Prescription Drug Rehab Treatment

What is prescription drug rehab?

Prescription drug rehab is a specialised form of treatment aimed at helping individuals who are addicted to or have a dependency on prescription medications. These medications can include opioids, sedatives, anti-anxiety medications and stimulants that are typically prescribed for legitimate medical reasons but can lead to addiction if used in ways other than prescribed or for prolonged periods.

The goal of prescription drug rehab is to help you stop using these drugs safely and recover from your addiction while addressing the underlying issues that led to the problem in the first place.

What types of prescription drugs are treated at rehab?

Due to the sheer amount of prescription drugs there are available, rehab centres will often provide many different types of prescription drug rehab options. Below are some of the most common forms:

What options are there for prescription drug rehab?

When navigating the road to recovery from prescription drug addiction, choosing the right rehab setting is crucial. The two main types of treatment, outpatient and inpatient rehab, offer distinct approaches and levels of support tailored to different needs and lifestyles.

Outpatient prescription drug rehab

Outpatient rehab allows you to receive treatment without going to a rehab facility. It’s structured around your schedule, with therapy sessions and meetings that can be slotted into regular life.

Inpatient prescription drug rehab

On the other hand, inpatient or residential rehab immerses you in a treatment facility 24/7. The duration can vary, typically from a month to several months, based on your needs and the specifics of the programme.

Here, you’re put into an environment that removes daily stressors and potential relapse triggers, offering a secure environment focused on recovery. Inpatient treatment centres provide a thorough recovery plan, including medical detox, individual and group therapy, and family counselling, all aimed at tackling the psychological elements of addiction.

What can I expect to happen at prescription drug rehab?

Entering a prescription drug rehab is a journey that holistically addresses both the physical addiction to drugs and the psychological underpinnings of substance abuse. The approach is methodically structured in stages, aiming for a thorough recovery process. Here’s what typically happens:

Initial screening and assessment

Your rehab journey starts with a detailed screening and assessment. This crucial phase involves a comprehensive check-up of your physical and mental health, your history with drugs and the presence of any co-occurring disorders. The importance of identifying any undiagnosed mental health conditions cannot be overstated, as it provides an opportunity to diagnose any potential mental health issues that lay undetected previously. By identifying these potential issues, the rehab facility is able to adjust your treatment programme based on the results found.

Prescription drug detox

Following the initial assessment, the next step is usually detoxification. Detox allows the body to eliminate prescription drugs, focusing on safely navigating through withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms’ intensity can vary based on factors like the type of drug, how long it’s been used and the user’s health. Symptoms can range from anxiety and sleeplessness to more severe reactions like seizures. Medical oversight during detox ensures safety and comfort, with the option of medication-assisted treatments to lessen the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms.

Therapy

After detox, the focus shifts to the therapeutic stage of rehabilitation, including various therapeutic practices to tackle the psychological aspect of your addiction. Expect to participate in:

• Behavioural therapies: Techniques like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) are pivotal. They aid in identifying and altering harmful thought and behaviour patterns linked to drug use. The aim here is to give you ways and techniques to manage stress and regulate emotions.
• Holistic therapies: Many prescription drug rehab programmes also blend in holistic therapies. These can include mindfulness practices, meditation, yoga, art therapy and physical exercise. The goal of holistic therapies is to heal the entire person, emphasising the synergy of mind, body and spirit. This often plays a crucial role in stress reduction and overall health enhancement.

Does completing prescription drug rehab mean I’m cured of addiction?

Completing prescription drug rehab is a truly significant achievement in your journey to recovery from addiction. It’s a time of hard work and commitment, where you’ve dedicated yourself to overcoming your dependence on medication with the support of professionals. Yet, understanding addiction as a chronic disease helps you recognise that managing it is a continuous process. There’s no simple ‘cure’ as recovery is an ongoing journey.

This is why many rehab centres will often employ an aftercare service. It acts as a support system for you as you transition back into your everyday life after rehab. Aftercare programmes offer a variety of supports, including continued therapy and support groups.

Aftercare not only provides ongoing treatment but also a community and structure to help you grow and reinforce the strategies you learned in rehab.

What are the benefits of prescription drug rehab?

Prescription drug rehab provides a comprehensive approach to overcoming addiction and improving overall health. Here are some of the positives that can come from prescription drug rehab:

A safe place to detox

Trying to detox on your own can be risky, as withdrawal can be tough and sometimes even life-threatening. In rehab, medical teams keep a close eye on you, helping manage any withdrawal symptoms with medication and making sure the detox is as smooth and safe as possible. This careful supervision greatly lowers the chances of any problems or slipping back into old habits during detox.

Mental health support

It’s common for people facing prescription drug addiction to also battle with mental health issues like depression, anxiety or PTSD. Prescription drug rehab connects you with mental health professionals ready to address and treat these underlying problems. Through therapy—be it one-on-one, in groups or with family—you’ll explore and work through the emotional and psychological hurdles, paving the way for a more comprehensive recovery.

Learning how to stay on track

A large part of prescription drug rehab is learning how to avoid going back to a life of drugs. You’ll learn how to recognise what triggers your cravings, as well as understand how to tackle them in a safe way. Understanding why you became addicted and how to handle life’s pressures is key to staying clean in the long run.

Finding strength in community

There’s immense power in knowing you’re not alone. Being part of a peer support group in prescription drug rehab can give you a real sense of community and acceptance, easing the loneliness and judgement you might feel. Sharing stories and strategies with others in the same boat can give you new insights and motivate you to stick with your recovery.

The chance to build a healthier you

Prescription drug rehab programmes often include elements that help you lead a healthier life. You can find professionals who are dedicated to giving you advice on nutrition and fitness routines, allowing your journey to run smoothly. There’s also the opportunity to learn yoga and breathing techniques, which can help manage stressful situations. These healthy habits are vital for keeping both your body and mind in top shape, supporting your journey to stay sober.

What’s next?

Are you or someone you love struggling with prescription drug dependency? It’s time to regain control and embrace a healthier, happier life. Prescription drug rehab offers compassionate care, expert guidance and a supportive community to help you navigate recovery. Don’t let addiction dictate your life’s path. Take the first step towards healing and freedom today.

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