Overcoming prescription drug addiction can be a challenge for many individuals – even those who begin their prescription drug use with a valid physician’s prescription. As prescription drugs begin to initiate chemical changes within the body, many individuals find themselves unable to cease medications, as the body begins to experience both withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Additionally, prescription drug addiction generally lends itself to increasing levels of tolerance, leading many patients to exceedingly high levels of intake before addiction is recognized and addressed. Finally, the underlying conditions that contribute to the prescription’s use in the first place can become exacerbated as addiction sets in – leading many users to make attempts to self-medicate psychological or physical maladies by repeatedly turning to prescription drug use.
Overcoming Prescription Drug Addiction at Rehabilitation Centers
When prescription drug addiction has become apparent, many individuals find that professional drug addiction help becomes required in order to return to sobriety. Inpatient drug rehabilitation centers tend to offer comprehensive programs that achieve stronger results than outpatient settings.
Here are some of the ways that inpatient drug addiction rehabilitation centers can help addicted individuals recover from chronic prescription drug abuse.
- Drug Testing and Diagnostic Testing
Many individuals engaged in prescription drug abuse intake a variety of medications each day. Because of the risks that these medications may pose to the system – and the side effects of withdrawal that may set in upon sudden cessation – many inpatient rehabilitation centers will perform diagnostic and drug testing before detoxification begins. Some inpatient addiction programs will also perform nutritional and bodily system testing in order to pinpoint underlying conditions that may factor into drug-seeking behaviors. Psychiatric assessments may also be performed at the outset of treatment, in order to recognize cases of Dual Diagnosis (the presence of a secondary psychological issue that requires concurrent treatment). - Physical Detoxification from Drugs
Because drugs create chemical shifts within the body, the first line of addiction treatment often involves physical detoxification. Drugs are purged from the system during the drug detoxification stage of treatment, allowing the body to resume its natural states of balance and function. Patients may experience withdrawal symptoms and cravings during the detoxification process, before the body adapts to the sudden absence of prescription drugs. However, most inpatient drug rehabilitation centers can safely and professionally manage withdrawal symptoms, alleviating cravings and monitoring vital signs to ensure a comfortable transition into physical sobriety. - Psychological Drug Addiction Treatment
Prescription drug addiction also creates psychological dependency in many patients. As such, psychological counseling is often employed by inpatient drug addiction facilities in order to ensure full recovery. As a result, patients may engage in one-on-one sessions with a qualified therapist, covering issues such as family relationships, reasons for prescription drug addiction, emotional struggles, self-esteem issues or traumatic incidents from the past. Family counseling services are also provided to help the addicted individual gain perspective and support from loved ones as they recover. Finally, group therapy and 12-step program involvement are often employed to help create an atmosphere of exchange and support for recovering individuals.