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Prescription Drug Treatment and Rehab

Psychotherapist working with prescription drug addicted young man

Published: August 3, 2023

Prescription drug addiction is a condition that affects people across the country. Like many other kinds of drug addiction, prescription drug addiction can quickly develop, particularly when people are prescribed highly addictive medications like painkillers or sleeping medications.

It can be difficult to know whether you or someone you know may need help for addiction or drug abuse. The good news is there are countless resources out there to help you through the process.

Prescription drug rehab is a great way to start the process of addiction recovery and is often tailored to your individual needs. Some insurance companies even cover part of the cost.

If you’re interested in learning the ins and outs of prescription drug addiction treatment, keep reading.

Who Needs Prescription Drug Rehab?

Anyone who finds themselves reliant on prescription drugs should seek out rehab.

Addiction can be difficult to detect in your friends or family members, and even in yourself. However, there are many signs and symptoms that point to prescription drug addiction.

The two main categories you can look out for are signs of addiction or dependence and withdrawal symptoms.

Because there are so many different kinds of prescription drugs, the signs of prescription drug abuse can vary, but there are several general signs of addiction you can look for.

Some signs of prescription drug addiction/dependence may include:

  • Taking higher doses than you were prescribed
  • Stealing or buying more medication
  • Mood swings, irritability, or hostility
  • Requesting early refills or claiming you lost your prescription
  • Attempting to get the same prescription from another provider
  • Cravings for the medication
  • Thinking about the medication all the time
  • Interruptions in your social life, professional life, or other interests due to how often you use or think about your medication

Some prescription drug withdrawal symptoms can include:

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Goosebumps
  • Dilated pupils
  • Sweating
  • Insomnia
  • Muscle aches
  • Paranoia
  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Intense cravings for the drug
  • Abdominal cramping

Types of Addiction Treated in Prescription Drug Rehab

There are numerous kinds of prescription drugs, many of which you can become addicted to.

Common categories of prescription drugs that can lead to addiction include:

  • Prescription opioids, which are prescribed for pain
  • Barbiturates and benzodiazepines, which can be prescribed as anticonvulsants/sedatives or for mental health disorders
  • Stimulants, which are prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or conditions like narcolepsy
  • Sleeping pills

Some prescription medications that commonly lead to addiction include:

  • Amytal (amobarbital)
  • Nembutal (pentobarbital)
  • Seconal (secobarbital)
  • Luminal (phenobarbital)
  • Ativan (lorazepam)
  • Halcion (triazolam)
  • Librium (chlordiazepoxide)
  • Valium (diazepam)
  • Xanax (alprazolam)
  • Klonopin (clonazepam)
  • Ambien (zolpidem)
  • Sonata (zaleplon)
  • Lunesta (eszopiclone)
  • Codeine
  • Roxanol (morphine)
  • Methadose (methadone)
  • Actiq (fentanyl)
  • OxyContin (oxycodone)
  • Percocet (oxycodone acetaminophen)
  • Vicodin (hydrocodone)
  • Lortab (hydrocodone)
  • Dilaudid (hydromorphone)
  • Norco (hydrocodone acetaminophen)
  • Demerol (meperidine)
  • Adderall (amphetamine dextroamphetamine)
  • Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)

What Happens During Prescription Drug Rehab?

Prescription drug rehab treatment plans can differ from person to person based on your needs, where you’re located, and what your healthcare provider may suggest.

Some commonly offered treatment services include detox, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), inpatient treatment, outpatient programs, and aftercare services.

Medically Supervised Detox

Medically supervised detox or detoxification is a service offered during addiction treatment that helps your body process and get rid of the drugs in your system.

When you become physically reliant on a drug, stopping use abruptly can cause the body to react to the lack of the medication. This is why people experience withdrawal symptoms.

During a medical detox, your care providers will help you through the detoxification process by checking your vitals, administering fluids, administering medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms (like antiemetics for nausea), and offering support.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

MAT is a treatment service that uses U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications alongside counseling and behavioral therapy to treat prescription drug addiction.

MAT is only approved to treat opioid use disorder and alcohol addiction. This means addiction to medications such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, or fentanyl.

There are three medications approved by the FDA for MAT. These include buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. All three work by helping to wean the individual off the addictive substance while helping to manage withdrawal symptoms.

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment is a broad category of addiction services that provides around-the-clock care in a designated facility where the individual is required to stay for the length of their treatment.

Inpatient treatment can involve many different services including the two listed above, but often also provide services like behavioral therapies, counseling, alternative therapies, and more.

Behavioral therapies are a kind of therapy designed to help change your behavioral health, in particular behaviors related to addiction. Some common kinds of behavioral therapy include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).

On the other hand, counseling is typically geared more toward the emotional and mental aspects of addiction. Most treatment facilities offer individual and group therapy, depending on your needs.

Some treatment centers also provide alternative therapy opportunities. These can include services like music therapy, art therapy, equine therapy, nature therapy, holistic therapy, or adventure therapy.

Targeted or specialized treatment programs are also a common offering at rehab centers. Options like a woman’s program, men’s program, young adult and teen program, or veterans programs can be well-suited for people with specific needs in their addiction recovery.

Follow-up Outpatient Services

Outpatient services are typically offered for people who have completed inpatient treatment. Outpatient treatment can be a good step down to keep you on the path of sobriety long-term by transitioning you back to your day-to-day life slowly.

