Ocean Ridge Treatment & Recovery
Detox, Treatment, Recovery
Prescription drugs are meant to help us, but sometimes, dependence on them can be insidious. It often starts with small things like taking a slightly higher dosage, or using a drug more frequently than prescribed—but if we’re not careful, these behaviors can quickly lead to addiction. It’s vital to keep an eye on how we use prescriptions, and to be honest with ourselves about how they’re impacting us. Below, we’ve created this short quiz to help you take stock of your habits around prescription drugs and determine if they’re becoming a problem.
It’s important to catch any potential issues with prescription drugs early on. Recognizing the signs and evaluating your relationship with these medications is a crucial step. The quiz below is one way to do that, but you may also want to reach out to a 12-step support group, therapist, or treatment center to learn more.
The “Am I Addicted to Prescription Drugs Quiz” is our self-assessment tool designed to help you reflect on your prescription drug use. It aims to highlight patterns that might indicate addiction.
Here are five critical questions to ask yourself:
Going beyond prescribed doses is a common sign of prescription drug misuse and can lead to addiction quickly.
This behavior, often called “doctor shopping,” is a red flag for prescription drug addiction.
Cravings are a clear sign that your body may be developing a dependence on the medication.
Ignoring the harmful effects of drug use is a major indicator of addiction.
Withdrawal symptoms can occur when your body has become dependent on a substance.
If you answered ‘Yes’ to any of these questions, it might indicate a potential problem with prescription drug addiction. It’s crucial to explore the symptoms and signs of prescription drug addiction further to get a clearer picture. Remember: the longer you wait to take action, the harder it becomes to quit.
Identifying prescription drug addiction can be complex, but there are some key symptoms that indicate a problem. If you took the quiz above and believe you might have a drug problem, look out for these common signs:
Commonly-abused prescription drugs include:
Opioids: Painkillers like oxycodone and hydrocodone bind to receptors in the brain to release large amounts of dopamine, creating intense feelings of pleasure or euphoria. This rewarding sensation encourages repeated use.
Benzodiazepines: Anti-anxiety medications like Xanax and Valium increase the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA, resulting in calming and sedative effects. This can create a sense of relaxation and well-being that users may want to repeatedly experience.
Stimulants: ADHD medications like Adderall and Ritalin increase levels of dopamine in the brain, enhancing feelings of alertness, attention, and energy. This can be particularly addictive for individuals seeking a boost in performance or mood.
Sleep medications: Sleep meds such as Ambien and Lunesta work by depressing the central nervous system, leading to drowsiness. This can be addictive for individuals struggling with insomnia or sleep disturbances.
Painkillers: Tramadol and codeine are also opioids and have similar addictive properties, including altering pain perception, releasing dopamine, and creating physical dependence.
If you’ve identified yourself in these signs and symptoms and believe you’re struggling with addiction, there are various treatment options available:
Ocean Ridge is a trusted drug rehab in Orange County, California that offers a comprehensive program of recovery. Our facilities in Orange County are beautiful and comfortable, making treatment feel like a home away from home. Our team includes highly-trained nurses, counselors, doctors, and other professionals who know how to guide individuals through their recovery safely and respectfully. Most importantly, we pay close attention to each client, providing them with their own detox plan and all the medical help they need.
Learn more about how we can help you by visiting our Orange County Drug Rehab and Laguna Hills Drug Rehab.
Recovery from addiction is a tough journey, and having friends, family, and support groups around makes a world of difference. People in your community are often the first ones to spot when drug use is getting out of hand, and their support can be a game changer in getting better. 12-step meetings are great resources, and tend to be available all over the country. You can also reach out to our admissions team to learn how we can help get you on the right track.
If you or someone close to you is starting to question their drug habits, taking a quiz like “Am I Addicted to Prescription Drugs Quiz” is a great first step. The next step? Reaching out. At Ocean Ridge, we can offer our care and support in a welcoming space tailored to your needs. Reach out whenever you’re ready; we’re here to help you start healing.
Our medical, clinical, and counseling staffs on site are available 24/7.
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