Most people do not know that substance abuse disproportionately affects the LGBTQ community. Today, many members of the community struggle to get help for alcohol, illicit drugs, and prescription drug detox. For many in the LGBTQ community, prescription drugs and other substances provide a form of self-medication. Whether someone doesn’t have the mental health support they need or is self-medicating for long-term pain, prescription drug addiction is increasingly common. The safest way to recover from prescription drug use and find long-term solutions for health is a prescription drug detox program.
At La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center, we provide the LGBTQ community with cutting-edge drug and alcohol detox programs. Call us to learn more about our compassionate prescription drug detox center in the heart of Hollywood, California 888.903.9898.
Am I Addicted to Prescription Drugs?
Despite being prescribed by doctors, many prescription drugs are highly addictive. The government monitors controlled substances like opioid painkillers, and still, they become part of the illegal drug trade, making them accessible without prescriptions. There are many kinds of prescription drugs that can lead to addiction. Some include:
- Oxycontin
- Adderal
- Vicodin
- Klonopin
- Xanax
Benzos and opioids are two of the most common types of highly addictive prescription drugs. While they treat different symptoms, both types of drugs alter a person’s brain chemistry. They provide the brain with a rush of dopamine. This initial rush brings feelings of pleasure, euphoria, and motivation. The rush quickly dissipates, leaving the brain wanting more. Because of this, some people become addicted to prescription drugs if they take them more often than prescribed or if they take a higher dose. Many prescription drugs, like benzos, are designed for short-term use. This means that addiction is likely if someone continues to renew their prescription or seek illegal prescription drugs.
Signs of prescription drug abuse may include:
- Drug cravings
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Changes in appetite
- Weight loss
- Tremors and shaking
- Profuse sweating
- Mood swings
- Changes in personal hygiene
- Changes in social interaction
The clearest sign of prescription drug addiction is withdrawal symptoms. When the body becomes dependent on a drug, it will go through withdrawal when it leaves the body. During withdrawal, the brain’s natural reaction is to do anything possible to get more dopamine. This can make withdrawal incredibly painful. People who experience intense flu-like symptoms, delusions, erratic behavior, and willpower alone cannot prevent reuse. If someone is experiencing withdrawal symptoms, their brain has become dependent on prescription drugs.
Prescription Drug Detox in the LGBTQ Community
Unfortunately, many people in the LGBTQ community do not receive safe, comprehensive mental health or physical health treatment. Prejudice, bigotry, and access to safe medical care make it increasingly difficult for community members to receive the help they need. Today, studies show half of the people living with addiction also have co-occurring disorders. Often these disorders are misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. This means that many people in the community are living with undiagnosed depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and other mental health disorders. For many, this leads to self-medicating with prescription drugs.
It can be challenging for those in the community who medicate for physical, emotional, and psychological pain to find safe and effective addiction recovery support. A strong community is essential to effective drug detox and recovery. Many try to detox at home, which often leads to relapse, other drug use, and overdose. Luckily, programs like La Fuente Hollywood now offer prescription drug detox specifically for the LGBTQ community.
Begin Prescription Drug Detox at La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center
If you’re ready to learn more about prescription drug detox and recovery for the LGBTQ community in Southern California, call La Fuente Hollywood now. Our compassionate staff is ready to help you determine the right treatment plan for prescription drugs, co-occurring disorders, and other addictions. With both inpatient and outpatient programs, we’re proud to serve the community where we live. We know we’re stronger together. Call us now at 888.903.9898 to begin your road to recovery at La Fuente.
