Prescription Drug Use Disorder Treatment in Connecticut
Addictive Prescription drugs With Warning Labels.
Our doctors diagnoses and treats a wide range of substance use disorders, including prescription drug use disorder.
Learn more about our prescription drug use disorder treatment at Waterstone Addiction & Recovery, a leading outpatient addiction medicine practice in Connecticut, or schedule an appointment to begin your recovery journey and live better today.
What Is Prescription Drug Use Disorder?
As reported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), over 14.3 million Americans abused prescription drugs in the past year alone, as of 2021. Prescription drug addiction is a significant and long-standing issue in the U.S.
Worryingly, a substantial number of both adults and minors use these medications for non-medical purposes. Unfortunately, this type of misuse almost inevitably leads to addiction, creating a need for professional substance abuse treatment.
Many individuals in prescription drug addiction recovery express that they didn’t realize when their drug use shifted from recreational use to full-blown addiction. This is one of the most challenging aspects of prescription drug addiction. Once physical dependence on prescription medication develops, stopping becomes extremely difficult. In some cases, such as with benzodiazepines, quitting abruptly without medical assistance can even pose serious risks.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Prescription Drug Use Disorder?
The signs and symptoms of prescription drug abuse vary depending on the specific medication involved. Some of the most commonly misused prescription drugs, due to their mind-altering effects, include:
- Opioids, often prescribed for pain relief, such as oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet) and hydrocodone (Norco)
- Anti-anxiety medications, sedatives, and sleep aids used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders, such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), and zolpidem (Ambien)
- Stimulants used to manage attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and certain sleep disorders, including methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), dextroamphetamine-amphetamine (Adderall XR, Mydayis), and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
Signs and symptoms of prescription drug abuse:
Opioids:
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Euphoria or “feeling high”
- Slowed breathing
- Drowsiness or lethargy
- Confusion
- Lack of coordination
- Increased dose needed for pain relief
- Heightened pain sensitivity or worsening pain with higher doses
Anti-anxiety medications and sedatives:
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Unsteady gait
- Slurred speech
- Poor concentration
- Dizziness
- Memory issues
- Slowed breathing
Stimulants:
- Increased alertness
- Euphoria or “feeling high”
- Irregular heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- Elevated body temperature
- Reduced appetite
- Insomnia
- Agitation or restlessness
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
Other indicators of prescription drug abuse include:
- Forging, stealing, or selling prescriptions
- Taking higher doses than prescribed
- Mood swings or hostility
- Altered sleep patterns (too much or too little)
- Making poor decisions
- Excessive energy or hyperactivity
- Persistent drowsiness
- Requesting early prescription refills or frequently “losing” prescriptions
- Seeking prescriptions from multiple doctors
How is Prescription Drug Use Disorder Treated?
After initial detox and inpatient treatment, an outpatient aftercare program is a crucial component of ongoing addiction treatment, as the ultimate goal is long-term sobriety and sustained mental health improvement.
Behavioral therapies typically remain an important part of treatment for individuals recovering from addiction. Those overcoming prescription drug dependence should establish a comprehensive aftercare plan to manage cravings and maintain progress after leaving rehab. Therapy offers essential emotional support during this challenging journey.
Some common aftercare options for prescription drug addiction treatment include:
Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment – The individual continues therapy while living at home, attending sessions multiple times a week based on a structured treatment schedule.
Group Therapy – Participants engage in small group settings, learning to connect with others who have faced similar struggles with prescription drug addiction. The goal is to enhance coping skills and social interactions.
Individual Therapy – Continued one-on-one sessions with a professional therapist, either in-person or virtually, may take place weekly or more frequently, depending on the individual’s needs.
Aftercare is designed to provide ongoing support while reducing the intensity of initial treatment requirements. It plays a vital role in maintaining long-term sobriety and improving overall mental health.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you believe you may be suffering from prescription drug use disorder, it is important to see a caregiver who specializes in addiction medicine in order to properly diagnose and treat your condition. Call 203-245-0412 today, or schedule an appointment to begin your recovery journey now using this form.
