Prescription drug misuse

Find Drug Rehab Near You:

 

What is prescription drug addiction?

More and more people are diagnosed with an addiction to prescription medication and drugs, including barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and hypnotics. Unfortunately, prescription drug addiction can wreak havoc on both physical and mental health. It can lead to broken relationships, unemployment, and a general loss of direction. The good news is that there are addiction treatment centers that have developed inpatient recovery programs especially for such problems. As any specialist will tell you, the sooner the rehab starts, the easier it will be to achieve long-term sobriety and return to healthy living.

Nature of addiction to prescription drugs

Barbiturates and benzodiazepines are often prescribed for chronic conditions, while hypnotics are actually substances with psychotropic properties. However, many people end up taking them for their drug-like effect, becoming addicted to them over time. According to the latest statistics, more and more people have been diagnosed with prescription drugs addictions, requiring specialized intervention to recover. Early help guarantees the best chances of recovery, especially when it comes to avoiding long-term health consequences.

How does prescription drug addiction occur? The brain receives the drugs, triggering a chemical reaction that is pleasant. One begins to feel more relaxed and serene, with the brain making an immediate association between these feelings and the drugs in question. Over time, one begins to crave these drugs, feeling like they cannot function without them. Stopping cold turkey will lead to intense withdrawal symptoms, such as restlessness, tremors, irritability, aggressiveness, or even hallucinations. The cravings will be significant, affecting one's sleep, work, or personal relationships. As it happens, one will go at all lengths to satisfy his/her cravings.

Unfortunately, prescription medications like barbiturates, benzodiazepines, or hypnotics can be highly addictive, even from the first doses. One will begin to use the drug compulsively, avoiding interactions with other people. The psychological effect of prescription drug addiction becomes obvious, with one relying on the drugs to cope with difficult situations. As numerous studies have confirmed, such addictions cannot be overcome without specialized help.

People who abuse prescription drugs will refuse to accept that they have a problem, often hiding their habits from their friends or family members. The cravings will intensify over time, preventing one from functioning as desired. It often happens that people develop a tolerance to the drug, with one consuming higher doses to experience the same effect. Some abusers end up stealing these drugs, while others borrow money to satisfy their cravings. Cutting back on work and hobbies, they will refrain from social activities and various interactions. While under the influence, they might represent a danger to themselves or others.

If you are going to fight for recovery, you should begin by understanding the nature of your addiction. Many people who are in recovery talk about previous failed attempts to stop drug use, relying on specialized assistance to get back to a healthy place. Given the intensely addictive effect of these drugs, it should come as no surprise that quitting is close to impossible. Inpatient addiction treatment center help those who abuse prescription drugs find their way in the darkness and return to healthy living.

Prescription drugs abuse effects

The addiction to substances such as barbiturates, benzodiazepines, or hypnotics is highly dangerous. More often than not, either family members or friends notice that something is wrong, encouraging their loved ones to seek help. Prescription medication addiction can change relationships, in more than just one way. First and foremost, as one concentrates on satisfying his/her cravings, he/she will pay less attention to what happens and other people. It often happens that relationships suffer, with one struggling to interact with others.

It is also clear that addiction to prescription medications will cause one to choose poorly, with consequences to be suffered. A parent might miss out on what happens in his/her child's life, while teenagers might end up in a bad place as a result of their addiction. Couples might drift apart, with addiction leading to resentment and isolation. Important events might be forgotten, with the abuser becoming aggressive, angry, or irritable, especially when the prescription drug is not readily available. Over time, even the most intimate relationships will be affected by the prescription drug addiction.

From a personal perspective, those struggling with an addiction to barbiturates, benzodiazepines, or hypnotics might lose interest in their own lives, future goals, or hobbies. Drugs will take their motivation away, but they will keep seeking them, foolishly believing they will make them feel better. Consuming higher quantities might happen, with everything else becoming unimportant. Previous passions or interests will be abandoned, addiction becoming the main priority. The desire for more and more of the same drug will dominate.

As one keeps taking these drugs, their professional development is bound to suffer. One's work-related performance will be impaired, while teenagers will struggle to keep up in school. It is a known fact that many abusers will end up falling behind or losing their jobs altogether. Employers might become aware of their addiction, putting them on probation or giving warnings. Addiction can distract one from the work to be completed, with a loss of performance as a result. Moreover, the relationships with co-workers and bosses will be affected as well.

Addiction to prescription medication might lead to legal problems. Drug abuse can cause one to behave inadequately or engage in illegal activities. Many addicts might consume drugs while at work or when driving, presenting a considerable risk of accidents. Moreover, there are a lot of people who might end up stealing or engaging in other criminal acts, just to satisfy their cravings. Prescription forgery is another illegal act addicts might consider, which can lead to time spent in jail.

Inpatient addiction treatment programs

If you are battling an addiction to barbiturates, benzodiazepines, or hypnotics, you might want to think about checking into an inpatient addiction treatment center. Addiction treatment facilities have specialized recovery programs available, helping patient overcome these difficult moments in their lives. Keep in mind that many of these facilities allow prospective patients to visit their campus and ask questions about the available services. In this way, you have all the information you need to take an informed decision.

