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Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment

Updated June 19, 2023
9 min. read
11 sections

This article discusses prescription drug addiction, treatment options, and the journey to recovery through various therapy approaches.

What you will learn:
  • You'll learn about the impact and dangers of prescription drug misuse.
  • You'll understand the difference between inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment.
  • You'll gain insights into the detoxification process and therapeutic strategies for recovery.

Prescription medication abuse or addiction poses risks similar to those associated with illegal drug use. If you or someone you care about struggles with substance abuse, it’s crucial to seek help immediately. The best rehabilitation program for you depends on several factors, including your history of substance misuse, current health, previous treatment attempts, and your specific needs and preferences. Remember, you are not alone; we will guide you through the process of finding the most suitable facility.

Prescription Medication Misuse

The misuse of opioids, including those legally prescribed, has had a catastrophic impact in the United States. Prescription medications accounted for over 40% of overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2016. Tragically, more than 200,000 people have died from prescription opioid overdoses in less than two decades. Furthermore, opioid pain relievers constitute just a segment of the abused prescription drugs in the U.S. Legally prescribed and potentially beneficial medications, such as benzodiazepines, stimulants (e.g., Adderall), and sleep aids (e.g., Ambien), can also have severe consequences when misused.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, young adults are especially vulnerable to prescription drug misuse. People take these substances for a variety of reasons, including academic performance, improved mood, experimentation, weight loss, and relaxation. Often, they misuse these drugs under the mistaken belief that they are safer than illicit drugs due to their legal status and doctor’s prescription.

Prescription drug misuse can lead to severe physical and mental health effects, depending on the specific drug. Misuse of these substances can potentially lead to:

  • Paranoia
  • Slurred speech
  • Overdose
  • Dangerously high body temperature
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Disorientation
  • Excessive fatigue
  • Coma
  • Death
  • Gastrointestinal distress
  • Severe constipation
  • Breathing difficulty

If you or someone you care about struggles to stop abusing one or more prescription medications, it’s vital to seek treatment immediately.

Choosing Between Inpatient and Outpatient Addiction Treatment

There are many potential treatment paths available when you begin your research. We’re here to guide you through this exploration.

A fundamental choice involves deciding between a residential treatment facility or outpatient care. While outpatient programs have their merits, they require you to stay at home, potentially in an environment conducive to drug use. Because of the numerous potential relapse triggers at home, many people with severe addictions opt for inpatient treatment to jumpstart their recovery.

To determine the most suitable treatment approach, we’ll guide you through the process of locating a specialized addiction treatment facility. During an evaluation, you may be asked questions about how long you’ve been using drugs, the impact on your life, your current health status, any mental health concerns (or dual diagnosis disorders), among others. This will help ascertain the severity of your substance use and the required therapy extent. They might wonder if:

  • You’ve used the substance more frequently or longer than intended.
  • You’ve willingly risked your physical and emotional health by abusing prescription drugs.
  • Your prescription drug use is hindering your work, relationships, and other societal obligations.
  • Due to drug usage, you’ve lost interest in activities that once mattered to you.
  • You’ve tried several times to quit but have failed.
  • You spend significant time obtaining (or visiting doctors for) prescription medications, using them, and recovering from their effects.
  • You have strong cravings for your medication.
  • You take your medication before engaging in potentially dangerous activities, like driving or operating heavy machinery.
  • You constantly have to increase your dosage to achieve the desired effects.
  • You experience withdrawal symptoms when you try to reduce your dosage or quit altogether.

Your honest answers will help them devise the most effective strategy for your addiction therapy.

Either inpatient or outpatient therapy can be effective. People who successfully complete an inpatient program often continue their recovery through outpatient therapy to maintain their progress.

Explore Your Treatment Options Now

Residential Treatment for Prescription Drug Abuse

If you or a loved one grapples with prescription drug abuse or addiction, a residential inpatient rehab center may be essential. Inpatient drug rehab programs offer the intensive treatment and support services needed for a comprehensive recovery from addiction.

Your treatment plan and duration will be customized to your specific needs. While the duration varies, most individuals in treatment stay for four to twelve weeks. Some residential program participants may stay for an entire year or longer.

Additionally, your therapy doesn’t necessarily conclude the day you exit an inpatient rehab facility. You’ll likely collaborate with the staff to formulate a post-rehab strategy. Regular outpatient counseling or other relapse prevention and recovery techniques may be part of this plan. For many, achieving sobriety is a lifelong endeavor, necessitating varying forms of ongoing treatment to navigate long-term recovery.

Many inpatient recovery clinics offer 90-day drug rehab options. These long-term treatment facilities enable prolonged care, which is linked to improved recovery outcomes.

The Detoxification and Therapy Process for Drug Addiction

Prescription drug misuse often leads to both psychological and physiological dependencies on the drug. When an individual tries to quit a prescription drug after developing substantial physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe or even lethal. Many people dependent on prescription drugs start their recovery journey in a medical detox facility, where they can safely and comfortably adjust to the drug’s reduced or absent levels in their system.

Once detox is complete, the newly sober individual should feel physically and emotionally stable enough to start addiction counseling. Therapy forms the backbone of rehabilitation programs, addressing the root causes of problematic drug use and helping individuals learn to avoid or cope with situations that might jeopardize their recovery.

