Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Program Massachusetts

What is Prescription Drug Addiction?

Prescription drug addiction refers to the compulsive use of prescribed medications in a way not intended by the prescribing doctor. This includes taking higher doses than prescribed, using the medication more frequently, or using someone else’s medication. Prescription drugs can be just as addictive and harmful as illicit substances when misused.

Common types of prescription drugs that can lead to addiction include opioids (for pain), benzodiazepines (for anxiety or sleep disorders), and stimulants (for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD). People might misuse these drugs to experience a high, relieve stress, or enhance cognitive performance.

Addiction to these drugs occurs when the body develops a dependence on them, requiring the drugs to function normally. Over time, the body may also build tolerance, necessitating higher doses to achieve the same effects, which can further fuel the cycle of addiction.

It’s important to remember that prescription drug addiction is a medical condition, not a moral failing or lack of willpower. Like other forms of addiction, it requires proper medical treatment and support for recovery.

Can Prescription Drugs Lead To Addiction and Dependence?

Prescription medications are generally safe when used correctly under the supervision of healthcare providers. However, if not used properly, prescription medication can be harmful and lead to issues such as addiction and dependence. Misuse can occur in several ways, such as taking higher doses than prescribed, using the prescription medication more often than advised, or using someone else’s prescription.

Certain categories of prescription drugs have a higher potential for misuse, leading to addiction and dependence. These include prescription opioids (used to treat pain), benzodiazepines (used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders), and stimulants (used to treat ADHD and certain sleep disorders).

Addiction is a complex condition characterized by compulsive drug use despite harmful consequences. Dependence, on the other hand, develops as a result of the body adapting to the drug, requiring more of it to achieve a certain effect (tolerance) and causing withdrawal symptoms when abruptly stopped or reduced.

Some of the most commonly prescribed drugs that have the potential for misuse, addiction, and dependence include:

• Opioids: This category includes medications like hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet), morphine, and fentanyl. They are generally prescribed for pain relief.
• Benzodiazepines: These include medications like alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan). They are primarily used for treating anxiety, panic disorders, and sleep disorders.
• Stimulants: This group includes amphetamines (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Prescription stimulants are commonly prescribed for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
• Sedatives: Drugs such as zolpidem (Ambien), eszopiclone (Lunesta), and zaleplon (Sonata) fall under this category and are typically prescribed for sleep disorders.

When used appropriately and under the supervision of a healthcare provider, these prescription medicines are safe and effective. However, misuse can lead to serious health issues, including dependence and addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with a prescription drug dependency or addiction, it’s important to seek help from a healthcare professional.

What Are the Signs And Symptoms of Addiction?

Addiction is a complex condition, characterized by compulsive drug use despite harmful consequences. People with addiction have an intense focus on using a certain substance(s), such as alcohol or drugs, to the point where it takes over their life. When it comes to prescription drug use, addiction can be hard to spot at first, as these drugs are often used for real health issues. However, people who develop a prescription drug addiction have a similar set of symptoms that indicate their drug use has become a problem. Common signs and symptoms of prescription drug addiction include:

• Taking more of the medication than prescribed, or for longer periods of time
• Feeling strong cravings to use the drug or a compulsion to obtain it
• Increasingly getting into trouble with work or school due to substance abuse
• Neglecting social obligations, hobbies, or other activities in favor of using the drug
• Feeling anxious or irritable when not taking the medication
• Experiencing unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when stopping the use
• Taking risks to obtain more of the drugs, such as buying them illegally

What Are the Signs And Symptoms of a Prescription Opioid Addiction?

Prescription opioids are a class of pain relievers used to treat moderate to severe pain, but they also have a high potential for misuse and addiction. Signs and symptoms specific to prescription opioid addiction can include:

• Taking opioids in larger amounts or for longer than prescribed
• Continued use of opioids despite it causing relationship or social problems
• Excessive mood swings
• Reduced ability to control or cut back on opioid use
• Sleepiness or excessive sleeping
• Poor coordination, leading to increased chances of accidents
• Visiting multiple doctors to get additional prescriptions (doctor shopping)
• Neglecting personal and professional responsibilities
• Increased tolerance, needing more opioids to achieve the same effect
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop or reduce use, including restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes with goosebumps, and involuntary leg movements.

If you or someone you know is showing signs of addiction to opioids or other drugs, it’s important to seek professional help immediately. There are various treatment options available, and health care providers can guide you toward the best recovery path.

When To Seek Treatment

When you identify a prescription drug addiction in your life, the best time to seek treatment is right away. Substance addiction services can help stop prescription drug addiction in its tracks, but early intervention is always the best way to minimize the amount of harm that addiction can do.

That said, many people who abuse prescription medications are hesitant to admit they have a problem. You may find yourself saying things such as:

• “These medications are prescribed by a doctor, so it’s okay for me to use them”
• “I can stop anytime I want to, but I don’t want to stop”
• “My drug use doesn’t hurt anyone other than myself”
• “I have too much going on right now to start recovery services”

None of these are good reasons to avoid treatment, and some may not be as true as you believe. For instance, many people who think they could quit using their prescribed medication may actually find it incredibly difficult to do so.

