Warner Park Recovery Center – Woodland Hills Mental Health
Warner Park Recovery Center – Woodland Hills Mental Health
Prescription medications, medical treatment
Find out if your health insurance will cover most of the costs associated with treatment. Our goal is to provide you with quality care for low, out-of-pocket costs. Follow the button below to verify your insurance benefits today!
Prescription drug abuse is a widespread problem in the United States, with about 18 million people misusing prescription medications in 2017. As prescriptions become more common, access to these drugs increases, raising the risk of misuse. Prescription drug abuse occurs when medications are taken in ways not intended by a doctor, such as taking higher doses, using someone else’s prescription, or obtaining drugs illegally. Although these medications are approved for medical treatment, abusing them can lead to addiction and serious health risks. Misuse can affect people of all ages—especially young people with easier access—and the misconception that prescribed drugs are always safer than illicit substances can contribute to the problem.
A key sign of prescription drug abuse is the extreme effort someone makes to obtain more medication. While misuse may begin with a legitimate prescription, people often start lying to doctors about symptoms, requesting early refills, claiming lost prescriptions, or visiting multiple doctors to get additional medications. If these methods fail, they may steal drugs from friends or family or buy them illegally. Over time, tolerance develops, causing the person to take higher doses more frequently to achieve the same effects. Symptoms can vary depending on the drug type—for example, prescription opioids may cause drowsiness, confusion, or sedation, while stimulants often lead to agitation, anxiety, and excessive energy.
Several prescription medications are frequently misused, including benzodiazepines like Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin; sleep aids such as Ambien and Lunesta; opioids like codeine, morphine, methadone, OxyContin, Percocet, and Vicodin; and stimulants such as Adderall, Dexedrine, Concerta, and Ritalin. If you think you or a loved one may be struggling with prescription drug addiction or a mental health issue, taking an assessment and seeking help from a qualified professional can be an important first step toward support and recovery.
Prescription drug abuse is especially dangerous because these medications are widely available in many homes, making them easy to access—particularly for young people. Drugs prescribed for pain, anxiety, or attention disorders can be highly addictive when misused. Studies show that about 5% of teens ages 12–17 and over 14% of young adults ages 18–25 report misusing prescription medications, often using stimulants like Adderall to boost focus or stay awake. However, misuse can lead to addiction and is linked to a higher risk of other substance use problems, including heavy alcohol, cocaine, and opioid use.
Treatment for prescription drug abuse varies depending on the medication involved and the individual’s needs. Recovery plans are typically personalized, with medical professionals working closely with patients to determine the most effective approach. In some cases—especially with opioid misuse—a medically supervised detox program may be necessary, as withdrawal can be physically and mentally difficult and potentially dangerous without proper medical care. Seeking professional support is an important step toward safe and effective recovery.
Based on your test results we are sending you this notification in order to better assist you. Please feel free to reach out with no strings attached and speak with one of our live representatives today.
