Best Approach to Prescription Drug Treatment
The phrase “drug addiction” is often associated with illegal substances, like cocaine or heroin. But prescription medicines may pose an even greater danger because they are prescribed by a doctor and people assume these substances are safe. Unfortunately, more and more people are developing dependencies on medications they have been prescribed for pain and other issues.
Not everyone needs drug treatment because of prescription medications, of course, but if it has happened to you or to someone you love, it’s important to know that there is help available. If you’re seeking outpatient treatment, you can find a drug addiction treatment plan that will work for you at LAKE Detox & Wellness Center.
Commonly Abused Drugs
According to data from drug abuse treatment centers, the most commonly abused drugs fall into three classes: opioids, depressants and stimulants. All of these substances can be legally prescribed by a doctor, and most addicts are introduced to these medications as a result of a medical need.
Opioids
Opioids are the most commonly abused class of prescription medications, and they are prescribed for pain relief. Examples of opioid pain medications include morphine, codeine, methadone, fentanyl, oxycodone, and hydrocodone. Some of the common commercial names of opioid medications include Oxycontin, Lortab and Percocet.
Stimulants
The most commonly abused stimulants are the ones most often prescribed for ADD or AD/HD: Ritalin and Adderall. They promote mental alertness and ability to focus; in fact, college students may take these medications in order to study all night for a test. However, Adderall, Ritalin and other stimulants can also cause severe side effects, including nervousness, an elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, and seizures.
Depressants
These medications are prescribed for problems like anxiety and insomnia, and they have a calming effect on the body and mind. Depressants include barbiturates, such as Nembutal and Seconal; benzodiazepams, such as Ativan and Valium; and sleep aids, such as Ambien and Lunesta.
Choosing A Substance Abuse Treatment Facility
The following are a few things to consider when choosing among the options.
Detox
Different facilities handle detox in different ways. Some may offer only outpatient detox services such as LAKE Detox & Wellness Center, requiring patients to visit a doctor’s office or clinic for regular monitoring. Others offer medically monitored inpatient detox, meaning that the patient stays in a facility with 24/7 medical monitoring until detox is complete. Other facilities offer more intensive drug-treatment for patients who are struggling not only with detox but with other mental health issues. Thus, it’s important to find out if the facility you’re considering offers the level of care that you or your loved one needs.
Success Rates
A couple of things to inquire about are success rates and how success is measured. Some addiction treatment programs may count success as 28 days of sobriety, while others may look at long-term abstinence. Consider your own definition of success and how well it fits with the program’s definition.
Counseling Approaches
Individual counseling is a crucial component of rehabilitation at drug abuse treatment centers because it helps addicts understand the roots of their behavior and learn more productive coping mechanisms. Counseling can also help patients to regain self-esteem and to repair damaged relationships. Some counselors use cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, to help patients change negative thought patterns and behaviors. Another effective approach is known as dialectical behavioral therapy, which helps patients deal with violent and self-destructive emotions.
