UNDERSTANDING PRESCRIPTION DRUG ADDICTION
The necessity for taking prescription drugs cannot be argued. Drugs relieve pain, cure illnesses, help us live longer, and are generally safe and effective when taken as directed. However, when abused—or used for non-medical purposes—by the person for whom they are prescribed or by others, prescription medications become a problem.
Unfortunately, many prescription drug abuse sufferers don’t intend to become addicted to the drug prescribed to them. However, the transition between use and abuse can be gradual, subtle, and insidious. Many individuals have underlying factors that put them at a higher risk of addiction, including:
- Trauma history
- Co-concurring mental health disorders
- Genetic factors
- Difficulties in relationships
- Extreme stress
Drugs can be highly addictive, particularly those that work by affecting the brain and central nervous system. Some of the most commonly abused prescription drugs include:
- Opioids, such as Vicodin, OxyContin, and Demerol
- Depressants, such as Valium or Xanax
- Stimulants, such as Adderall or Ritalin
Tolerance to the drug builds over time, creating physical and psychological dependence and, ultimately, addiction. Stopping becomes extremely difficult when withdrawal symptoms appear, which is why most substance abusers need the assistance of a prescription drug detox center like Buena Vista.
Symptoms of Prescription Drug Addiction
Common symptoms associated with prescription drug addiction include:
- Powerful cravings for the drug
- Using more than prescribed or for longer than intended
- Continuing to take the drug even after negative results
- Interference with normal life activities
- Spending a significant amount of time getting, using or taking the drug
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms soon after use is reduced
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION DETOX PROGRAM TO TREAT WITHDRAWAL
After taking a prescription drug for a while, you may find that when you stop or cut back, you experience withdrawal symptoms, causing an increase in reliance on the drug. Over time, you need more of the drug to produce the same effect. That’s when professional prescription drug detox treatment is required.
Attempting prescription medication detox on your own is never recommended because withdrawal symptoms can become severe and even life-threatening. While symptoms vary by drug, their severity depends on several factors, including:
- Dosage, length, and frequency of use
- Co-concurring medical or mental health conditions
- Any previous detox history
At Buena Vista, we offer medically supervised detox to help users rid their bodies of the drug. Our experienced medical professionals understand how to help patients safely get through the uncomfortable or even severe withdrawal symptoms with the least discomfort.
We begin with a physical exam, blood tests, and psychological testing to determine the best course of treatment for each individual. If needed, we prescribe medications to relieve withdrawal symptoms, manage cravings, and help treat the sleep problems and depression that may accompany detox.
In addition to addressing health and safety concerns, our prescription drug rehab center helps prevent future relapses by assisting patients in transitioning into long-term treatment plans for ongoing support.
While drug detox is never pleasant, the staff at Buena Vista is dedicated to doing everything possible to make our patients comfortable during the process as they begin the long-term journey toward sobriety.
TREATMENT AFTER DETOX
A prescription medication detox is the first step toward long-term recovery and sobriety, but detox isn’t a long-term solution. It won’t provide you with the tools, support, or coping skills necessary to prevent relapse or address the factors that led to addiction.
While at our prescription drug detox center, we’ll create a plan for ongoing treatment that best suits your needs. We offer ongoing inpatient and outpatient options to help our patients along the path to recovery. Some of these therapeutic treatment options include:
- The 12-step program
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Grief therapy
- Group therapy
- Individual counseling
- Trauma-focused therapy
With a plan in place, we’ll help you transition directly from our prescription medication detox center into an inpatient or outpatient program.
WILL MY INSURANCE COVER TREATMENT?
You can use our Insurance Verification page to check whether your insurance covers treatment at Buena Vista or contact us to speak with one of our addiction specialists.
Buena Vista Recovery works with most insurance plans, including but not limited to Cigna, Magellan, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, and Aetna, among others. On rare occasions, if a plan is not included in our network, our clinical outreach director will assist you in finding a placement that is in your network.
