The use of prescription drugs can be life-changing for people with serious pain conditions or sleep issues, however, these types of prescription drugs can also lead to the development of an addiction that requires a rehabilitation programme to overcome. Prescription drugs are commonly prescribed and can become addictive if used in large quantities or abused incorrectly.
Prescribed by doctors, prescription medications such as antidepressants, opioid painkillers, and prescription stimulants can be extremely dangerous and addictive if abused. In previous data provided by PHE, there were 5.6 million opioid pain medicines dispensed within the year, which has since been reduced by 450,000 opioid prescriptions in under four years.
This decrease in prescriptions ordered by doctors was due to the risk of prescription drug addiction, leading to a 13.0% decrease in benzodiazepines and 10.2% decrease in sleeping pills prescribed in England.
Prescription drug use can result in physical and psychological dependence which can be very damaging for people using these forms of drugs. Although it is often considered to be safe for use if prescribed by a doctor, prescription drug addiction treatment in rehab may be required to help people recover from addiction, and this can happen to anyone.
At Addiction Advocates we can help you seek expert rehabilitation for prescription drug misuse and addiction. Even if you are struggling with pre-existing illnesses or problems which was the reason for using prescription medication in the first place, these issues can be targeted during prescription drug rehabilitation to help you recover long term.
If you or somebody you know is suffering from an opioid addiction to prescription drugs, consider attending a prescription drug rehab for treatment.
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Signs of Prescription Drug Addiction
It can be difficult to spot prescription drug abuse if you feel like you are taking it to treat genuine conditions such as anxiety, pain or insomnia. However, there are clear signs of addiction to look out for, which may indicate a need for prescription drug addiction treatment.
Signs of prescription drug addiction include:
- The inability to stop consuming prescribed drugs
- Consuming prescriptions faster than should be used
- Regularly asking for more prescription drugs
- Requiring the use of prescription drugs to operate or to complete everyday tasks
- Encountering additional side effects, beyond any pre-existing illness
- Physical health signs, such as headaches, nausea, and a general sense of grogginess
- Sleep issues
- Isolation from others
- Behavioural changes due to prescription drug abuse
- Withdrawing from general life and hobbies to consume drugs
- Mental health symptoms such as depression and anxiety
- Using prescription drugs as a coping strategy for stress or mental health issues
Prescription drug addiction can happen to anyone, which is why it is important to reach out to medical professionals if you experience withdrawal symptoms or feel dependent on drugs such as sleeping pills or painkillers.
Some people are more likely to experience prescription drug abuse, such as people who grew up in broken home environments, those who experience high levels of stress, and people with a family history of addiction.
It is important to consider prescription drug treatment at rehab if you or somebody you know is showing signs of prescription drug dependence. We can help you find expert treatment at Addiction Advocates – phone today on 0800 012 6088.
Common Prescription Drug Rehab Programmes
Prescription drugs such as opioid painkillers, stimulants and sleeping pills are addictive if used for long periods of time, used in higher quantities than recommended or abused incorrectly. Although a prescription drug may be required to manage a pain disorder, over time, a drug tolerance will develop which will require a higher dosage to be consumed to feel the effects of the medication.
Prescription drugs are not widely known to be as dangerous as illegal drugs such as heroin or cocaine, which can lead to the development of prescription drug addictions without the user realising.
If you’re experiencing signs of prescription drug addiction, it is important to take it seriously, as you would with any other addiction. Taking action by reaching out for prescription drug addiction treatment and rehab is the best step if you or a loved one has developed a prescription drug dependence. Find out more about common prescription drug rehab programmes below.
Benzodiazepines Rehab Treatment
Benzodiazepines such as Alprazolam (Xanax), Chlordiazepoxide (Librium), Diazepam (Valium) and Lorazepam (Ativan) are prescription drugs which are used to treat anxiety disorders and insomnia. Although they can be used safely, consumption of prescription medication in a way that is not advised by a doctor can lead to the development of an addiction.
Benzodiazepine rehab treatment can help people who are addicted to these types of medication withdraw from the drug. A treatment plan for benzos in rehab will consist of a prescription drug detoxification process, followed by therapy sessions to address the psychological side of benzodiazepine addiction.
Learn more about benzodiazepine addiction treatment in rehab here.
Stimulant Rehab Treatment
Stimulant addiction to prescribed medications such as Amphetamine (Adderall) and Methylphenidate (Ritalin) can be very damaging for people with a prescription drug dependency. Stimulant rehab treatment consists of a prescription drug detox followed by a number of therapy treatments such as talking therapies, group therapy, CBT and more.
Withdrawal symptoms can be experienced during this period, but medical attention will be available throughout the process to help manage any issues during rehab treatment.
Learn more about stimulant addiction treatment in rehab here.
Opioid Rehab Treatment
Opioids are commonly prescribed for short term pain relief if typical painkillers such as Paracetamol are not strong enough. Common painkillers that can lead to addiction include Oxycodone (OxyContin), Hydrocodone (Vicodin), Codeine, Fentanyl, Morphine and Methadone.
Opioid addiction is a very common form of prescription drug addictions as these types of medications are very addictive. Although doctors advise patients about the addictive nature of prescription opioids, rehab for prescription opioids may be required if you become dependent upon them.
Opioid rehab treatment will typically last a number of weeks to ensure the detox process has been completed successfully and all psychologically dependent symptoms are no longer present. This will take place through a medical detox, as well as therapies and aftercare sessions.
Learn more about painkiller addiction rehab treatment here.
Outpatient vs. Inpatient Prescription Drug Rehab
Seeking a prescription drug rehab may be daunting, especially if you don’t know where to go. There are a number of support services available to treat prescription drug addicts, including private prescription drug rehab treatment centres, outpatient rehab services and local support groups. Prescription drug addiction treatment services will be readily available to you to help you achieve recovery.
