Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment

Arguably the most common reason people take prescription drugs is to help relieve their pain. That’s why opioids, which are notorious for relieving pain, are so commonly prescribed. Doctors prescribe individuals opioids so much that prescription drug abuse rates have skyrocketed, and the US is currently in an opioid epidemic. To overcome the high rates of prescription drug abuse, we must learn to recognize the signs of addiction. However, you should realize that it is practically impossible to overcome substance use disorder without professional help. You have the highest chances of a successful recovery if you attend a rehab center that offers quality prescription drug addiction treatment. If you want to learn more about prescription drug rehab in Little Creek, Pennsylvania, you are in the right place. We will explain everything regarding addiction to prescription medication and how we treat it in our Lake Ariel facility.

What Are Prescription Drugs?

Before going into the different aspects of prescription drug abuse treatment, it’s essential to establish a definition of prescription drugs. They are pharmaceutical drugs that require a medical prescription from a licensed physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, dentist, or optometrist. As such, possession and use of those drugs are legal if an individual has the appropriate prescription. However, due to their strong effects and potential for misuse, they are classified as controlled substances. This classification means that, unlike over-the-counter medicine, you cannot purchase prescription drugs without a prescription. Unfortunately, there are illegal ways to obtain these drugs, which can lead to misuse and addiction.

Doctors can prescribe medications to help individuals cope with pain or other chronic issues. Prescription drugs are given for situations ranging from migraines to dealing with symptoms of terminal illnesses and everything in-between. The most common reason doctors prescribe people medications is, arguably, to relieve them of pain. However, doctors can prescribe drugs for uses other than what the FDA approval initially specified. Although this form of prescribing is legal, it can open doctors to legal liability. A pharmacy must dispense substances that require a prescription, making that the only legal way to obtain prescription drugs.

Facts About Prescription Drug Abuse

Not all use of prescription medication should be considered drug abuse. Misuse of prescription drugs typically means that an individual uses them in a way other than what was prescribed. This can include taking the drug in a different manner or dosage than intended. Addicts will crush prescription drugs to snort them, mix them with other drugs, or take them with alcohol. However, misuse also includes taking the drug for longer periods than instructed. Some individuals will take prescription drugs for recreational use to achieve a state of euphoria. Basically, any use other than the exact dosage and duration your doctor recommended is considered a misuse of prescription drugs. Sadly, in the United States, prescription drugs are widely abused.

In 2018, the National Center for Drug Abuse reported that 53 million people, or 19.4% of the US population that is 12 years of age or older, have abused a drug before. Of those who have previously abused a drug, 6% abused prescription medications, 9% abused stimulants, and 1% abused benzos. This study alone goes to show how prominent prescription drug abuse is and that we are experiencing an opioid epidemic. Unfortunately, it can be extremely difficult to stop using medication once addiction develops. In those situations, your best chance for recovery is attending a prescription drug addiction rehab center like Little Creek.

Causes of Prescription Drug Abuse and Addiction

Unfortunately, because prescription painkillers, such as opioids, are often powerful and addictive, any small form of misuse can lead to prescription drug abuse and, eventually, prescription drug addiction. That’s why prescription drug abuse and addiction have become the massive problem it is today. Addiction can still occur even when individuals aren’t taking prescription drugs for recreational use.

One common cause of prescription drug abuse is people trying to relieve themselves of their pain or symptoms quicker. Individuals may have trouble coping with pain despite medication, so they take a larger dose. On the other hand, some people believe that their symptoms will go away faster if they take more pills. Both of these situations can be extremely dangerous, and this prescription drug misuse can become an addiction.

Another common cause of prescription drug abuse is people taking their prescription medications for a longer period than they were prescribed. Many people do this because they are still experiencing some lingering pain or symptoms they want to get rid of. Unfortunately, this unintentional form of prescription drug abuse often causes people to develop prescription drug addictions.

