescription medication abuse is probably the most common form of drug abuse in our country at this time. There are several definitions of prescription drug abuse. The most obvious definition is the use of a medication without having a prescription for it. However it can less cut and dry than that. Another definition is the use of the medication - with or without a prescription - for the experience or feeling, or lack of feeling that it provides. A third definition is taking a medication for other than it is prescribed - such as using a sleeping medication for relaxation.
Two years, a reported 7.0 million people in America were taking psychotherapeutic drugs - like Xanax or Percocet - in a non-medically approved way. Psychotherapeutic drugs are considered to be those that affect the central nervous system of the body, and include those used to treat psychiatric disorders such as anxiety disorder. The top four most commonly abused classes of drugs are pain relievers such as Vicodin, tranquilizers and sedatives, such as Valium, and stimulants like Adderall or Vyvanse. Not only are these some of the most usually abused drugs, they some of the most frequently prescribed.
Different age groups are more likely to fall prey to prescription drug abuse, but no one is safe. Pain relievers are the highest reported abused prescription medications. Anyone who has been to the dentist, the emergency room, or had a minor surgery understands the propensity of doctors to freely prescribe these pills.
Vicodin, a supposedly mild narcotic, is at the top of this list. Containing acetaminophen (Tylenol) and hydrocodone, this drug is given as a mild to moderate pain reliever. Ten percent of teenagers across the country have admitted to using this particular drug without medical consent, and for the reason of emotional suppressant. This seriously addictive combination is present in many of the general market pain relievers. Another hugely prevalent pain reliever in our society today that is causing addiction rampantly is Oxycontin. One in twenty high school aged students have experimented illegally with this drug, and that is a rapidly growing number. Not only is this drug highly addictive physically and emotionally, it takes a serious toll on the liver, kidneys and stomach. Untreated, opiate addiction - in particular Oxycontin - is dangerous, and can be fatal.
Sedatives and tranquilizers have been around for centuries. In the 1950's Valium - one of the more widely prescribed and used sedatives - earned the nickname "mommy's little helper," for it's use by housewives and mothers trying to manage their homes, children and husbands, and turning to prescription medication for stress relief. However - and this holds true today - the addictive quality of sedatives and tranquilizers ends up destroying rather than helping many people. These drugs are now prescribed for young adults, middle-aged people and the elderly alike - it does not discriminate. For some it does have the intended effect - ending a panic attack and enabling a person to move forward, while others grow such a high tolerance over time that it no longer works in the dose it was originally prescribed and the person takes more and more until they are physically, mentally and emotionally addictive.
On the flipside, stimulants are used for helping someone do more throughout the day, rather than relax them. Most commonly prescribed for ADD, ADHD and seizure prevention, stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin have helped immensely. However, the longer they are on the market, the clearer it has become that abuse of the drugs is serious and widespread. With the sudden feeling of being unstoppable, it is not surprising that these drugs have become one of the widest traded and sold between college students, employees, and even within families.
Why the prescription drug abuse craze? There are several factors to this overwhelming growing illegal or inappropriate use of prescription medication. One of the contributing factors is the misconception about the safety of using these drugs. As a result of these medications being prescribed by doctors, the perception is that they are safe. Another factor is the increasing availability - these medications can be found in medicine cabinets in many homes, at school and on the street. The motivations for use seem reasonable - they are used for sleeping, anxiety, pain relief and to enhance cognition - but in reality they act on the same receptors in the brain as illegal drugs.
What is the danger? At Center for Discovery, we recognize that prescription medication abuse is as risky and detrimental as any other drug. Long-term affects of using opiates - pain medication - and tranquilizers/sedatives that effect the Central Nervous System, both include the potential for overdose and death, as well as dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Trying to quit on your own can be deadly - let us help find you a safe detoxification center. Treatment includes inpatient and outpatient therapy and rehab, and at Center for Discovery we specialize in all types of treatment for prescription drug abuse. We recognize the dangers of this growing problem; let us help you in your journey towards a better life.
In the following pages you will read information pertaining to our substance abuse program, treatment components, why we treat adolescent only and in a residential setting, substance abuse red flags, levels of care, and the Discovery Substance Abuse Program admissions process. You are also welcome to take a virtual picture tour of our facilities and browse through our online brochure. It is our hope that this information will help you to obtain a better understanding of our adolescent substance abuse residential program, as well as become more informed on eating disorders, including medical complications. There is also a testimonial section from past residents and their families. If you have further inquiries we are available to you 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week. Please contact our confidential Intake staff at or you may fill out the online form on the Contact Us page.