Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Options

Although drug addiction commonly refers to those who abuse illegal drugs including heroin and cocaine, these days more and more people are developing a prescription drug addiction. The unfortunate thing is that most people do not realise this type of addiction exists until they are affected or until someone they know develops a problem. Thankfully, prescription drug addiction treatment exists for those who have unwittingly become addicted to medication prescribed by their doctor.

Prescription Drug Abuse

Most people automatically take whatever pills or medicine their doctor advises without thinking twice about it. They never for one minute assume that the medication that has been prescribed could be dangerous, and many individuals fail to read the instruction leaflet provided with their pills. If they did, they would see that there are sometimes adverse side effects listed, including addiction.

Strong medications such as opiate drugs and tranquilisers are prescribed for legitimate conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety or sleep disorders. However, they are generally prescribed for short-term use only and should only be taken as directed by a doctor. These medications are dangerous when abused because many of them are highly addictive.

The problem with prescription medication is the fact that it is commonly abused without people even realising that they are doing this. If you take medication that has been prescribed for another person, even if you both have a similar condition, this is classed as prescription drug abuse. You should never take another person’s medication because you cannot predict how your body will react to it.

Abuse of prescription medication also includes upping the dose without direction from a doctor or taking medication at increasingly frequent intervals, meaning taking more medication in a twenty-four-hour period than advised to by a GP. All of the above can lead to a prescription drug addiction.

How Prescription Drug Addiction Develops

Once a person begins taking strong medication, his or her body will adapt to it by trying to create a balance. If the individual takes a sedative drug, the body will try to resist by ‘speeding up’, so over time, the effects of the drug are diminished.

The longer a person is taking the drug, the less relief he or she will feel. This means that the individual has built up a tolerance to the drug. In this instance, the patient should stop taking it, but most people do not do this; instead they increase the dose to feel the desired effects. They may complain that the medication is not working anymore and that they have to take more of it in order for them to get the relief needed.

Taking more of the drug causes a physical and psychological dependence that will result in unpleasant withdrawal symptoms should the person stop taking the drug. Very quickly, the individual will realise that these symptoms will subside if they take more of the medication. This can mean they are unwilling or unable to quit, even if taking the medication is causing negative consequences in their lives.

Accessing Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment

One of the biggest obstacles to prescription drug addiction treatment is the fact that most individuals who have developed an addiction are unable to see the seriousness of their situation. They cannot see themselves as addicts, so they often carry on with their addictive behaviour, never reaching out for the help they so desperately need. Some do not even believe that prescription drug addiction treatment exists because they assume the condition is not common.

The truth is that prescription drug addiction is increasingly common. Due to the addictive nature of these drugs as well as the fact that most people do not realise that they are abusing them, addiction to strong painkillers and tranquilisers is far more common than most realise.

The good news is that treatment does exist. Organisations in both the public and private sector provide various treatments for those with prescription drug addictions, and referral services like Recovery.org.uk make it easier for patients to access these treatments.

You do not need to spend hours trawling through the information on the internet looking for a suitable treatment provider that specialises in those with a prescription drug addiction because we have all the information you need right here. Our service is completely free and confidential. In addition, we will begin working on your behalf as soon as you contact us to find the perfect provider effortlessly and easily, meaning that you can start treatment right away should you wish.

What Does Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Entail?

With most substance addictions, it will be necessary to detox before beginning a programme of rehabilitation. This means you will quit the drug and wait until all traces of it leave your system before you can start your treatment. We can provide you with information on detox facilities where you will have access to care and support while you detox. In most cases, it is recommended that you detox under the care of a medical professional because of the risk of complications from withdrawal. It is safer for the patient and also much more comfortable.

After detox, treatment will begin. You can choose to have your treatment in a residential facility or at an outpatient clinic, and this will depend on the severity of the addiction and your personal circumstances. Some people prefer the idea of inpatient treatment as it means an intensive programme of care in a distraction-free environment. Nonetheless, there are some individuals for whom inpatient care is just not feasible due to family or work commitments or because their budget will not allow for private care.

Here at Recovery.org.uk, we will assess your illness and will take all of your personal circumstances into account before making a recommendation regarding a suitable provider. Our priority is your wellbeing, and we will ensure that you have a number of options to suit your needs. The choice of provider is yours, and we will never put pressure on you to choose one facility over another. We want to make sure you are happy and comfortable with your choice, and we will support you every step of the way.

If you or a loved one requires more information on prescription drug addiction treatment providers, contact our helpline today.