Prescription drug addiction is very hard to overcome. That’s because many prescription drugs are strong and highly addictive. Therefore, prescription drug addiction is often severe and deadly. The most effective way to overcome prescription drug addiction is to attend medical detox followed by prescription drug addiction treatment. If you have loved ones who take prescription drugs yshould be aware of the signs of prescription drug abuse. Individuals that misuse prescription drugs themselves should also be aware of the signs of prescription drug abuse, addiction, and withdrawal.

Symptoms and Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse

There are numerous symptoms and signs of prescription drug abuse. Knowing what to look out for and noticing signs of abuse can allow you to get treatment in time. Unless treated, prolonged use can cause lasting damage to your physical and mental health. Of course, the symptoms and signs of prescription drug abuse can vary in type and severity. The differences stem from the type of prescription drug being abused and how long a person has been using.

Common symptoms and signs of prescription drug abuse include:

• Slowed mobility and diminished motor control
• Chronic drowsiness
• Inability to concentrate
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Mood swings
• Difficulty functioning at school or work
• Not managing daily responsibilities
• Difficulty maintaining relationships
• Financial struggles
• Risky behavior
• Withdrawal from society

Signs and Symptoms of Prescription Drug Addiction

Soon after people start abusing prescription drugs, they usually develop a prescription drug addiction. Sadly, even individuals who aren’t abusing prescription drugs for recreational purposes can develop an addiction. If you use any medication, we recommend informing yourself of the signs and symptoms of prescription drug addiction.

You may think you aren’t addicted, but if you recognize yourself in the symptoms we describe, you might be wrong. Be honest with yourself and consider seeking professional treatment. In those cases, the best course of action is to seek prescription drug rehab from a treatment center. Pretending you don’t have a problem or ignoring addiction symptoms will only worsen things. Soon your addiction will spiral out of control and cause damage to your well-being and your personal and professional life. However, we can treat addiction, and you can take back control of your life. Little Creek Lodge in Pennsylvania offers prescription drug addiction rehab treatment programs that you can attend to overcome your addiction.

Some of the common signs and symptoms of prescription drug addiction include:

• Going to different pharmacies to get access to more prescription medications
• Lying, cheating, and stealing
• Risky behavior
• A change in social scene and friendships
• Poor personal hygiene
• Irritability
• Changes in eating and sleeping habits
• Ordering an excessive amount of prescription drugs online
• Using prescription drugs at a much faster rate than prescribed
• Extreme and sudden bouts of energy
• Extreme drowsiness
• Continuing taking prescription drugs after the designated amount of time that one is supposed to or after the pain has stopped
• Poor decision making
• Increased tolerance for prescription drugs
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when minimizing or discontinuing prescription drug use

Prescription Drug Withdrawal Symptoms

A common attempt to deal with prescription drug addiction is to reduce or minimize the dosage. However, if an individual tries to discontinue the use of prescription drugs suddenly, they will experience withdrawal symptoms. Having withdrawal symptoms or cravings when reducing dosage can also be a clear sign of addiction. Some symptoms can be brutal, making overcoming addiction even harder. Individuals that try to avoid prescription drug rehab and decide to kick their addiction alone often end up using again. As soon as they try to stop using, withdrawal symptoms set in, and individuals usually take another dose. This has the effect of restarting the cycle of addictive behavior.

The common withdrawal symptoms of prescription drugs include:

• Respiration issues
• Blood circulation issues
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Body convulsions
• Muscle tremors in arms and legs
• Severe stomach cramping
• Loss of motor control
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Hallucinations

Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment

The first step in treating prescription drug addiction is to attend medical detox. This will rid your body of toxins and allow you to start prescription drug addiction treatment at a rehab facility. When attending medical detox for prescription drug abuse and addiction, you’ll experience withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, detox represents the most challenging part of your recovery. Thankfully, things will become physically much easier after you get clean. Only then can the process of true healing begin. iz h2 u h3

Medical Detox

Luckily, medical detox facilities have physicians and medical teams supervising every step of the medical detox process. That way, they are there to help you if you have a particularly hard time dealing with withdrawal symptoms. Most doctors at medical detox facilities will apply medications to help patients manage their withdrawal symptoms. This form of treatment is typically referred to as medication-assisted treatment. Medical detox doctors supervise MAT, and they will prevent individuals from developing an addiction to withdrawal medications.

