Prescription Drug Abuse

Prescription Drug Rehab

Prescription drug abuse has reached crisis levels in the United States. Misusing these medications can lead to serious, even life-altering consequences—not only for the individual involved but also for those around them. The most commonly abused prescription drugs include opioid painkillers, central nervous system (CNS) depressants, and stimulants.

Regardless of the reason behind non-medical use, prescription drug abuse can significantly damage both mental and physical health. While the impact can be severe, the good news is that effective treatment and prescription drug rehab programs are available to help individuals recover and reclaim their lives.

What Is Prescription Drug Abuse?

Prescription drug abuse refers to the use of prescription medications in a manner not intended by the prescribing doctor. This includes taking someone else’s prescription, using a higher dose than prescribed, or consuming the drug for non-medical reasons—such as to achieve a “high” or sense of euphoria.

Misuse can be both intentional and unintentional, but any use that deviates from prescribed guidelines is considered abuse. Non-medical use of prescription drugs, regardless of the reason, can have serious consequences for both physical and mental health.

The three most commonly abused categories of prescription drugs are:

Opioid Pain Relievers: Prescribed for acute or chronic pain. Examples include OxyContin and Vicodin.
Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants: Used to treat conditions like anxiety and sleep disorders. Common examples are Xanax and Ambien.
Stimulants: Typically prescribed for attention deficit disorders such as ADHD. Examples include Adderall and Ritalin.

Prescription Drug Addiction: Facts and Statistics

Over the past two decades, prescription drug abuse has grown dramatically across the United States. An estimated 54 million Americans have misused prescription medications at some point in their lives.

Young adults aged 18–25 are the most affected age group, with an average of 5,784 adolescents per day starting to abuse prescription drugs for the first time.
Older adults are also at risk, often misusing medications unintentionally due to confusion or lack of information.

This growing problem has contributed to a sharp rise in:

Emergency room visits
Hospital admissions
Accidental overdoses
Unintentional deaths

Key statistics that highlight the severity of the crisis include:

Nearly 12% of individuals who reported non-medical use of prescription drugs met the clinical criteria for a substance use disorder.
Opioid-related deaths have more than quadrupled since 1999.
According to the CDC, over 70% of the nearly 71,000 drug overdose deaths in 2019 involved opioids.

Effective, World-Class Prescription Drug Rehab at Alta Mira

If you or a loved one is struggling with prescription drug use, it may be time to seek professional help. Prescription drug addiction can have devastating effects, but recovery is possible with the right support.

At Alta Mira, we offer specialized residential treatment programs designed to address the full spectrum of prescription drug addiction. Our approach combines:

Evidence-based therapies
Integrated care for co-occurring mental health disorders
Peer support
Relapse prevention strategies

Because withdrawal—particularly from opioids—can cause severe symptoms, medical detox in a safe, inpatient setting is often the first step. Our facility provides the care and supervision needed to safely manage withdrawal and prepare for long-term recovery.

What to Expect at Alta Mira

At our luxury prescription drug rehab center, we provide personalized treatment plans in a supportive, healing environment. Our services include:

Safe and effective detoxification
Reduction and management of withdrawal symptoms
Diagnosis and treatment of co-occurring mental health conditions
Relapse prevention tools and strategies
Skills to rebuild and regain control over life

Many clients arrive unaware that they may be dealing with an undiagnosed mental health issue contributing to their addiction. Treating only the substance use without addressing underlying disorders can hinder recovery. Our team ensures an accurate diagnosis to create a fully customized treatment plan that fosters genuine healing and transformation.

Signs and Symptoms of Prescription Drug Abuse

Prescription drug abuse may not be immediately obvious. While occasional misuse can happen unintentionally, consistent patterns of misuse often come with clear warning signs.

Common signs of prescription drug abuse include:

Slurred speech, poor coordination, or other physical symptoms
Noticeable changes in sleep patterns and appetite
Dramatic mood swings or behavioral changes
Rapid increase in dosage or frequency of use
Borrowing money to purchase medications illegally
Being secretive or defensive about drug use
Visiting multiple doctors or pharmacies for the same medication (known as “doctor shopping”)
Taking or requesting prescription drugs from friends or family

Causes and Risk Factors of Prescription Drug Abuse

The reasons behind prescription drug misuse vary widely from one person to another. Certain groups—such as women and young adults—are particularly vulnerable to abuse. People misuse prescription medications for various reasons, including pain relief or the pursuit of euphoria. Many individuals who report non-medical use of prescriptions also say they obtained the drugs from friends or family. Easy access to these medications is a major driver of the ongoing addiction crisis in the U.S. Because these drugs are prescribed by medical professionals, many mistakenly believe they are less harmful than illegal substances. This misconception can lead to accidental misuse and, in severe cases, overdose.

