Prescription medications can be effective for treating various conditions. However, some prescription drugs are more likely to be abused than others. In fact, many medications are purposely abused for their sedative or stimulating side effects. Commonly abused prescription drugs include depressants, stimulants, and sedatives like opioids, ADHD medication, and benzodiazepines. While these medications are fairly safe and effective when taken as prescribed if a person takes a higher dose than directed or mixes their medication with other drugs, the risk for addiction increases, as well as the need for a prescription drug rehabilitation center.
What are Prescription Drugs?
Prescription drugs are medications that are prescribed to treat certain physical or mental health conditions. When taken as directed by the prescribing doctor, these medications can help the individual feel better and improve their symptoms.
However, some of the most effective prescription pills have the highest potential for abuse, making physical dependence and addiction major risks. In addition to the basic uncomfortable side effects that may occur in the early stages of taking a new medication, other possible risks of abusing prescription drugs include medical or mental health problems and overdose.
There are various types of prescription medications that are addictive, including:
- Opioids (includes Codeine, Morphine, Oxycodone, Hydrocone, and others)
- Central Nervous System Depressants (includes Klonopin, Valium, Ativan, and Xanax)
- Stimulants (includes Adderall, Ritalin, Dexedrine, and Desoxyn)
As with illicit drug use, long-term prescription drug abuse can lead to various problems with a person’s health, finances, relationships, and career. Our prescription drug rehabilitation program offers comprehensive care to help individuals who have become addicted to their medications physically and mentally heal and learn how to remain sober after rehab.
Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse
So, how do you know someone needs prescription drug addiction treatment? Problematic prescription drug use can be difficult to stop, especially if you had no idea about it in the first place.
A person who misuses prescription drugs is at risk of developing an addiction, which comes with a whole list of problems. Below are the most common signs of prescription drug addiction to look out for:
- The person takes the medication in higher doses or for longer than they intended or were directed to by their doctor.
- The person wants to cut down or stop using the drug but is unable to do so.
- The person has experienced repeated failures to stop using the drug on their own.
- The person spends a good deal of their time getting, using, or recovering from drug abuse.
- The person experiences drug cravings.
- The person is unable to fulfill their responsibilities at school, work, or home due to their drug use.
- The person continues to use the drug even if it causes problems within their relationships.
- The person gives up important work, social, and recreational activities because of the substance use.
- The person uses the drug repeatedly even though it puts them or others in danger.
- The person continues to use the drug even when their physical or mental health declines as a result.
- The person needs to take more of the drug to experience the same effects (developed a tolerance)
- The person experiences withdrawal symptoms when not taking the substance, and they can only experience these symptoms by taking more of the substance.
If you notice several of these signs in yourself or a loved one, reach out to our Massachusetts treatment center to find out how our rehabilitation for prescription drugs can help.
Prescription Drug Treatment in Massachusetts
Our treatment for prescription drug addiction in MA incorporates a variety of services to help clients regain their health and sobriety. Below are the various tools utilized at our prescription drug rehabilitation center to treat clients:
- Medical Detox: Detoxification is the process in which a person is slowly weaned off a substance. Withdrawal symptoms are a normal occurrence during the detox process, which is why our prescription drug treatment includes medically supervised detox to ensure clients’ health, safety, and success through this phase of care.
- Psychotherapy Programs: Our facility uses a variety of addiction therapy programs to help clients in their psychological recovery from substance abuse. One of the most common therapy modalities we use is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help clients change how they think and behave regarding their sobriety. Our behavioral therapy techniques help clients develop drug craving and relapse prevention skills, as well as strengthen their relationships.
- Aftercare Services: Our Massachusetts inpatient drug rehab also offers an alumni program that provides clients with aftercare support once they’ve completed their programs. These services include support groups during which clients can interact with others in the recovery community under the guidance of a recovery advocate or counselor to adopt healthy sobriety habits. We understand that the transition to a sober lifestyle can be tricky for many patients, so we offer these aftercare services to make sure they always stay on track and never feel alone in their recovery.
Contact Clearbrook Today for More Information
Prescription drug addiction treatment centers should offer all of the services required for a successful recovery. Our Northeast addictions treatment center believes that anyone can get and stay sober as long as they have the right kind of help.
If you or someone you care about has become addicted to prescription pills and needs help quitting, contact Clearbrook Massachusetts today to learn more about the services offered in our prescription drug rehabilitation program and how it can help.
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