Outpatient services don’t require the individual to stay at a facility, rather, you often go to a facility for an allotted amount of time each week.

Some common outpatient treatment offerings include individual and group counseling, behavioral therapy, family therapy, and 12-step programs.

Aftercare Programs & Services

Aftercare programs and services are another step down from outpatient services. These resources can be helpful in transition to life after recovery and can help encourage sobriety.

Aftercare services often include resources like local support groups, individual therapy sessions, sober apps, alumni sober networks, sober living facilities, and sponsors.

All of these services can provide a sense of accountability that encourages sobriety, but also provide the opportunity to create a support system of people who are going through the same journey.

What to Expect After Prescription Drug Rehab

It can be a little bit scary or intimidating to transition from prescription drug rehab to your regular routine. Addiction treatment provides a sense of routine and support that you may get used to, and it can be challenging to maintain progress after you complete your treatment.

Thankfully, there are several resources at your disposal designed for the transition period after drug rehab that can help make staying in recovery easier.

Narcotics Anonymous

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a fellowship group for people who have dealt with prescription drug addiction. It is a 12-step program that helps to hold people accountable after they have received addiction treatment.

NA is a great way to connect with people who are on the same addiction journey as you and talk about your successes, experiences, and strategies.

There are local chapters across the country, which you can find by searching for NA in “your city” or “Narcotics Anonymous near me.”

Sober Living Options

Sober living is another option you may choose to pursue after completing addiction rehabilitation.

Sober living centers are exactly what they sound like: living environments for people who are sober. Living in a sober living facility can be incredibly beneficial after receiving addiction treatment as it eliminates the temptation for substances around you.

Additionally, by living with people who are also sober, you can develop a sense of camaraderie and support that can make long-term sobriety easier.

Continuing Care

Continuing care is a broad term for any services you may choose to pursue after your treatment. This can include counseling, therapy, or joining local groups.

Continuing care can be tailored to your specific needs based on whatever service you feel you may need to continue to maintain sobriety.

Relapse Prevention After Prescription Drug Rehab

It’s important to create a plan for relapse prevention after completing prescription drug addiction treatment.

You will likely face daily challenges even after treatment when it comes to remaining sober and staying on your journey of recovery.

A few ways to prevent relapse include:

  • Creating a support system of accountable family members/friends
  • Receiving counseling or therapy
  • Learning healthy coping skills
  • Entering new social activities
  • Joining support groups
  • Finding new healthy hobbies to fill your time

How Much Does Prescription Drug Rehab Cost?

Prescription drug rehab varies in price as the cost is dependent on the kind of care you need, the kind of program you enroll in, your location, the length of the program, and what your insurance will cover.

Average rehab program costs range from about $4,939 to $9,766.

Does Rehab Cure Prescription Drug Addiction?

No, prescription drug addiction cannot be cured with any kind of treatment, unfortunately. However, it is very possible to manage your addiction.

Addiction management is challenging and can take a lot of focus, time, and discipline, but with the help of healthcare professionals and loved ones, it’s possible to achieve long-term sobriety.

Benefits of Prescription Drug Rehab

There are countless benefits of prescription drug rehabilitation. Many benefits to this kind of treatment are physical, but there are myriad mental benefits too.

Benefits of addiction treatment can include:

  • Improved physical and mental health problems
  • Reduced risk of overdose
  • New connections with peers
  • Mending families
  • Restoring personal and professional relationships
  • Improved professional life
  • Improved mental illness
  • Reduced financial consequences of addiction

How to Find Prescription Drug Rehab

You can find prescription drug addiction treatment in numerous places such as hospitals, local clinics, medical centers, VA centers, local resources, or through your community.

There are also several great resources online for finding reputable, accredited facilities such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Treatment Locator.

Find Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Today

Are you ready to take the next step in your journey to a new life? Give our helpline a call today to discuss prescription drug rehab centers that may work well for you. Or, browse our directory of state-specific treatment centers.

Prescription Drug Rehab FAQs

How do I get off prescription drugs?

Enroll in an addiction treatment program to get off prescription drugs for good.

Here, you will receive professional care and support to help you not only quit prescription drugs, but build new habits to keep you from relapsing.

How can I plan for withdrawal from prescription drugs?

Seek out medical detox or MAT programs. Medical detoxification and MAT are designed to help you through the symptoms of withdrawal when you stop taking prescription drugs.

What to do if someone is addicted to prescription drugs?

If your loved one or friend is addicted to prescription drugs, consider an intervention and encourage them to seek professional help through prescription drug rehab.

What medications should not be stopped abruptly?

Some medications are dangerous to stop abruptly, which is why seeking professional medical advice is crucial.

Medications that should not be stopped abruptly include:

  • Fentanyl
  • Norco, Vicodin (hydrocodone)
  • Percocet, OxyContin (oxycodone)
  • Catapres (clonidine)
  • Inderal (propranolol)
  • Effexor (venlafaxine)
  • Paxil (paroxetine)
  • Xanax (alprazolam)
  • Ativan (lorazepam)
  • Valium (diazepam)
  • Topamax (topiramate)
  • Neurontin (gabapentin)
  • Sterapred (prednisone)
  • Lioresal (baclofen)
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