Even if your prescription drug abuse is mild, a prescription drug detox will be beneficial and start the recovery process. A private addiction treatment centre is the best place to receive 24/7 care and treatment, and the detox process is as safe as possible.
If you are struggling with a severe addiction to prescription drugs, a comprehensive private rehab programme is the most advised option as rehab treatment is intensive and assisted by medical professionals.
Through treatments such as medically assisted detoxification, dialectical behavioural therapy, dual diagnosis treatment, stress management, relapse prevention and support groups, residential prescription drug rehab programmes may be different for everyone as they are adapted to your needs.
If private rehab is not the option you choose for yourself or a loved one, outpatient rehab for prescription drug addiction is also available in your local area. Support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous can provide you with a support network that is very beneficial for recovery. These sessions take place weekly and help people in prescription drug recovery by offering a safe space to discuss experiences and complete the recovery journey as a team.
Prescription Drug Rehab Treatments
At Addiction Advocates, we advise you on the most appropriate form of care and treatment to help you overcome your prescription drug addiction. We can help you find the best prescription drug rehab clinic for your needs in a location which suits you.
It’s understandable to justify using prescription drugs, especially if you suffer from pain or a medical condition requiring prescribed drugs to treat. However, prescription drug misuse can result in severe addiction and cause a number of negative health and relationship problems, which can further worsen your consumption of prescribed medication.
Prescription drug rehabilitation programmes work to treat every element of your addiction. Find out more about what to expect in rehab below:
Prescription Drug Detox Process
Prescription drug detoxification is the first step for patients who arrive at a residential rehab centre. Detoxing from prescription drugs can be a long process, taking around 10 days or longer. Safe prescription medications such as Methadone, Naltrexone and Buprenorphine may be prescribed to help you cope with withdrawal symptoms that will likely be experienced.
Common prescription drug withdrawal symptoms include strong cravings, shakes, insomnia, hot flashes, headaches, nausea, diarrhoea, anxiety and depression.
Prescription drug detox is a key element of treating addiction and marks the first step of drug treatment.
Therapy Sessions for Prescription Drug Addiction
Once the detoxification process has been completed, the next step of prescription drug treatment is therapy to treat the behavioural signs of addiction. Find out more about common therapies provided in prescription drug rehab below:
Group Therapy Sessions
Group therapy is very beneficial for people in recovery from addiction. Other residents in rehab are able to discuss their experiences, concerns, and successes, as well as provide one another with support during the recovery process.
Individual Counselling
One to one counselling sessions offer the opportunity to speak about your addiction history in a safe space with a medical professional. These sessions take place weekly as part of the recovery programme.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
CBT is a talking therapy that is commonly used for the treatment of addiction. It allows people to understand their feelings and talk through any emotions that may have resulted as a result of addiction.
Holistic Treatments
Holistic therapies such as art therapy, yoga, intensive therapy, and other behavioural therapies are great methods to help the treatment of prescription drug addictions. These therapies are provided throughout treatment to promote long term recovery towards a healthier life.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
For many people who suffer from prescription drug abuse, mental health issues such as depression, anxiety or PSTD are very common. Dual diagnosis rehab programmes can be very beneficial for this as they offer both physical and emotional support.
Start treatment at a prescription drug rehab to overcome your addiction and get your life back on track – call today on 0800 012 6088 for support.
Prescription Drug Rehab Aftercare and Relapse Prevention
As prescription drugs are heavily linked to pre-existing health issues, it’s also important to consider pain management, or the management of symptoms, to understand how support can be reached without the use of prescription drugs after a rehab programme has been completed.
Once the prescription drug rehab programme has ended, you will be provided with 1 year of free aftercare sessions to continue relapse prevention and help previous residents stay on track with their recovery journey.
Continuing support and receiving expert advice is extremely beneficial for people who have previously had a physical dependence on different prescription drugs, from both medical professionals and family and friends. Aftercare sessions take place weekly and the rehab centre will provide you with a phone number so you will always have access to somebody to talk to if you need it.
It is also recommended to speak to family and friends about your experiences in rehab and with your addiction history. It is common for relationships to be affected as a result of somebody taking prescription drugs to fuel an addiction, so speaking openly with loved ones is a key element of relapse prevention and sobriety.
Seek Prescription Drug Abuse Recovery Today
At Addiction Advocates we can help you find a suitable prescription drug rehab centre which suits your addiction needs and location. Admitting that you have a problem with prescription drug use is the first step in the recovery journey.
We can help you explore your treatment options, find a suitable treatment facility and help you get the help you need to make a full recovery.
Call us today on 0800 012 6088, fill out our contact form or text HELP to to find a suitable prescription drug rehab.
References
- [1] 5.6 million opioid pain medicines dispensed within the year - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prescribed-medicines-review-report/prescribed-medicines-review-summary#findings-from-the-analysis-of-prescription-data
- [2] since been reduced by 450,000 opioid prescriptions in under four years - https://www.england.nhs.uk/2023/03/opioid-prescriptions-cut-by-almost-half-a-million-in-four-years-as-nhs-continues-crackdown/
- [3] 13.0% decrease in benzodiazepines and 10.2% decrease in sleeping pills prescribed in England - https://www.england.nhs.uk/2023/03/opioid-prescriptions-cut-by-almost-half-a-million-in-four-years-as-nhs-continues-crackdown/
Seth is an author, addiction recovery expert and fully accredited member of the national counselling society. He has experience working with a wide range of addictions and mental illnesses using a number of evidence-based therapies and programmes such as the SMART models of addiction recovery.
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