Inpatient rehab programs require that patients stay within the respective facility for the entire program duration. All prospective patients benefit from a thorough, initial assessment, with the data gathered being necessary to create personalized intervention plans. Some of the aspects analyzed include: co-existing conditions, history of addiction, severity and frequency of drug abuse, type of addiction, physical and mental health. Each intervention plan is revised regularly, so as to assess the progress patients have made. Residential stays vary between 30 and 90 days, in accordance with the needs and challenges experienced. It can take patients months to recover from their addiction and return to their everyday life.

The more severe the addiction to these substances is, the longer the recovery process is going to be. Generally, inpatient rehab programs offer the best chances of success, not to mention that the risk of relapse is lower in such cases. These programs encourage patients to address not only their addiction, but also its root causes. Several factors are considered when suggesting a particular recovery program, including the patient's needs and the chances of him/her achieving long-term abstinence. Those who are dealing with severe addictions will benefit the most from such programs, as they will be taken away from the dysfunctional living environment and associated triggers. They will learn to address triggers in a healthy manner, without resorting to drugs.

No matter which addiction treatment center you decide to choose, you will benefit from high-quality care and assistance. Patients in recovery are closely monitored by experienced medical specialists and therapists. They form a complex network of support, helping patients overcome withdrawal and fight to get better. For many patients, the immediate availability of help and support brings great comfort.

Inpatient detox for people with substance addictions

Upon abusing substances such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or hypnotics, the brain will always need a higher dose to experience the same high. Quitting will lead to withdrawal, with symptoms more or less intense. One might present any of the following: intrusive thoughts, tremors, intense thirst or hunger, tremors, anger, aggressiveness, restlessness, etc. These symptoms are actually meant to force one to return to the drug abuse, rendering one unable to function or perform even the simplest of tasks.

All the inpatient addiction treatment programs start with the detox period. Using a combination of medication and counseling, medical specialists help patients overcome the intense withdrawal symptoms. Medication might be given to somehow satisfy the associated cravings, thus making the whole detox experience more bearable. This will be then gradually reduced. Once the patient has overcome these difficult moments, he/she will focus exclusively on the recovery process, which often entails diverse therapies and counseling. During recovery, therapists will also work hard to prevent health-related complications related to the drug abuse.

Therapies used in addiction recovery

Once the detox period has concluded and the patient begins to feel better, the recovery process will begin. Different therapies might be used, with a regular assessment of the progress made. If there are mental health issues present, such as depression or anxiety, additional therapies might be pursued. Patients are taught to cope with real-life situations, without resorting to drugs. They will also learn how to deal with potential triggers, as mentioned above.

Should the patient deal with more than one type of addiction, there are inpatient treatment programs that can help one recover. For instance, it is dangerous to mix benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or hypnotics with alcohol, with a significant risk of severe health consequences. In such cases, specialized intervention is a must. The specialists working within the respective facilities will monitor patients 24/7, offering their assistance as needed. It is worth mentioning that the intervention plans are adjusted in accordance with the patient's medical history. If the patient is taking various treatments for co-existing health issues, the recovery program will be designed with consideration to these as well.

Most addiction treatment centers offer psychological counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy. Additional therapies might be available, including: acupuncture, animal therapy, massage therapy, art therapy, biofeedback, hypnosis, music therapy, aromatherapy, chiropractic treatments, guided imagery, energy healing and Reiki. Specific amenities might be offered, including meditation, horseback riding, reading libraries, swimming, or fitness centers. Luxury facilities have diverse services and amenities available, including when it comes to therapeutic options.

Inpatient addiction treatment centers have a holistic approach to recovery, helping patients overcome their addictions and restore the desired balance in their lives. Each patient is monitored and helped by a multidisciplinary team, while support groups are organized to encourage patients offer their mutual support. New therapies might be available, including acceptance commitment therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and motivational enhancement therapy.

It is important to understand that the success rates of such programs vary from one facility to the other. Patients who manage to overcome the initial withdrawal and fight for abstinence present the best chances of long-term success. Teenagers, once removed from the peer pressure and potential triggers, find it acceptable to focus on their recovery and abandon drugs forever. The long programs are clearly suitable for those with severe addictions and have amazing success rates, as patients benefit from enough time to work on their addiction. At the same time, they have the opportunity to explore the root causes that led to drug abuse, discovering the best coping strategies for the future.

If you are struggling to overcome your addiction to benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or hypnotics, you might benefit from an inpatient addiction treatment program. Remember that you are never alone and that such programs can help you achieve long-term sobriety. Patients benefit from individualized intervention plans, with a regular assessment of the progress made. Dedicated therapists and other specialists help them overcome the difficult withdrawal and work on their recovery, learning how to cope with real-life situations and handle potential triggers, without going back to drugs. All in all, these programs are meant to guarantee a speedy return to normal living.

90-day drug rehab programs

30-day inpatient drug rehab

Residential teen rehab

Addiction treatment for women

Addiction treatment for men

Inpatient drug rehabs for couples

Dual Diagnosis Rehabs

Inpatient drug rehabs for veterans

Compare short term inpatient drug rehabs to long term

Luxury drug rehabs

Inpatient alcohol rehab

Faith based rehab

Christian rehabs