Prescription Medications are effective in treating various health conditions. However, more than 16 million Americans abuse prescription meds yearly.
Knowing more about prescription meds can be crucial.
Prescription medications are medications given by a doctor’s prescription. The opposite of prescription meds is over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.
Those types of drugs do not need a doctor’s prescription.
Prescription medication abuse is using meds in a way not prescribed by your doctor. Sometimes, these drugs might not even be given by a doctor.
It also includes the method of taking it. For example, snorting instead of injecting it or swallowing.
Stimulants increase body alertness and can make a person energetic. They are usually used to treat obesity, depression, ADHD, and asthma.
Side effects of stimulants include higher blood and sugar levels. Examples of stimulants include
People abuse stimulants by taking larger doses. When abused, it can cause uneven heartbeat as well as severe addiction.
Opioids are more intense painkillers that are effective in managing long-term pain.
Examples include codeine, morphine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone.
Opioids can be addictive if used for long periods. An overdose of opioids can be fatal if taken with alcohol.
Always follow the doctor’s prescription when using opioids.
This medication is used to treat sleep disorders and anxiety. CNS depressants work by acting on the gamma-aminobutyric acid in your brain.
Depressants make you feel drowsy or less alert. Examples of CNS depressants include barbiturates. Depressants can also treat seizures.
Abuse of depressants leads to dependence or addiction. An abrupt stop or reduction in dosage can lead to withdrawal symptoms or death.
Symptoms vary depending on the type of prescription meds being abused.
The percentage of seniors abusing prescription meds is growing, and a big chunk of that number abuse opioids.
Seniors with multiple health conditions who abuse these drugs put themselves in grave danger. They can become dependent on it or even die from an overdose.
It’s a more complicated matter if these drugs are taken with alcohol. Seniors need to be aware of the dangers of abusing prescription meds.
Always follow the doctor’s prescription.
A doctor usually makes the diagnosis. To make a diagnosis, your doctor will ask you questions regarding your medical history.
They also ask you about the symptoms you are experiencing.
Blood or urine tests will also be taken. These tests can reveal the types of drugs in your body or if you have a physical condition.
The first step is to stop using these meds. Detoxification is used to remove all traces of the drug from your body.
We recommend that you undergo detoxification under medical supervision. Detoxing usually takes 3-7 days.
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms after detoxing is normal. Medications can be used to reduce the intensity of the symptoms.
The type of medication depends on the drug that was abused.
There are no drugs recommended explicitly for stimulants. The best way to manage withdrawal symptoms is to taper off drug usage.
Your doctor might also treat some symptoms separately, such as insomnia or depression.
Many medications can be used. They include
Tapering off is the best way to recover from this drug abuse. Your doctor might also prescribe other drugs based on your withdrawal symptoms.
Support groups and counseling can also be beneficial. They offer encouragement and fight against relapse.
Most rehab facilities offer this feature.
CBT retrains the user’s habits and inclinations. Patients are encouraged to develop positive traits. They are also able to manage their addiction and dependence better.
CBT reduces the chances of a relapse.
According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), abuse of prescription meds can be avoided by following these guidelines
The general rule is that CNS depressants should never be combined with opioids as they contradict each other. Other substances that should not be combined with CNS depressants include
Apart from CNS depressants, opioids should not be combined with
Stimulants do not work well with the following types of medications
Contact your doctor immediately if you have abused prescription medications.
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I began my journey to recovery back in 2011 when i moved to California from New York.Along with my recovery and beginning a new way of life, I began to develop a heart for others struggling with sobriety.My journey to California was filled with many trials and lessons learned, but most of all, personal growth. I truly believe I would not have found success if I didn’t come to California.
I first opened an adult treatment center, California Prime Recovery(CPR) as a way to work with those struggling on a daily basis. Over the last 3 years, CPR has evolved into someting much more impactful and beautiful than i could’ve ever imagined. I have come to realize that my own happiness and growth depends on being involved in the lives of others in recovery. Helping people through recovery is a cornerstone of many 12 step programs, and it has become the most important aspect of personal life. Giving back to those still suffering is the only way not to lose what you have gained.
Throughout this journey, and by mentoring many adolescents, I realized i wanted to offer more to teens who were struggling just as i was. This is when i decided to start OC Revive. I had built many wonderful relationships throughout my professional journey and found two others who shared the same vision, and passion that i had for the youth. It didn’t take long for myself, Tyler Michaelis, and Derek Walsh to turn our dream into a reality. We are committed to providing the best possible treatment for adolescents and truly believe “their future is our collective responsibility”.
As Co-Founder & COO of OC Revive, Derek has a wealth of personal and professional experience dealing with the issues faced by today’s troubled teen. Throughout High School and College, Derek struggled with peer pressure, learning challenges, and substance abuse. Working with the support of family and friends, Derek set out to conquer those obstacles and find a richer, more fulfilling life.
On 15 October 2012, Derek overcame his own substance abuse problem and dedicated himself to help others work through their own addiction. A year later, Derek began a new journey and started his career in the recovery industry. Throughout his career, Derek has worked his way through numerous roles at top-rated treatment centers. While working at those treatment centers, Derek began to see a pattern that those struggling individuals would’ve benefited immensely from receiving earlier in life.
Derek decided that he wanted to be a part of the solution, and find a way to address those issues at an earlier age. He concluded that there needed to be interventions before adulthood, and he didn’t want to see anyone going through the same cycle that he did. That was when he and Tyler Michaelis decided to start OC Revive, to make sure teens get the help they need to find a purpose that leads them to a life of happiness and success.
