Prescription Drug Rehab

Prescription drug rehab is crucial for anybody who requires medical assistance and psychological help in recovering from a prescription drug addiction.

Understanding Prescription Drug Addiction

Before determining whether you, or somebody else requires attention from a prescription drug rehab, it is important to understand the addiction itself and why it can be such a detrimental addiction.

Prescription drugs, while of course legal, are still drugs nonetheless and should only ever be taken according to the box or the health professional that has prescribed them. However, since some prescription drugs are addictive, it is possible that even the slightest mis dose, even by mistake, can spiral into addiction.

Whether it is a mistake or intentionally, using prescription drugs recreationally can be extremely dangerous and fatal. Anybody can fall victim to prescription drug addiction, which is why we help countless individuals combat this addiction before anything gets worse.

The Common Causes and Risk Factors of Prescription Drug Addiction

One of the biggest concerns and risk factors for the development of a prescription drug addiction is the medicinal use.

There are often medications that are prescribed for medical conditions that when taken correctly, can be incredibly effective. However, when used improperly or for longer than intended, there is the risk of addiction and dependence. 

There are also other risk factors if the addiction is not a result of accidentally misusing prescription drugs. For example, those that are going through hardship could look for an outlet to cope with stresses and anxieties, turning to prescription medication if it is already accessible can be a particular risk rather than engaging in illegal drugs.

Whatever it is, the result is all the same and this is a detrimental outcome on the mind, body and lifestyle.

Signs and Symptoms of an Prescription Drug Dependence

There are a huge range of signs and symptoms that come along with prescription drug abuse. Some of the most common and pressing ones include, but aren’t limited to:

• Increased tolerance to prescription drugs
• Withdrawals upon stopping to take the drug
• Spending most of the time thinking about or taking the drug
• Continued use of the drug despite negative reactions / consequences
• Changes in mood / mood swings
• Prescription fraud (AKA. doctor shopping)
• Break down in relationships due to mood changes or borrowing money to fund habit

Consequences of Prescription Drug Abuse

There are extreme consequences of prescription drug abuse, one of which is the fatality of taking them.

Taking prescription drugs more than they should be naturally allows for the body to increase in tolerance. This increase of tolerance means that in order to feel the same desired effect, more of the drug is needed.

If this becomes the ‘norm’, then the cycle runs and more and more of the drug is needed to feel the benefit or the ‘high’ that is being chased after. Not only that, but with the increased tolerance and thus the increased dosage, withdrawal symptoms will begin to present and depending on the drug these can be incredibly intense.

The consequences of prescription drug addiction span wider than just the user, the effects of addiction can spill out into the life of families, friends and even work life. Addiction to prescription drugs can affect cognitive function, financial stability and much more so it is crucial to get help before it spirals and gets to this severe stage.

What is Prescription Drug Rehab?

Prescription drug addiction rehab is the process in which those in need of professional help to combat addiction either stay in an inpatient rehab facility for recovery or they utilise outpatient rehab facilities.

Either of these approaches aim for the same outcome, which is full recovery from addiction, yet the inpatient approach is the most effective route due to the intense methods of treatment.

In prescription drug rehab centres, there is full medical supervision from doctors, nurses and addiction therapists all working to ensure everybody within the facility has the best chance at full recovery.

This is something invaluable to inpatients and makes for a rehab process that is tailor made and effective.

Types of Prescription Drug Rehab Programmes

As mentioned, there are different methods of recovery, this covers outpatient and inpatient programmes both of which are suitable for varying levels of severity when it comes to prescription drug addiction.

Outpatient Rehab Programmes

Outpatient rehab programmes are suitable for those who have a prescription drug addiction yet feel as though it is manageable enough to see through their daily life alongside treatment. It is for those that feel like their addiction is under control and can go to treatment in an outpatient centre and return home.

For many, this works well around family schedules and work. However, this may not be enough for those suffering from severe addiction that brings on withdrawals that could need medical attention to see through.

Prescription Drug Detoxification Programmes

Prescription drug detox is something that is undergone within a designated detox clinic. This is a place that is designed with addiction in mind, meaning that the user is able to be surrounded by medical professionals that provide key treatments no matter how long the detox lasts.

Prescription drug detox is safely done inside the walls of a clinic, we do not recommend people do this alone in their homes as without the right assistance it could be incredibly dangerous as tolerance drops.

