Preferred Acute Hospital for Prescription Drug Addiction

Recognizing the symptoms of prescription drug addiction is essential for seeking appropriate behavioral healthcare. People who are struggling with prescription drug addictions may exhibit various physical, behavioral, and psychological symptoms that interfere with their ability to maintain healthy relationships and fulfill responsibilities. 

Behavioral Symptoms 

• Obtaining prescriptions from multiple healthcare providers simultaneously 

• Taking medications more frequently or in higher doses than prescribed 

• Continued use despite experiencing negative consequences 

• Inability to reduce or stop medication use despite multiple attempts 

• Spending excessive time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of medication 

• Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities 

• Engaging in deceptive behavior to access medications 

• Using medications that belong to others 

• Purchasing prescription drugs illegally 

Physical Symptoms 

Physical symptoms of prescription drug addiction vary depending on the type of medication being misused: 

Opioid-Related Symptoms 

• Drowsiness and sedation 

• Constricted pupils 

• Slowed breathing and heart rate 

• Constipation 

• Nausea and vomiting 

Benzodiazepine-Related Symptoms 

• Confusion and memory problems 

• Dizziness and unsteady movement 

• Slurred speech 

• Weakness and fatigue 

Stimulant-Related Symptoms 

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure 

• Elevated body temperature 

• Decreased appetite and weight loss 

• Insomnia and agitation 

• Tremors or shaking 

Psychological Symptoms 

• Strong cravings for the medication 

• Anxiety when unable to access the substance 

• Mood swings and irritability 

• Depression and hopelessness 

• Social isolation and withdrawal 

• Decreased interest in previously enjoyed activities 

• Poor judgment and decision-making 

Prescription drug addiction can have devastating effects on multiple areas of a person’s life. Understanding these potential consequences highlights the importance of seeking professional behavioral healthcare. 

Health Complications 

• Cardiovascular problems, including heart attack and stroke 

• Respiratory depression and breathing difficulties 

• Liver damage and kidney dysfunction 

• Increased risk for infectious diseases 

• Cognitive impairment and memory loss 

• Overdose and potentially fatal complications 

• Withdrawal symptoms when attempting to discontinue use 

Social & Interpersonal Effects 

• Strained relationships with family members and friends 

• Loss of trust and damaged communication patterns 

• Social isolation and withdrawal from support systems 

• Difficulty maintaining intimate relationships 

• Impact on parenting abilities and family dynamics 

Educational & Professional Consequences 

• Decreased performance at work or school 

• Increased absenteeism and tardiness 

• Loss of employment or academic opportunities 

• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions 

• Reduced productivity and career advancement 

Financial & Legal Issues

• Excessive spending on medications and healthcare 

• Legal problems related to prescription fraud or illegal drug acquisition 

• Loss of income due to employment issues 

• Medical expenses related to health complications 

• Potential criminal charges and legal consequences 

Current statistics demonstrate the widespread impact of prescription drug addiction across the United States and North Carolina.  

• According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 105,000 people in the U.S. died from drug-involved overdoses in 2023, including from illicit or prescription drugs. 

• North Carolina had 4,310 overdose deaths in 2022, with a rate of 40 deaths per 100,000 people — the highest drug overdose death rate since data became available for the state in 1999. 

These statistics underscore the critical need for accessible behavioral healthcare and addiction treatment services in communities like Greenville, North Carolina. 

Supporting a family member or friend who is suffering from a prescription drug addiction can be challenging and emotionally demanding. However, your involvement can be crucial in encouraging them to seek professional treatment at our co-occurring prescription drug addiction treatment center in Greenville, North Carolina. 

Recognizing the Problem 

The first step involves acknowledging that prescription drug addiction is not a moral failing or lack of willpower. It’s a substance use disorder requiring professional treatment. Educate yourself about substance use disorders and the specific challenges associated with prescription drug addiction. 