Derek attended college at Orange Coast College and Santa Barbara City College.
Brittany joins the OCR team with over 15 years of experience in the Mental Health adn Substance Abuse field. Brittany has been licensed for almost 8 years and has worked in various settings throughout her career, including inpatient psychiatric treatment, outpatient, residential treatment center, PHP and IOP settings. Brittany has been supervising Associate Marrige and Family Therapists and Associate Social Workers for almost 6 years and works in compiance and auditing to ensure that treatment centers are up to par with biling regulations. Brittany has worked with young adults and adolescents for most of her career.
Brittany earned her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at California Baptist International University. Brittany enjoys working with adolescents and young adults and believes that ever single person has the ability to set goals and meet them, even when they can’t see it themselves. Brittany loves spending time with her family, traveling, good coffee, and being outdoors.
Patrick is amental health and addiction professional that has a passion for recovery and helping others. He was inspired and encouraged by his mentors to work with individuals and families that have been affected by mental health issues, alcohol and drug addiction. He ahs been working in the field of addiction recovery for 19+ years and is an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and a Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor through the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals. Patrick is also certified in Adult and Adolescent Anger Management. His Career in addiction treatment began in 2001 at the Betty Ford Center i Rancho Mirage CA. as an Addiction Specialist working on the inpatient campus and is the co-creator of Betty Ford Center’s “Young Adult Track” specializing in work with 18-25 year old Patients. he also excelled in working with addicted and impaired professionals in the “Replase and Recovery Program”.
Patrick transitioned to Orange County in 2011 where he accepted a position as the Program Director for Orange County Recovery Services. Patrick is a gifted lecturer, group facilitator and counselor with a pssion for reocery that has been an active recovery member for over 25 years.
Anthony is an Orange County local and has been a great addition to the Oc Revive team. Since 2015, Anthony has been working in the substance abuse field and has also pursued his drug and alcohol counseling license. Since being with Revive Anthony has established a relationship within the School Districts and serves as a voluntary speaker for substance abuse awareness in the community. By sharing his personal testimony, he has excelled in gaining trust and building rapport with others. He always seems to have a smile on his face and brings a positive vibe wherever he goes. With that being said, Anthony is very passionate about the work that he does and goes above and beyond to provide our struggling youth the care that they so desperately need.
Tyler is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to teens and their families. Once a teenager that struggled with addiction, mental health, and poor choices, Tyler is aware of the growing demand and need for early intervention in adolescents and young adults. Growing up in Orange County, he battled addiction and peer pressure all throughout high school and during his time at Saddleback College. During those troubled years, Tyler’s parents and family were emotionally drained and heavily impacted by his addiction. Unfortunately, they did not know where to turn for help nor did they have the courage to set boundaries with him.After 7 painful years, they finally forced Tyler out of the house and into treatment at the age of 23.
April 5th, 2010 is a date that Tyler and his family hold dear. On that date, Tyler enrolled in a 4-month treatment program which laid the foundation for his recovery. With the help of treatment professionals, supportive friends and family, Tyler was able to build a better version of himself. This started with slowly building his self-esteem, and growing a community of peers to support him throughout recovery.
In 2011,with the desire to help others struggling with addiction, he decided to start working in the addiction field. Tyler obtained his CADAC || Counselor certification and graduated from Cal Sate University of Long Beach with a degree in Health Care Administration. Since then, Tyler has worked all areas of treatment starting as a detox technician and working his way up to Program Director. Today, Tyler feels blessed and grateful for getting a second chanse at life. He has a great relationship with his family, is happily married and has a great group of friends. Once a lost teen, Tyler now has purpose and passion. He’s dedicated his life’s work to helping teens and their families. As the Founder, Tyler Michaelis is confident that OC Revive will renew the lives of struggling teens while bringing back hope to their families
Tyler is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to teens and their families. Once a teenager that struggled with addiction, mental health, and poor choices, Tyler is aware of the growing demand and need for early intervention in adolescents and young adults. Growing up in Orange County, he battled addiction and peer pressure all throughout high school and during his time at Saddleback College. During those troubled years, Tyler’s parents and family were emotionally drained and heavily impacted by his addiction. Unfortunately, they did not know where to turn for help nor did they have the courage to set boundaries with him.After 7 painful years, they finally forced Tyler out of the house and into treatment at the age of 23.
April 5th, 2010 is a date that Tyler and his family hold dear. On that date, Tyler enrolled in a 4-month treatment program which laid the foundation for his recovery. With the help of treatment professionals, supportive friends and family, Tyler was able to build a better version of himself. This started with slowly building his self-esteem, and growing a community of peers to support him throughout recovery.
In 2011,with the desire to help others struggling with addiction, he decided to start working in the addiction field. Tyler obtained his CADAC || Counselor certification and graduated from Cal Sate University of Long Beach with a degree in Health Care Administration. Since then, Tyler has worked all areas of treatment starting as a detox technician and working his way up to Program Director. Today, Tyler feels blessed and grateful for getting a second chanse at life. He has a great relationship with his family, is happily married and has a great group of friends. Once a lost teen, Tyler now has purpose and passion. He’s dedicated his life’s work to helping teens and their families. As the Founder, Tyler Michaelis is confident that OC Revive will renew the lives of struggling teens while bringing back hope to their families