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This Page was last reviewed and changed on January 2nd, 2023
Prescription drug rehab
Prescription drug rehab is one of the most important and life-saving treatments for prescription drug addiction. It can provide you with the tools and resources you need to recover from the condition and live a healthy, drug-free life. There are various options when it comes to prescription drug rehab so it’s important to understand what to look for when choosing a treatment centre and programme. At Primrose Lodge, we have helped hundreds of people undergo rehab for prescription drug abuse and have seen some incredible success stories.
What is prescription drug rehab?
Prescription drug rehab is a programme of treatment and support that helps people who are addicted to prescription drugs recover from their condition. It is very important because overcoming this condition without professional help can be extremely difficult due to the deep-seated underlying causes and the psychological and physical dependence that develops.
Effective rehab for prescription drug abuse will address all of these issues in a holistic way, helping you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to live a healthy life without drugs. Through your prescription drug rehab programme, you will come to recognise and understand the causes of your condition and learn new ways of dealing with negative emotions and triggers. By learning how to effectively manage difficult moments, you will be much less likely to relapse in the future.
Primrose Lodge follows a 12-step programme to address all of these aspects through a combination of one-to-one and group therapy, as well as other evidence-based treatment approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). At Primrose Lodge, you will also learn new techniques for dealing with stress through yoga sessions, guided meditation and other relaxation techniques.
Which prescription drugs require rehab?
It is possible to become addicted to almost every prescription drug but the most common treatment programmes that we provide at Primrose Lodge are:
Benzodiazepine rehab
This is for medications which are often prescribed for anxiety or insomnia such as diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan). These substances have an extremely long half-life which means that they can stay in your system for a long time, making aftercare extremely important to prevent relapse (see ‘Relapse prevention’ section below.)
Opiates rehab
Opiate rehab is for a group of drugs that includes heroin but also prescription painkillers such as codeine, morphine and oxycodone. These drugs are highly addictive and can cause serious physical and psychological dependence.
Stimulant rehab
This type of rehab is for prescription drugs such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) and amphetamines (Adderall). These are drugs that are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and similar conditions but can also be abused for their stimulating effects.
Sleeping pill rehab
Sleeping pills are hugely overprescribed now, meaning we are seeing more and more people seeking help. Sleeping pill rehab will help you to come off medications such as Ambien, Restoril and Valium.
Why is prescription drug rehab important?
Prescription drug rehab is so important because it can provide you with the tools and support you need to start living a healthy, prescription drug-free life. Every aspect of your condition will be addressed in treatment, from the physical dependence to the deep-rooted psychological causes. This comprehensive approach is essential for long-term recovery because it will help you to repair your mind, body and spirit – all of which can be heavily affected by prescription drug abuse.
In addition, prescription drug rehab can help rebuild relationships with friends and family. As former Primrose Lodge client, Ellen explains:
“My condition affected everybody – my husband, my relationships, my parents.”
Prescription drug abuse can cause many issues with loved ones such as mistrust, anger and resentment. In treatment, you will learn how to communicate effectively and build healthier relationships. This is vital for maintaining a strong support network after you leave rehab, which can be essential for long-term recovery.
At Primrose Lodge, we recognise the importance of both reconciling with loved ones and harnessing the power of their love and support during prescription drug rehab. This is why we offer family support therapy to our clients’ loved ones as well as special conjoint sessions where they can voice their feelings and thoughts.
Do I need prescription drug rehab?
This is a question that only you can answer, but there are certain signs that may indicate that you need prescription drug rehab. If you have tried to give up prescription drugs on your own but have been unsuccessful, this could be a sign that you need professional help. It is also worth considering rehab if your use of drugs is starting to affect your work, relationships or health. Here are some other questions to ask yourself which may be signs that you require prescription drug rehab:
- Am I using prescription drugs for reasons other than they are intended?
- Have I gone to multiple doctors to receive a prescription?
- Am I taking prescription drugs in higher doses or more regularly than prescribed?
- Have I been taking prescription drugs longer after my original prescription has expired?
- Do I need prescription drugs just to feel normal?
- Is my health suffering as a result of my prescription drug use?
If you have answered yes to any of the above questions, it is time to seek professional help. Get in touch with Primrose Lodge today and we can explain how our prescription drug rehab programmes can help.
What are the different options for prescription drug rehab?
There are two main choices when it comes to prescription drug rehab: outpatient and inpatient. Outpatient rehab usually involves attending weekly therapy sessions, but you will live at home and are therefore able to continue with work or school. Inpatient rehab entails staying at a residential facility for the duration of your treatment.
Inpatient prescription drug rehab is usually considered to be more effective because it provides an immersive recovery environment where you can focus on your recovery without distractions. It also means that you will have no access to drugs or contact with bad influences during treatment – this includes the prescription drug detox stage.
Primrose Lodge specialises in inpatient prescription drug rehab because we believe that this is the best setting for long-term recovery. This is because you will be surrounded by a community of people who are going through the same experience as you, which can be very helpful.
You will also benefit from experienced, qualified staff who are dedicated to helping you succeed in your prescription drug recovery. Our support staff are available 24/7 and with many of our therapists on their own recovery journeys, they know exactly what you are going through.
What is prescription drug relapse and how can it be prevented?
Relapse is the return to prescription drug use after a period of abstinence. It often occurs because people find it difficult to leave the sanctuary of rehab and go back to their normal routine.
As Ellen explains:
“You’re in a bubble for however many days you’re in rehab and then suddenly you’re not.”
After leaving rehab, some of the main reasons why people relapse include:
- Stressful life events
- Being around other people who use prescription drugs
- An injury or illness that requires a new prescription
Relapse can be a very difficult and frustrating experience, but it is important to remember that it does not mean that you have failed; you have merely had a minor setback.
The best way to prevent prescription drug relapse is to be prepared for it. This means having a solid plan in place and knowing your triggers. It is also important to have a strong support network of friends and family who can help you through difficult times.
To give you the best chance of attaining long-term recovery, we recommend continuous treatment in the form of aftercare. At Primrose Lodge, we’ll begin to prepare you for relapse prevention long before you leave prescription rehab.
To help keep you on track, we offer a free aftercare programme for an entire year. This covers everything from weekly group therapy sessions and phone support as well as access to our Alumni Network where you can stay in touch with other people going through the same process. This enables everyone to give each other a boost when needed and continue to stay motivated on their journey to recovery.
How to beat prescription drug addiction
There are a few things you can do to give yourself the best chance of success in beating your prescription drug addiction:
- Follow your treatment plan and don’t skip any sessions.
- Be open and honest with your therapist about how you’re feeling.
- Take part in all activities and group therapy sessions.
- Do your best to form positive relationships with the people in your rehab.
- Be prepared for setbacks and have a plan in place for when they happen.
If you are still worried about whether prescription drug rehab is right for you, listen to Ellen’s advice as someone has been through rehab and has come out the other side a completely changed person:
“Be honest. Be brave. Be prepared to put as much effort into recovery as you have into your addiction and you won’t regret it. Before long, your brand new life will begin.”
Next steps
After reading about the rehab process for your prescription drug addiction and you are ready to take the first step towards recovery, contact us and our team will guide you with the next steps.