Inpatient Treatment

Once individuals complete medical detox for prescription drug addiction, they’ll enter prescription drug addiction treatment at our rehab facility. Individuals with severe prescription drug addiction will attend inpatient or residential treatment. These programs require individuals to live in rehab facilities while receiving care in their prescription drug rehab program.

For this reason, we provide clients with comfortable living facilities where our patients can feel safe and relaxed. Recovery isn’t a journey you need to take alone. During inpatient treatment, we provide constant support and care. Additionally, the residential stay will allow you to connect with other patients. Keep in mind that Little Creek Recovery only offers inpatient treatment to male patients. The Little Creek philosophy regarding treatment is that every patient deserves to be seen and heard. Our mental health experts develop a personalized treatment plan for every patient.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Treatment

The most intense form of prescription drug outpatient treatment Little Creek Recovery offers is intensive outpatient program (IOP) treatment. IOP treatment requires patients to attend rehab for approximately a few hours a day, a few days a week. Our clients must still participate in individual and group therapy during intensive outpatient treatment. However, this is a much less demanding form of treatment when compared to PHP.

Since IOP provides treatment while allowing patients to return to their regular life, it’s intended for less severe addictions. Although patients must regularly attend therapy, there’s still some time for other activities. This allows some patients to start working, return to their studies, or take on family responsibilities.

Outpatient Program (OP) Treatment

The least intense form of outpatient rehab for addiction to prescription drugs is standard outpatient program (OP) treatment. Outpatient program treatment for prescription drug addiction requires patients to attend rehab for approximately a couple of hours a day, once or twice a week. Individuals should only attend outpatient program treatment if their addiction issues are mild. You can contact us at Little Creek Recovery to determine what type of treatment is best suited for your needs.

What Kind Of Therapy Can You Receive At Little Creek

Although we rely on a proven 12-step program, the licensed clinicians at Little Creek also use cutting-edge treatment methods. During our inpatient and outpatient treatment, we allow patients to participate in various therapeutic activities. We believe that, in order to achieve a successful recovery, it is beneficial to engage the body and mind. For this reason, we employ an evidence-based holistic approach, individually adapted to the needs of each client. Our patients will develop essential self-care and social skills, which can help them lead rich and fulfilling lives. We also put an emphasis on having wholesome, sober fun, so our patients can learn to enjoy life without drugs. Here are the forms of therapy commonly used for prescription drug rehab.

Music Therapy

Besides the many detrimental effects addiction has on individuals’ physical and mental health, it also stifles creativity. This effect is particularly pronounced for prescription drugs since addicts often abuse depressants or muscle relaxants. Addicts will frequently end up in a dazed state. The prolonged use of prescription drugs can disrupt the natural brain chemistry, impairing imagination and creativity.

One of the best ways to restore balance to the brain is to participate in creative therapeutic programs. Art, and especially music therapy, can provide patients with a form of self-expression. Patients can use music therapy to explore the complex emotions they would otherwise have trouble putting into words. Learning a creative hobby is also a great way to learn to cope with negative triggers. Mastering art takes time, patience, and dedication, all of which are required to overcome addiction during prescription drug rehab. Patients who take part in music therapy will quickly notice a boost in their self-esteem and confidence.

Another huge benefit of music therapy is that it can represent a good opportunity to bond with other patients. The Little Creek Recovery Center in Lake Ariel has a fully-equipped music studio where patients can compose and record music. Collaborating with others on a creative endeavor can be extremely rewarding. Practicing music together can give you a common goal, and making friends around a mutual interest will be easy.