And no matter how much you may believe it to only be harming yourself, addiction can often have severe effects on families, friends, and entire communities. Stopping substance abuse as soon as possible is the best way to minimize the damage it can do.

The Benefits Of A Prescription Drug Abuse Treatment Program

It’s not safe for people with a prescription to stop using these drugs on their own. In a prescription drug abuse treatment program, there’s ample control and monitoring to ensure the process is safe and doesn’t create additional health complications. Most often, this involves the use of medications to help trick the brain into not expressing cravings or withdrawal symptoms.

In a prescription drug abuse treatment center, you’ll be able to safely stop using these drugs. At the same time, our team can work with you to find solutions to the underlying needs you have, such as helping you to overcome anxiety without benzos or aiding in treating sleep problems without the use of addictive drugs. You’ll also gain more control over your health and your decision-making. Many with a prescription drug addiction lack that type of control as the drug fuels their decisions and actions.

What To Expect In Prescription Drug Abuse Treatment Center In Ma

Most people can expect a supportive environment where they will learn about addiction and their own mental health. Often, you’ll engage in a number of therapies designed to teach you how to cope with your addiction and avoid relapse. You’ll also be able to change negative thought patterns to create a better outcome. At Paramount Recovery Centers in Southborough, MA, we offer therapies such as the following to help you heal from addiction:

• Mindfulness stress reduction
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Evidence-based therapy
• Motivational interviewing therapy

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Massachusetts

Mindfulness practices can help people focus on the present moment and can substantially reduce the symptoms of stress. This can particularly benefit people struggling to overcome a prescription drug addiction who face a host of emotional challenges in early recovery.

Not only can mindfulness reduce stress, but it can also teach people to manage drug cravings. Being able to manage drug cravings is one of the key indicators that you are on the path to long-term recovery, and mindfulness-based stress reduction can help you along the way.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Massachusetts

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a talk therapy approach that has decades of evidence supporting its effectiveness. CBT focuses on helping people change the way they perceive their problems. It has been proven to be effective at treating a wide variety of mental health disorders, including:

• Substance use disorders
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Bipolar disorder

At our prescription treatment program, CBT is offered in both one-on-one therapy and group counseling sessions.

Evidence-Based Therapy Massachusetts

Evidence-based therapies are treatments that have proven themselves, through academic and clinical research, to help people overcome addiction. Our prescription drug addiction treatment program focuses on delivering these therapies, as they have proven their ability to help people overcome prescription drug addiction.

Motivational Interviewing Therapy Massachusetts

Motivational interviewing, also known as motivational enhancement therapy, is a collaborative approach to treating substance use disorders. In a motivational interviewing session, a client speaks with their therapist about their personal values, what they need to build a healthier life in recovery, and their own goals in treatment.

The therapist builds upon these values and helps their clients to create a unique plan to achieve long-term recovery.

Levels Of Care For Treatment Massachusetts

Paramount Recovery Centers offers outpatient treatment services for people looking for a prescription drug addiction treatment program. Outpatient treatment offers several advantages over residential treatment, including:

• Not having to move far away to get the drug addiction treatment you need
• Being able to apply the skills you learn in treatment to your everyday life
• Allowing people who have work, school, or family responsibilities to get support services

Our prescription drug addiction treatment program comes in several levels of outpatient care, including:

Partial Hospitalization Programs Massachusetts

Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are the most intensive form of outpatient care available. Clients attend treatment several days a week, for several hours at a time, and receive treatment for both medical and behavioral concerns. At the end of the day, clients return to their own homes and communities.

Intensive Outpatient Programs Massachusetts

Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are a step down from PHPs. Clients at these programs don’t receive medical services but still attend a treatment program for several days a week.

You can expect to receive several evidence-based treatment options for substance use disorders and mental illness during the treatment day, including individual therapy, group therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and much more.

Outpatient Programs Massachusetts

The outpatient program at Paramount Recovery Centers is our least time-intensive addiction treatment plan. This can be used either as a first-line treatment for people with milder substance use problems or as a step down from a PHP or IOP.

Clients at an outpatient program only attend treatment a few days a week, for a few hours at a time. This allows our team to provide long-lasting support without greatly interfering with your day-to-day life.

What Makes Our Prescription Drug Abuse Treatment Program In Ma Different?

Paramount Recovery Centers uses the most innovative solutions available with the help of highly skilled clinicians to create results for each person. Our luxury prescription drug addiction treatment program offers ample privacy in its secluded location. More so, it is designed to provide access to all of the latest treatment options and innovative solutions to encourage long-lasting recovery. We’re here to help you to find your way forward no matter what prescription medications you are using. Our compassion and dedication to you allow us to stand out.

Start Addiction Treatment Today

We know how difficult overcoming addiction can seem, but our experience has shown that anyone can recover, provided they get the quality addiction treatment that they need to build a stronger and healthier life in sobriety.

When your drug use has become a problem, reach out to the team at Paramount Recovery Centers by calling (978) 878-3677 or by filling out our confidential online contact form.