Why Prescription Drug Addiction is On The Rise

Unfortunately, some individuals are predisposed to addictive tendencies, and doctors often generously prescribe medications such as opioids, stimulants, and anti-anxiety drugs. These medications are accessible because many individuals struggle with health conditions for which these medications are necessary. When these medications are prescribed they can often lead to patterns of abuse and addiction and when the prescription runs out, they are able to be found on the street.

The Most Abused RX Medications

Prescription opioids, stimulants, and anti-anxiety medications are the most commonly prescribed addictive medications that are also abused. Close to 20 million Americans report using prescription medications without a prescription from a doctor at least once a year.

Opiates are prescribed for chronic pain but are often abused with alcohol for recreational purposes.

Anti-anxiety medications such as alprazolam and diazepam are often abused because they create a similar feeling to alcohol that lowers inhibitions and relaxes the mind.

Stimulants, which are used to help those who struggle with ADHD are often abused because of their ability to keep their users awake and cause performance-enhancing effects. These are often abused by college students as well as long-haul truck drivers to stay awake on long trips or to study.

Dangers of Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription medications, such as those mentioned above, are intended to be used for limited periods of time and for specific purposes when prescribed. When opioids, stimulants, and anti-anxiety medications are repeatedly used and abused the brain learns to adapt to them causing a habit. It is difficult to break free of the connection that the brain forms with these drugs which can result in harmful behaviors and destruction.

Once an addiction has been formed, the best way to escape it is to find professional help. Rehab helps individuals and their families work together to overcome the addiction all while safely providing holistic treatment measures to ensure the person who is struggling with addiction can get clean safely.

Sober Friendly Attractions near Fort Myers, FL

Once you’ve completed treatment for prescription drug addiction at Legacy, it will be time to return home and reintegrate with your life there.   Practicing all the healthy new behaviors and coping skills you’ve learned becomes even more important at this point.  For this reason, it is essential that you find things to do and ways to have fun that don’t involve any negative habits from your past.  Fortunately, Fort Myers has lots of sober-friendly activities that you can take part in.

Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium 

This 105-acre site offers hiking trails, a nature center, and a planetarium. It is home to many rescue animals and includes visits to butterfly and bird aviaries.

3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, Florida 33905 

IMAG History and Science Center

This is an interactive educational museum for all ages with more than 60 exhibits that includes a hurricane simulator.

200 Cranford Ave, Fort Myers, Florida 33916 

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve 

This non-for-profit dedicated to preserving this 3,500- acre park offers a variety of wildlife, a butterfly garden, and boardwalk trails through wetlands.

7751 Penzance Blvd, Fort Myers, Florida 33966

The River District 

Head to the River District for a Farmer’s Market or an afternoon lunch. The River District is essentially the downtown area of Fort Myers with a concentration of low building profiles providing a view of authentic Florida food, plus global cuisines in an easy to walk around the area. There are always events going on in the River District.

2180 W First St. Fort Myers, Florida 33901

The Shell Factory & Nature Park

This family-friendly complex contains a retail shop, steak & seafood eatery, a nature park, and rides for children.

6554 North Cleveland Ave US 41, North Fort Myers, Florida 33903

Sanibel Island 

Sanibel Island is a great option for a weekend getaway from Fort Myers. It is located just 41 minutes southwest of Fort Myers and is connected to the mainland via a causeway. This beautiful inhabited island getaway features beautiful beaches and a lighthouse.

1159 Causeway Blvd, Sanibel, FL 33957

Fleamasters Fleamarket 

This is Florida’s biggest and best flea market with around 900 unique stores full of bargains. Including vintage art, jewelry, crafts, food stands, fresh fruit, and veggies, great for family and friends to spend the afternoon, even if just to browse.

4135 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33916

Manatee Park 

This waterfront park provides paved trails for those who enjoy nature walks but also up-close views of manatees! You are able to watch shows in the amphitheater as well as rent kayaks to kayak with the manatees.

10901 FL-80, Fort Myers, FL 33905