Recreational Therapy

Another important part of prescription drug rehab is helping our patients re-discover their sense of adventure. Addiction can take a severe toll on a person’s physical health. Exercise can be great for finding joy in a healthy, active lifestyle. To teach patients that exercise can be fun, we developed our recreational therapy program. We organize regular outdoor recreational activities that give patients a chance to learn new skills and spend time in nature.

Realizing that physical activity can be fun is the key to establishing a healthy routine. However, our outdoor adventure program also allows patients to take part in group activities. Participating in team sports also requires patients to cooperate and develop social skills while helping them build muscle.

Restoring your body can have beneficial effects on your brain since many physical activities require fine motor skills. Exercise releases dopamine and serotonin, which are chemicals that improve mood. Realizing that it is possible to achieve a natural high can be eye-opening for patients struggling with depression and anxiety. Therefore, we always incentivize patients to exercise during prescription drug addiction rehab. Building muscle also helps improve confidence and empowers patients.

Developing healthy habits in rehab is an effective way to maintain your sobriety and prevent relapse. Once patients learn how to incorporate exercise into their daily routine, they can use those skills to reduce stress. When facing addiction triggers, you can always turn to the healthy habits you’ve picked up in rehab. Exercise can help you get rid of stress and relax, and it’s also an excuse to spend time with others. Recovering addicts have a smaller chance of relapse if they fill their routine with fun, sober activities.

DBT – Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Prescription Drug Rehab

Although exercise can be an effective method of coping with addiction triggers, we also offer our patients dialectical behavioral therapy. DBT focuses on teaching patients to accept their negative thoughts and emotions. Through DBT skill training, patients can learn how to deal with their addiction triggers. Instead of acting out negatively, patients with DBT skill training can manage their thoughts and emotions.

Healthy coping mechanisms can be a critical turning point in avoiding relapse. The DBT skillset is particularly relevant for prescription drug rehab patients since those drugs are widespread. Life outside of rehab will constantly present challenges for recovering addicts. Thankfully, with our help and through the proper training, you’ll be able to overcome any obstacles that come your way.

CBT – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment

Besides learning to cope with addiction triggers, patients must also have a way to get rid of self-destructive thought patterns. In cognitive behavioral therapy, patients will work with their therapist to understand the thoughts and motivations behind their drug use. Over time, patients will develop self-care routines and learn how to take back their lives from the clutches of addiction.

If patients realize that certain negative thoughts are ‘automatic,’ they will have an easier time avoiding drug use. Outside factors can trigger negative thoughts, which aren’t a direct fault of the individual. You can deal with painful emotions positively and constructively. Patients will be able to recognize the patterns and correlations between their cravings and certain people, places, or things. Removing the negative triggers will help patients avoid harmful thoughts and actions. In CBT, therapists can also help patients create a self-care schedule that ensures patients maintain their physical and mental health.

Receive Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment At Little Creek Recovery

Contrary to what most people believe, overcoming addiction isn’t something you can do yourself, no matter how determined you are. The initial steps are incredibly physically demanding, and the risk of relapse is also the highest. Withdrawal and cravings can cause individuals to turn to drugs and alcohol just to stave off the symptoms. Fortunately, you can overcome your addiction with the help of a licensed prescription drug rehab center.

Little Creek Recovery is a drug and alcohol addiction rehab center that’s located in Pennsylvania. Here at Little Creek Recovery, we understand the signs of prescription drug abuse and the difficulty of overcoming addiction alone. Although addiction can cause you to feel isolated and hopeless, as long as you want to get better – there is always hope. We can offer you understanding, support, and the highest level of care.

We also understand that men suffer from substance addiction at higher rates than women. That’s why Little Creek specializes in drug addiction treatment for men only. All of the inpatient/residential treatment programs here at Little Creek are for men only. Outgoing male patients also have the option to stay in our sober living facility. The outpatient treatment programs here at Little Creek Recovery are co-ed, meaning that women can also participate.