Several therapeutic approaches exist, and a combined method may be utilized. For instance, motivational interviewing fosters a supportive and empathetic relationship between the therapist and the client, helping them discover and strengthen their motivation for sobriety. Contingency management rewards the client for achieving certain healthy milestones or engaging in positive activities. Rewards often come in the form of vouchers, redeemable for a wide range of gift cards and merchandise.

Your treatment team will decide on the most effective treatment strategy based on your personality type, the substance you abuse, past treatments, and other factors. Being honest during your initial evaluation of your history of substance use and treatment allows the experts to better tailor your therapy.

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  • We will conduct an immediate verification of the coverage provided by your insurance provider.
  • As a result, you may be eligible for treatment at one of our facilities with a discounted rate.
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Choosing a Local vs. Non-Local Prescription Drug Abuse Treatment Center

Deciding between a local rehab facility and one farther away for prescription drug abuse treatment is an individual choice. If you have numerous family members and sober supporters in your community, staying local may be preferable. However, those battling substance misuse in their current environment might consider relocating for treatment. A change of scenery can provide a refreshing perspective and enhance focus on healing.

Call us for guidance if you’re unsure whether to opt for a local drug rehab facility or travel out of state for prescription drug rehab.

Should I Choose a Luxury Prescription Drug Rehab?

Many luxury treatment facilities for prescription drug misuse prioritize your success and well-being, offering top-tier amenities akin to those at the world’s best hotels. Here, you can receive high-quality care while enjoying resort-like comforts, including exquisite linens, gym facilities, private rooms, and meals prepared by chefs.

Similarly, executive and luxury rehab facilities allow you to maintain limited contact with your work while in treatment, in case you cannot afford to disrupt your professional life. These programs allow you to maintain your executive responsibilities while recovering in a private and comfortable setting, combining effective pharmacological treatments with on-demand computer and phone connectivity.

Regardless of the type of facility or program you choose, acknowledging your need for help and seeking it is paramount. Prescription drug abuse can severely impact your health, finances, and quality of life, but it doesn’t have to be this way. With the right care, you stand a strong chance of recovery.

FAQs About Rehab for Prescription Drug Addiction

How does drug use affect relationships?

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How does drug use affect relationships?

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How does drug use affect relationships?

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How does drug use affect relationships?

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Addiction Treatment Centers

Facilities specializing in prescription drug addiction treatment

Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation

1901 N Esther St Newberg OR 97132

3.4
Addiction treatment center
Alcoholism treatment program
Non-profit organization
Rehabilitation center
BES Group & Associates/Solutions Plus

4625 North Fwy #127 Houston TX 77022

4
Counselor
Alcoholism treatment program
Salud Clinic

500 Jefferson Blvd West Sacramento CA 95605

2.5
Medical clinic
Spinal Interventions

280 W River Park Dr # 200 Provo UT 84604

4.6
Medical clinic
Addiction treatment center
Doctor
Medical group
The Road to Recovery Treatment Services

9656 Talbert Ave Fountain Valley CA 92708

5
Addiction treatment center
Mental health service
Arlington County Community Services

2100 Washington Blvd Arlington VA 22204

5
County government office
Turning Point Recovery Center

9201 Montgomery Blvd NE ste v Albuquerque NM 87111

4.7
Addiction treatment center
Alcoholism treatment program
Care services
Counselor
MacNeal Hospital

3249 S Oak Park Ave Berwyn IL 60402

2.6
Medical Center
Sovegna

850 E 300 S #1 Salt Lake City UT 84102

4.6
Psychiatrist
Southcentral Foundation Detox

4330 Elmore Rd Anchorage AK 99508

3.6
Addiction treatment center
Counselor
Medical clinic
Non-profit organization
Addiction Therapeutic Services

69730 CA-111 #109 Rancho Mirage CA 92270

5
Addiction treatment center
Alcoholism treatment program
Total Health Care

1501 W Saratoga St Baltimore MD 21223

4.1
Medical clinic
Counselor
Infectious disease physician
Internist
Canandaigua VA Medical Center

400 Fort Hill Ave Canandaigua NY 14424

3.6
Veterans hospital
Banner Behavioral Health Hospital

7575 E Earll Dr Scottsdale AZ 85251

3.1
Hospital
Emergency room
Hospital department
Medical Center
Bright Harbor Healthcare

340 US-9 Bayville NJ 08721

3
Mental health service
University Behavioral Center

2500 Discovery Dr Orlando FL 32826

2.1
Mental health clinic
Psychiatrist
Beach House Center for Recovery

13321 US-1 Juno Beach FL 33408

3.9
Addiction treatment center
Psychiatrist
Council On Alcohol & Substance

45 Maple St Dansville NY 14437

4.2
Social services organization
Rosecrance Jackson Centers

3500 W 4th St Sioux City IA 51103

3.1
Addiction treatment center
Family counselor
Mental health service
Hope Rising Detox and Rehab

865 W 100 N Hurricane UT 84737

5
Addiction treatment center
Care services
Hospital department
About The Contributor
Author's Avatar
Pernell Baisden
Contributor
With over three decades in recovery advocacy, this counselor advises county leaders, trains law enforcement, and crafts innovative rehabilitation techniques, epitomizing resilience and hope in the addiction recovery sphere.
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