At Action Rehab, we’re able to help anybody coming to terms with addiction, we are able to assess and recommend the amount of time required to spend in a detox clinic before moving onto the rehab programme that works on the psychological side of the addiction without the physical distraction of nasty withdrawals.

Inpatient Prescription Drug Rehab Programmes

Inpatient prescription drug rehab programmes are an effective way of dealing with addiction of any kind. With treatment available for not only prescription drugs but for every addiction, there are extensive treatment methods that make for a complete approach to recovery.

While various inpatient prescription drugs rehab may offer differing treatments, there is a typical industry structure that should be uniform throughout.

• Detoxification: Detox is often the first point of recovery. Considering the potency of some prescription drugs, the withdrawals can be extreme meaning the safest way to tackle this is in the care of a detox centre.
• Rehab: The second step is choosing rehab centres for prescription drug abuse and being admitted. We can help to find these rehab facilities with our partnering rehabs and ensure that the process is as easy as possible.
• Aftercare: Having aftercare as a part of recovery is beneficial to ensure that anybody, post-rehab, is able to continue on with their daily activities without succumbing to the pressure of triggers that could result in relapse.

Choosing the Right Prescription Drug Rehab Centre

Whether it is yourself or somebody you know looking for prescription drug abuse rehab centres, we understand it is hard to know what to look out for. In this case, it is important to recognise some of the factors that make a prescription rehab centre a good choice.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Rehab

• Types of Treatment: An effective treatment programme looks different for every person, it is dependent on the level of severity. For instance, a chronic prescription drug abuser is going to need more around the clock and advanced treatment than that of a user that finds outpatient treatment sufficient.
• Staff Competency: Something that is key to understanding the ins and outs of a rehab for prescription drug abuse is the staff on hand to help. This includes the qualifications and the experience held but most of all, the range of professionals from doctors to psychologists.
• Safety of the facility: Choosing a rehab for prescription drugs in the UK is also often based on safety. Competent rehab facilities should have extensive safety measures in place to ensure patients and their families are comfortable with the arrangements.

How to Evaluate Quality of Care in Rehab Centres

Something else to think about when deciding on an appropriate prescription drug addiction rehab is the quality of care. One way to find out the quality of particular facilities is to look out for reviews and success rates. 

It is easy to find reviews from people who have been in the facility being considered, this allows for a look into the rehab that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. This can also be a useful thing to look out for to find out more on succession rates and stories of past inpatients being sober free for years to come.

Location and Facility Considerations

A key consideration when deciding on a suitable facility when addicted to prescription drugs rehab is the location.

Often, people who are in recovery have differing opinions of what is the most effective place to recover. While some inpatients feel as though time away from home can help in resisting temptation to leave rehab, some may feel comfortable knowing they’re close to home – it is completely subjective.

The good news is, at Action Rehab we are able to find and admit individuals suffering from prescription drug addiction into facilities all over the UK, inpatient and outpatient. From Southern England to Scotland, we have some of the best facilities available to individuals looking to recover in a safe, secure place.

Prescription Drug Rehab Cost of Treatment

The cost of prescription drug rehab can vary greatly, which is why we are unable to put an exact price tag on it as a referral service. However, due to the fact that we are indeed a referral, we are able to find a range of facilities with different price brackets so there is a more varied budget.

There are a range of factors that can influence the price of a prescription drug rehab facility, from staff expertise to location, there are considerable considerations for a private rehab.

Due to the extensive services found in rehab, the length of time spent in the facility greatly determines the amount it will cost. For example, a 7-night stay is going to greatly differ from that of a 28-night stay as there is a huge amount of work that goes into each and every patient.

Whether it is a chemist, a therapist or a doctor there are a huge range of expertise required in rehab, all of which are invaluable to recovery.

Prescription Drug Rehab Treatment Approaches

There are multiple approaches to prescription drug rehab, all of which relate to the severity of the prescription drug addiction.

Prescription Drug Rehab Core Treatment Types

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT assists individuals in identifying root causes and confronting negative thought patterns and behaviours associated with prescription drug misuse, replacing them with more constructive ones.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT, a variant of CBT, emphasising acceptance of the situation and equipping individuals suffering from addiction with coping mechanisms, all of which contribute to reducing the risk of relapse.
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): MAT incorporates medications that alleviate withdrawal symptoms and diminish the likelihood of relapse, often working well alongside other therapeutic modalities in cases of severe addiction.
• Family Engagement: Involving family members in therapy helps in healing within relationships and cultivates a supportive home environment for post recovery.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment Options

A dual diagnosis is when somebody goes to rehab and is diagnosed with a coinciding mental health disorder, then receives treatment for the disorder.