Communication Strategies 

• Approach conversations with compassion and understanding rather than judgment 

• Express specific concerns about behaviors you’ve observed 

• Avoid lecturing, threatening, or attempting to control their behavior 

• Listen actively and validate their feelings while maintaining boundaries 

• Choose appropriate times for discussions when they are not under the influence 

Setting Boundaries 

• Establish clear boundaries to protect your well-being while supporting your loved one 

• Decline to provide money that could be used to purchase drugs 

• Avoid covering up the consequences of the addiction they are suffering from 

• Don’t make excuses for their behavior to others 

• Maintain your own emotional and physical safety 

Encouraging Professional Treatment 

• Research behavioral health facilities and addiction treatment services in your area 

• Offer to help with scheduling appointments or transportation 

• Attend family therapy sessions if recommended by healthcare providers 

• Learn about different levels of prescription drug addiction treatment available, including inpatient and outpatient treatment 

• Be prepared to act quickly if they express a willingness to seek treatment 

Supporting Recovery 

• Participate in family programs and education sessions 

• Learn about relapse prevention strategies 

• Understand that recovery is a long-term process with potential setbacks 

• Maintain realistic expectations about the timeline for improvement 

• Consider attending support groups for families affected by addiction 

Seeking professional behavioral healthcare for prescription drug addiction offers numerous benefits that can transform a person’s life and restore hope for the future. 

Physical Health Improvements 

• Medical supervision during withdrawal to ensure safety and comfort 

• Treatment for co-occurring health disorders 

• Restoration of normal sleep patterns and appetite 

• Improved cardiovascular and respiratory function 

• Reduced risk for overdose and life-threatening complications 

Psychological & Emotional Benefits 

• Development of healthy coping strategies 

• Treatment for co-occurring behavioral health disorders, such as depression and anxiety 

• Improved self-esteem and sense of personal worth 

• Enhanced emotion regulation and interpersonal skills 

• Reduced feelings of shame, guilt, and hopelessness 

Relationship Benefits 

• Family therapy to address communication patterns and trust concerns 

• Group therapy that provides peer support 

• Development of social skills necessary for maintaining healthy relationships 

• Strategies for making amends and repairing damaged relationships 

Professional & Educational Restoration 

• Improved cognitive function and decision-making abilities 

• Enhanced focus and concentration for work or academic pursuits 

• Development of time management and organizational skills 

• Career counseling and vocational support when appropriate 

Long-Term Recovery Support 

• Relapse prevention education and planning 

• Connection with ongoing support services and community resources 

• Development of a sustainable recovery lifestyle 

• Access to continued behavioral healthcare as needed 

At ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital, we provide personalized treatment for adults age 18 and older who have co-occurring prescription drug addictions. Our hospital in Greenville, North Carolina, offers a safe and secure environment where patients can focus on their recovery with the support of experienced behavioral health professionals. 

Our Approach to Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment 

Our multidisciplinary team understands that each person who has a prescription drug addiction is unique. We develop personalized plans that address not only the symptoms of addiction but also any co-occurring behavioral health disorders and personal circumstances that may impact recovery. 

The overall purpose of prescription drug addiction treatment is to help you learn to manage your symptoms and maintain recovery. Here are some ways our Greenville addiction treatment center can help you accomplish this. 

Inpatient care: Our inpatient units provide 24-hour medical supervision and intensive behavioral healthcare services for patients requiring the highest level of care. 

Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs): These programs offer structured care during daytime hours while allowing patients to return home in the evenings. 

Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs): Flexible scheduling options accommodate work and family responsibilities while providing regular group therapy and personal support. 

Group therapy: Group sessions led by licensed therapists focus on topics such as relapse prevention, coping skills development, and trauma-informed care. 

Medication management services: Our psychiatrists and nurse practitioners carefully monitor the effects of and adjust medications to support recovery. 

If you or someone you care about is experiencing symptoms of prescription drug addiction, professional help is available. Recovery is possible with appropriate support and comprehensive behavioral healthcare. 

Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Contact ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital to learn more about our prescription drug addiction treatment center. Our admissions team is available to discuss your specific needs and help determine the most appropriate level of treatment for your situation.