Prescription Drug Treatment

Prescription drug treatment in the United States is more important now than perhaps at any time in the nation’s history. The illicit pharmacies of the internet, and a generally more permissive attitude towards everything from prescription painkillers to stimulants and depressants have made prescription drug addiction one of the fastest growing health problems in the country.

And whether an individual has become addicted to prescription medication after using a drug legitimately or because they were trying to enhance work performance, the dangers of overdosing and long-term health complications are ever-present.

Prescription drug rehab centers help break the cycle of addiction, and provide the tools needed to leave these dangerous drugs behind forever.

WHO NEEDS PRESCRIPTION DRUG TREATMENT?

Those individuals who are abusing prescription drugs, and finding it impossible to stop, should consider an addiction treatment program immediately.  In addition, if someone has developed a tolerance to prescription drugs (meaning it takes more and more of the substance to achieve the desired effect), than addiction is likely to be the reason – and treatment should be sought out as soon as possible.

It is important for loved ones to be vigilant if they suspect that someone close to them is abusing prescription drugs. Understanding the signs and symptoms of various prescription drug addictions will help family and friends uncover the root of the problem – even if the individual in question is in denial that such a problem even exists.

Teenagers and the elderly are two demographics that are at a high-risk for prescription drug addiction. Young people because these drugs are currently making the rounds in many social circles (and access has never been easier) and the elderly because of their isolation and the number of medications they take on any given day.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PRESCRIPTION DRUG ADDICTION

The challenge with identifying prescription drug addiction is that every drug has a different effect on the individual. The signs and symptoms of stimulant addiction may indeed be quite different from those of an opiate painkiller such as Vicodin or OxyContin.

However, there are several hallmark behaviors that run across all prescription drug addictions, including:

• Putting the drug before everything else – including family, friends, school and career.
• Impaired judgment that makes the individual a danger to himself and others.
• Physical and emotional unbalance caused by the drugs and their long-term use.

WHAT GOES ON DURING PRESCRIPTION DRUG TREATMENT?

The most important components of prescription drug rehab are detox, counseling and aftercare. Each of these program types may differ somewhat according to the drug in question, but each treats a key aspect of either the physical or psychological dependence on prescription medications.

• Detox. To overcome the physical addiction to prescription drugs, the individual must complete the detox process. This gives the body a chance to cleanse itself of the harmful toxins found in the drug. In the case of opiate-based prescription meds such as Vicodin or OxyContin, this is particularly important, as the presence of these toxins often lead to relapse. During the first days of drug detox, the individual may experience certain side effects, known as withdrawal symptoms that can cause a significant amount of discomfort.
• Counseling. The professionals at Seasons Recovery Centers understand that in order to truly treat prescription drug addiction, the root cause of the issue must be identified and addressed. This is accomplished through counseling, where the recovering addict has a chance to talk openly and honestly about their addiction with counselors, fellow addicts and even family members – all in a safe environment that is totally focused on finding the triggers for drug use and developing healthier alternatives moving forward.
• Aftercare. Aftercare programs help prepare the individual for life after rehab. When an individual returns home after treatment they still face a number of challenges, including rebuilding trust with loved ones, re-entering school or the job market and coping with day-to-day distractions and temptations. Aftercare programs such as sober living homes, follow-up counseling and 12-step groups all help the individual make a smooth transition back into life with the support of the treatment and recovering addict communities.

These programs may also feature a number of holistic programs within the treatment day. Holistic care for prescription drug addiction includes yoga, meditation, nutritional counseling, exercise regimens, hiking and walking excursions and other strategies for uplifting the mind, body and spirit so that the individual gets even more out of their prescription drug treatment program.

Seasons Recovery Centers offers prescription drug treatment from their luxury residential rehab facility in Malibu, California. The caring staff at Seasons works closely with every patient to provide the most customized care experience possible. Every addiction is different – and so is every solution. Seasons helps individuals find their personalized solution to addiction. For more information, contact Seasons today.