What is Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Like in Massachusetts?
Prescription drugs treat diseases, manage symptoms, and save lives, but many commonly prescribed medications also carry a potential for abuse and dependence. For example, opioid painkillers, stimulant ADHD drugs, and benzodiazepine medications are all regularly abused by drug users and are highly addictive.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about 5.8% or 16.1 million people reported abusing some type of prescription drug in the last year. The most widely abused prescription drugs include opioids, sedatives or tranquilizers, stimulants, and benzodiazepines.[1] Regular abuse of any of these kinds of drugs can lead to the development of an addiction.
If you or a loved one are struggling with prescription drug addiction, Woburn Wellness can help. Our prescription drug addiction treatment program in Massachusetts uses evidence-based therapies and clinically-driven interventions to help individuals achieve sobriety.
Understanding Prescription Drug Addiction
There are many ways you can get hooked on prescription drugs. Some people abuse the medications that are prescribed to them because they are trying to self-medicate underlying feelings of depression, anxiety, trauma, or pain. Others take habit-forming medications for so long that they find themselves unable to function normally without them. And, sometimes, people purchase prescription drugs illegally on the streets, abuse them, and rapidly develop a substance use disorder.
Signs and symptoms of prescription drug addiction include:
- Taking more of a prescription than your doctor has told you to take
- Mixing your prescription with alcohol or other drugs to enhance the mood-and-mind-altering effects
- Visiting multiple doctors to try and get more than one prescription for the same type of drug (doctor shopping)
- Experiencing symptoms of drug withdrawal if you stop taking the drug
- Lying to friends and family about drug use despite their concerns
- Continuing to abuse medications even if they are causing problems with your physical or mental health
- Engaging in risky or illegal behaviors to continue your addiction
- Spending excess time doing things in regard to your drug use such as getting drugs, using drugs, and recovering from the effects of drugs
- Making more than one attempt to stop using drugs but being unable to do so
Many people who are addicted to prescription drugs also struggle with denial. Since they are abusing something that is used by doctors, they may justify their drug use or fail to realize that they have a serious drug problem. But the truth is that prescription drug addiction can be just as dangerous, devastating, and life-altering as illicit drug addiction.
What to Expect From Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment in Massachusetts
The goal of prescription drug rehab is to heal physically, address the root cause of your drug abuse, and develop practical coping skills that support sobriety. Treatment typically happens in three stages that build off of one another, including:
Medical Detox
The first step of any recovery program is detoxification. This involves letting your body eliminate drugs and alcohol from your system. However, detoxing from some prescription drugs, such as sedatives and benzodiazepines, can be life-threatening, so medical supervision is always encouraged.
During detox, nurses monitor your vitals and administer medications that help soothe your symptoms. Medical detox can help prevent adverse side effects, medical complications, and continued drug use. Detox centers will also ensure you have a plan for rehab in place before you leave so they can assist you with your transition to treatment.
Specialized Prescription Drug Addiction Therapy
Once you are medically stable and done detoxing, you will move on to the treatment and therapy portion of your care where you participate in a variety of individually-tailored therapies. These therapies aim to address the driving forces behind your substance abuse so you can begin to heal. You may receive therapy in an inpatient or outpatient setting.
For example, behavioral therapies like CBT and DBT can help you understand the thoughts and behaviors that led you to drug use as well as how to modify those thoughts and behaviors in a positive way. On the other hand, holistic therapies like meditation, massage therapies, and adventure therapies help you embrace a healthier, more spiritual lifestyle.
Treatment will also address areas of your life outside of your drug use, such as your family, career, finances, or any active legal issues you may have. Counselors can help with a variety of lifestyle choices such as healthy eating, exercise, and support systems.
Aftercare Planning and Support
The final phase of prescription drug rehab is aftercare planning and support. Recovery is an ongoing, life-long journey that doesn’t stop after rehab. Those who stay sober are those who actively engage in a recovery program like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), or intensive aftercare support.
Aftercare may involve:
- 12 Step meetings
- Support groups
- Ongoing counseling
- Recovery coaching
- Outpatient care
- Sober living
- Alumni program
These programs can help you stay accountable for your recovery so you don’t get veer away from sobriety.
Find a Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Center in Massachusetts Today
At Woburn Wellness Addiction Treatment, we understand that no two individuals are the same, which is why our world-class clinical team aims to provide each patient with a unique, individually-tailored program that addresses their specific needs. Our prescription drug rehab program can support you after detox and help you achieve long-term sobriety.
If you or a loved one are struggling with prescription drug addiction, contact us today. Our team of dedicated admissions coordinators is available now to help you get started with treatment.
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