Common Reasons for Prescription Drug Misuse:

Recreational use
Improved focus or performance
Using alongside alcohol or other drugs
Mental health challenges
Coping with emotional pain or grief
To relax or reduce stress
Social pressure

Health Consequences of Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription drug abuse can have serious and long-lasting health effects. These consequences vary depending on the type of medication, dosage, frequency of use, and the individual’s physical condition. Abuse not only affects the user but can also impact others, including unborn children if the user is pregnant.

Short-Term Effects by Drug Type:

Opioid Pain Relievers:

Drowsiness and fatigue
Nausea
Constipation
Breathing difficulties
Risk of overdose or death

CNS Depressants:

Slurred speech
Shallow breathing
Confusion
Poor coordination
Risk of overdose or death

Stimulants:

Increased body temperature
Paranoia
Elevated heart rate

Older adults are especially at risk due to slower metabolism, increased sensitivity to medications, and a higher likelihood of being prescribed drugs for anxiety, sleep disorders, or chronic pain. This group is also more vulnerable to the dangerous combination of alcohol and prescription drugs, which may result in accidental overdose.

Recognizing the Need for Prescription Drug Rehab

Acknowledging the need for help is the first and most crucial step in recovery. Trying to manage addiction alone can be overwhelming, which is why structured residential treatment programs are highly effective. These programs offer a safe and focused environment for recovery, allowing individuals to develop healthy coping skills and relapse prevention strategies.

Effective Treatment Typically Includes:

Medically supervised detox
Individual therapy
Group and peer support sessions
Educational workshops
Family therapy sessions
Experiential and holistic approaches
Fitness and recreation programs
Stress management techniques
Relapse prevention planning

We prioritize a personalized approach to treatment, working closely with each client to understand their background, challenges, and goals. This allows us to create a safe, respectful space for true healing and recovery.

Helping a Loved One Seek Treatment for Prescription Drug Abuse

Addiction is a brain-based condition, not a moral failure or sign of weakness. While you can influence your loved one’s path toward recovery, the decision to seek help must ultimately come from them. Your ongoing support may be the encouragement they need to begin treatment.

Steps You Can Take:

Seek support for yourself. Attend peer groups like Al-Anon or Nar-Anon.
Consider hiring a professional interventionist. A well-organized intervention, guided by an expert, can improve the chances of your loved one entering treatment. Interventionists also provide ongoing support throughout the treatment process.

If you’re unsure where to start, our admissions team can guide you through intervention planning and what to expect during treatment.

How Our Luxury Prescription Drug Rehab Transforms Lives

Our residential rehab center offers the ideal environment for a safe detox and sustainable recovery. Clients receive a wide range of services tailored to their individual needs, including holistic therapies, life skills development, nutritional support, and treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions.

During Your Stay, You’ll Receive:

A custom treatment plan
Support for dual diagnoses
Medical and psychological testing
Weekly meetings with psychiatrists and doctors
Therapy and self-regulation skills development
Family involvement through immersive programs

Our Approach to Opiate Addiction Treatment

The first 30 days of your stay are focused on detox, stabilization, and thorough assessment. We provide 24/7 monitoring to ensure safety and comfort during this critical phase.

You Can Expect:

Private detox in a serene environment
Regular consultations with medical staff
Psychological and neuropsychological evaluations
Family therapy opportunities
Orientation to core recovery concepts

Creating Lasting Change
Changing behaviors tied to addiction takes time and commitment. Recovery means building new habits, understanding your triggers, managing stress, and learning to live a balanced, sober life. Our team works closely with you to make this journey possible.

Start Healing Today at Our Private Rehab Center

We believe that recovery flourishes in a peaceful, secure setting. At Alta Mira, our advanced treatment programs are complemented by a caring, highly experienced team of professionals who are committed to your success.

You don’t have to go through this alone. Let us help you reclaim your life.

Contact us today to begin your path to lasting transformation.