Millions of people in the United States use prescription drugs to manage medical and mental health conditions. Some prescription drugs have the potential for misuse and physical dependence.
Prescription drug abuse is a significant problem in the United States. Research from 2021 showed that more than 14 million people aged 12 and older reported misusing a prescription drug in the previous 12 months.[1]
Prescription drug abuse and addiction can be life-threatening. People who abuse prescription drugs require comprehensive treatment and continuing support to manage detox and prevent relapse.
This article will explore what to expect from a prescription drug detox center. You will learn:
- How prescription drug addiction develops
- Common withdrawal symptoms
- What to expect from a prescription drug detox program
- Where to find medically supervised detox programs
If you or someone you love is struggling with prescription drug abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Reach out to the First Step Behavioral Health specialists now to explore your treatment options.
Understanding Prescription Drug Addiction
Many people take prescription drugs to manage mental and physical health conditions. Some commonly prescribed drugs have the potential for misuse and addiction.
Prescription drug misuse includes:
- Using a medication for longer than prescribed
- Taking a larger dose of your medication
- Taking a drug more often than prescribed
- Using a prescription medication differently than prescribed, such as crushing and snorting your pills
- Using a medication recreationally (without a prescription)
Misusing a prescription drug increases the risk of physical dependence. Some of the most commonly abused prescription drugs include:
- Benzodiazepines (including Ativan, Xanax, Valium)
- Opioids (including Codeine, OxyContin, Vicodin, and Morphine)
- Barbiturates (including Seconal, Amytal, Nembutal, and Luminal)
- Stimulants (including Adderall, Dexedrine, Dextrostat, ProCentra, Concerta, and Methylin)
Millions of people develop physical dependence on these and other addictive prescription drugs each year. People living with prescription drug abuse require comprehensive treatment, starting with a medically supervised detox program.
Recognizing Prescription Drug Abuse
Recognizing prescription drug abuse is the first step toward getting help. People who take prescription drugs to treat physical and mental health disorders may be more likely to develop physical dependence. However, people may develop addiction after using prescription drugs recreationally.
Knowing the signs of prescription drug abuse is essential in recognizing a problem. The symptoms of chemical dependency depend on the drug a person abuses. Here are some common signs of prescription drug abuse:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Nausea and vomiting
- Appetite changes
- Headache
- Blood pressure changes
- Paranoia
- Slurred speech
- Poor coordination
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Significant weight changes
- Mood swings
- Impaired judgment
- Insomnia and other sleep problems
Prescription drug abuse can drastically change a person’s behaviors, mood, and appearance. Knowing what to watch for can help you get treatment as soon as possible.
What to Expect at a Prescription Drug Detox Center in Pompano Beach
Recovering from prescription drug addiction can be challenging. However, with the right treatment and support, you can overcome the physical, behavioral, and emotional aspects of substance use disorder (SUD).
Treatment for prescription drug addiction begins in a detox rehab center. Here is an overview of what to expect during detox in Pompano Beach.
Assessment
Before you begin a detox, your treatment team will assess your needs. Your intake assessment may include:
- Questions about your substance use
- Mental and physical health history
- History of drug withdrawal or treatment
Family history of substance abuse or addiction - A physical exam
- Lab testing
This assessment will help your team create a tailored treatment plan to address your needs. It will also identify any issues that could complicate detox or treatment.
Detox
Detoxification is often the first step toward lifelong addiction recovery. A holistic detox program provides support and treatment to help people manage withdrawal symptoms. Your detox treatment plan may include:
- Medications to reduce cravings and other withdrawal symptoms
- Round-the-clock supervision and access to treatment
- Mental health treatment
- Emotional support
- Nutrition support, exercise, mindfulness, and other holistic therapies
- A secure, supportive environment
While detox is crucial, you must participate in continuing care to have the best chance at lifelong recovery.
Treatment
A comprehensive addiction treatment program can help you maintain sobriety and stay committed to recovery for the long term.
A comprehensive addiction treatment program may include:
- Mental health care (dual diagnosis treatment)
- Behavioral therapies
- Medications
- Individual and group counseling
- Support and therapy for family members
- Medical care
- Relapse prevention education
- Coping skills
- Holistic therapies to soothe the mind and body
You may attend inpatient or outpatient rehab programs, depending on your needs. After completing a treatment program, you must develop an aftercare plan to stay active in recovery.
Find Prescription Drug Detox in Pompano Beach Today
Prescription drug addiction is a complex condition. If you or someone you love struggles with prescription drug abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Effective, compassionate treatment is available at First Step Behavioral Health.
Contact our intake specialists now to learn about our comprehensive treatment programs or schedule an assessment. Take the first step of your recovery journey by contacting us today.
References:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): What is the scope of prescription drug misuse in the United States?
