Many doctors prescribe drugs to their clients to help relieve common ailments such as chronic pain, insomnia, ADHD, and anxiety. While these prescription drugs can provide much-needed relief, there is the unfortunate side effect of addiction. In many cases, a specialized prescription drug addiction treatment program is needed to help those affected reclaim their lives. Drug addiction can happen slowly, leading the individual to shift from recreational use to drug abuse before realizing it. For a reliable prescription drug rehab experience, reach out to Georgia Addiction Treatment Center. We offer numerous substance abuse treatment programs to help those struggling with dependence on prescription drugs.

What Causes Prescription Drug Addiction?

A group therapy session in the Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Program

To understand how a typical prescription drug rehab works, we first need to examine the causes of prescription drug addiction. This substance use disorder is responsible for many deaths globally every year and is a rising epidemic in many areas.

Prescription drugs feature potent compounds that can easily lead to psychological and physical dependence or addiction. Some of the most commonly abused prescription drugs include:

  • Oxycodone
  • Hydrocodone
  • Codeine
  • Morphine
  • Adderall
  • Concerta
  • Ritalin
  • Xanax
  • Klonopin
  • Valium

Some doctors prescribe the above drugs to help treat pain from injury or surgery, or to combat anxiety, insomnia, ADHD, and PTSD. When the client uses the medicine according to the doctor’s orders, these drugs may not present a problem. Over time, it is possible to build up a tolerance to your prescription dose, but you should not increase it without first consulting your doctor. If you take your prescription drugs more frequently or in higher doses than recommended, you run a higher risk of addiction.

Using prescription drugs recreationally is particularly risky. You are not under a doctor’s supervision, which can potentially lead you to an overdose or develop dependence or addiction.

Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse

Recognizing the indicators of prescription drug abuse is critical for early intervention and recovery for those battling addiction. There are common signs that loved ones and medical professionals can look out for, even if the symptoms may differ according to the medication being abused. These symptoms frequently show up as changes in behavior, appearance, and general well-being. 

Common signs of prescription drug abuse include:

  • Changes in mood or behavior, such as irritability, mood swings, or sudden outbursts.
  • Increased secrecy or isolation, withdrawing from social activities or responsibilities.
  • Physical symptoms like drowsiness, confusion, or changes in sleep patterns.
  • Financial difficulties or unexplained expenses related to obtaining prescription medications.
  • Neglecting personal hygiene or appearance.
  • Doctor shopping or visiting multiple healthcare providers to obtain prescriptions.
  • Changes in prescription refill patterns, such as running out of medication too quickly.

If you observe any of these indications in yourself or someone you care about, you should seek treatment and support. Prescription drug misuse can have serious effects on your physical and emotional health, relationships, and general quality of life. Individuals can begin the road to recovery and regain control of their lives by confronting the problem early on and obtaining proper treatment and resources.

Furthermore, during medical visits, healthcare professionals are essential in spotting indications of abuse and in referring patients to addiction specialists when necessary. 

How Can Our Prescription Drug Rehab in Georgia Help?

Effective prescription drug addiction treatment tailors the treatment plan to the specific type of drug addiction and the user’s individual needs.

Assessment

During this initial appointment, medical professionals attempt to identify your addiction’s current state and potential causes. These considerations include the psychological and behavioral issues of each client. As a result, we can administer a more effective treatment program that considers each client’s individual needs.

Detoxification

This involves the process of reducing or removing the effects of prescription drugs on the body. There are several options for detox programs, including outpatient, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization programs, and residential treatment.

The detox from prescription drug addiction can be similar to that of illicit substances like cocaine or heroin. When the body is exposed to any foreign compound, especially those found in drugs, withdrawal symptoms will accompany its removal from the body. The difficulty in dealing with these withdrawal symptoms is precisely why a prescription drug addiction treatment program can be so valuable.

People struggling with the dangers of prescription drug addiction require psychological and medical support from trained professionals who can help guide them through the challenging process of detoxing the body.

Counseling

Counseling aims to help clients stop drug abuse by changing unhealthy cognitive patterns and behaviors that interfere with sobriety. This phase of treatment also teaches essential strategies to help manage cravings and avoid triggers that can lead to relapse. Our team offers a variety of treatment options, including:

Behavioral therapies can occur in a variety of settings. It is vital to identify factors that have led to drug abuse, including relationship issues or mental health conditions. Behavioral treatments also serve to heal personal relationships and improve work performance that may have suffered due to addiction.

Medication

This treatment method effectively curbs withdrawal symptoms or cravings through the use of various medications, including:

  • Clonidine
  • Methadone
  • Buprenorphine
  • Naltrexone

These drugs help block opioids from affecting normal brain functions and reduce the intensity of cravings and withdrawal symptoms. As a result, users are less likely to experience a relapse. These medications are administered as part of the prescription drug addiction treatment program in conjunction with behavioral treatments for a comprehensive approach to recovery.

How Can Prescription Drug Abuse Be Prevented?

Prescription drug misuse must be addressed from multiple perspectives, including collaboration among healthcare providers, lawmakers, educators, and communities. The first line of defense against abuse is education, and this starts with the medical experts who write prescriptions. Reducing the likelihood of overprescribing opioids and other potentially addictive drugs can be achieved by improved training on identifying indicators of addiction and utilizing alternative pain management approaches. In addition, providing patients with information regarding the dangers of prescription medications, as well as the significance of appropriate use and disposal, can enable them to make well-informed decisions regarding their health.

Implementing prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) is another critical component of prevention. By monitoring the prescription and distribution of restricted medications, these electronic databases help medical professionals spot trends in abuse or diversion. Healthcare providers can address possible abuse early on and stop it from getting worse by using PDMPs efficiently. Stricter guidelines on prescribing procedures and more provider-to-provider communication can also aid in reducing the overprescription of drugs, particularly opioids, which are extremely addictive and prone to abuse.

Prescription drug addiction can also be prevented via public awareness campaigns and community-based efforts. These initiatives could involve interacting with local businesses, schools, and organizations to inform people about the risks of abuse and offering assistance to those who are battling addiction. Community-based preventive initiatives should involve safe drug disposal options as well as proper prescribing and dispensing practices. Communities can collaborate to lessen the effects of prescription drug abuse and advance general well-being by creating a supportive atmosphere that places a high value on information sharing, education, and resource accessibility.

Help Is Available With Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment

The road to recovery can be challenging, but our Peach Tree Drug Rehab is here to support you every step of the way. Our program for prescription drug treatment in Georgia is an essential ally in your battle for sobriety. 

Do not put off your recovery any longer. Call Georgia Addiction Treatment Center at 855-952-3546 to get help today.

Take Your Life Back Today!

If you or someone you care about is struggling with a substance abuse problem or mental health issues, the expert medical team at the Georgia Addiction Treatment Center is here to help.