At Little Creek, our mission is to build a strong foundation and integrate internalized recovery through therapeutic and 12-step models. We empower our patients and teach them self-sufficiency. Thus, we offer evidence-based addiction treatment programs and therapies and holistic forms of addiction treatment and therapy at our facility. This includes the addiction treatment programs and therapies for prescription drug addiction treatment.

Admission Process At Little Creek Explained

Individuals wishing to undergo prescription drug addiction rehab at Little Creek Treatment Center must undergo our admissions process. We realize that patients suffering from addiction may need urgent clinical help. Therefore, we have worked to streamline and simplify admissions for Little Creek in Northeastern Pennsylvania. However, you must realize that you must meet certain criteria to be eligible for prescription drug rehab treatment.

• First, Little Creek only accepts adult men for our inpatient treatment programs. Women are welcome to take part in outpatient treatment.
•  Second, patients must also complete medical detox before entering our rehab program. This ensures patients are free from withdrawal symptoms before entering prescription drug addiction treatment.
•  Third, all individuals that wish to partake in our rehab programs will need medical clearance. Patients must be void of medical conditions or handicaps that can interfere with program activities.
•  And finally, all our patients need to be motivated and willing to accept staying in a fully structured setting. We plan out our patients’ time with therapeutic activities and a focus on the spiritual paradigm. Patients need to have a genuine desire to overcome addiction and be willing to follow our rules.

If you have any questions regarding the admissions process, it would be best if you contact our admissions staff. We will be happy to explain how rehab functions at Little Creek Lodge. Our staff can guide you through the admissions process so you can become a member of the Little Creek family. If you plan to use health insurance to cover your prescription drug addiction rehab, we can verify it for you. Once we obtain and check your insurance information, we can tell you which benefits and services are covered.

FAQ For Prescription Drug Addiction

Q: How do individuals obtain prescription drugs for recreational use?
A: As their name suggests, most prescription drugs are obtained from a pharmacy by having a prescription. However, since addiction is a progressive disease, individuals will require higher doses over time. The common ways to obtain drugs for recreational use typically involve a scam or illicit behavior: illegally purchasing from drug dealers, forging prescription slips, obtaining multiple prescriptions from different doctors, and receiving medication from several pharmacies.

Q: How much prescription medication should you take?
A: You should never take a higher dosage of any medication than your doctor prescribed. However, even taking the correct dose for a prolonged time can lead to addiction. You should regularly go for check-ups with your doctor and adjust your dosage accordingly. In most cases, doctors will gradually phase out your medication.

Q: What are the signs of prescription drug addiction?
A: Besides the common signs of drug-seeking behavior, individuals addicted to prescription medication can exhibit the following signs: borrowing medication from others, frequent doctor visits, constantly “losing” medication and needing refills, complaining of chronic issues, hiding medication in multiple places.

Q: What to do if you suspect a loved one is addicted to prescription drugs?
A: Confronting a loved one about suspected drug use is never easy. Tell them you are worried and talk to them openly about your suspicions. If they get agitated or exhibit evasive behavior, you might need to stage a family intervention. In these situations, it’s best to get the help of other friends and family members.

Q: How to recover from prescription drug medication?
A: The only way to successfully overcome addiction is to enter a clinical program for prescription drug addiction rehab. Trained clinical staff can guide you through detox and help you complete your therapy.

Conclusion

We hope you have a deeper understanding of addiction and prescription drug rehab. Many people wrongly believe that the use of prescription medication is safe because they can obtain it from a doctor. Unfortunately, the prolonged use of any medication can have dangerous side effects and could lead to addiction. If you or a loved one develop an addiction, you should immediately contact Little Creek for prescription drug addiction rehab. If you prolong treating your addiction, you risk suffering long-term damage that can be hard to reverse. The sooner you start your treatment, the higher your chances for a successful recovery. Feel free to call us if you want to learn more about Little Creek Recovery in Pennsylvania and our different addiction treatment programs and therapies. We would love to hear from you!