While mental health issues can often be a result of prescription drug abuse, prescription drug abuse can be a coping mechanism for existing mental health issues resulting in addiction.

There are a range of mental issues associated with prescription drug addiction, the drug itself can trigger mental health issues or exacerbate existing ones meaning that dual diagnosis can be incredibly important for conditions such as:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• OCD (obsessive compulsive order)
• Bi polar disorder
• Psychosis

Therefore, getting help in not only a diagnosis but treatment for it too while getting help for addiction is the best way of a 360 approach to addiction, providing the best opportunity for long term recovery.

Holistic Therapies and Integrative Approaches

Holistic therapies include a range of approaches to treatment, most of which are designed to help those suffering from addiction deal with issues once they’re finished with treatment. These are therapies that do not require medication, but more so mindfulness activities that can help form useful habits to deal with temptations on the outside.

Some holistic therapies may include but aren’t limited to:

• Music Therapy
• Art Therapy
• Mindfulness Sessions
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)

These are mindfulness activities that can help with self reflection and recognising what temptations are apparent in the outside world so it is more manageable to handle them if they arise.

What to Expect at a Prescription Drug Rehabilitation Clinic

At prescription drug abuse rehab centres, there are particular expectations that make for a good rehab clinic. The process can be different for each and every facility but there are some things that are typically uniform.

The first step is to reach out, whether it is requesting a call back, calling us or emailing us. No matter the form of contact, reaching out is the biggest step to take.

Once contact is made, the next step is to talk about the addiction, this will include questions to find out whether there are co-occurring disorders alongside the prescription drug addiction, as this will determine the level of treatment required.

This will help us as a referral service to provide suitable rehab centres that fit the needs and desires requested.

After we have presented options, individuals will have the freedom to discuss and decide what they want to choose, including the place, duration and facilities. We are then able to place anybody who requires treatment into said rehabs making the entire process as smooth and fast as possible.

Duration of Prescription Drug Treatment Programmes

As mentioned, the duration of a drug treatment programme is subjective to each individual as everybody has different needs and requirements. However, with our help, anybody suffering from addiction is able to find the necessary treatment after a consultation with our addiction specialists. 

Upon pre-admission assessment, we are able to recommend the length of time required in rehab centres for prescription drug abuse based on each individual situation while also aligning the choices with the prerequisites set by the patient.

Some may feel 7-nights is sufficient for less chronic addictions, however on the other hand many patients opt for the common approach of a 28-night recovery. This allows ample time to see a comprehensive treatment plan through with a reduced risk of relapse upon discharge from the facility.

Rules and Guidelines in Rehab Facilities

Rules and guidelines are key to the smooth running of a prescription drug rehab facility, they keep operations in place, organised and make for a safe environment for everybody.

These guidelines may look different from facility to facility, but some things will stay the same to adhere to UK regulations.

These guidelines may typically include:

• Compulsory staff qualifications to ensure competence & quality
• Safety measures for patients
• Dietary requirements
• Licenced professionals (e.g. for therapy or distributing medication)
• Adherence to health and safety regulations
• CQC registered & recognised facilities

Why Do Rules Vary?

Rules vary as those who are looking for rehab for prescription drug abuse will often have various needs and requirements making some facilities better suited to them than others.

Plus, there are also facilities that make for better options due to their unique offerings that others may not have. Some of the key factors that could make rules vary across prescription drug rehab centres may include:

• Unique therapeutic options: This may include unique therapies, such as the holistic aforementioned therapies.
• Catered towards particular populations: Having options for particular patients is something that may be unique to some facilities. For example, a rehab for youths has different rules than that of an adult rehab.
• The facilities: Something else that contributes to the rules and regulations includes the amenities. For example, some clinics may allow for visitation as they have the staff and space to do so, while this isn’t always possible for every facility.

This is why it is helpful to use a referral service, as it grants the opportunity to weigh up all options and decide on the best suited one.

Relapse Prevention: Aftercare and Continued Support Options

Relapse prevention is something focused on both in and outside of rehab.

When in rehab, in-patients are prepared with tools to cope with outside triggers. Then, once outside of rehab, patients may be eligible for aftercare to help keep temptations at bay and on the right track.

Free Aftercare Programmes

What are aftercare programmes?

Aftercare programmes typically come along with a 28-night stay in a qualifying facility. While not every prescription drug rehab offers this service, it is a commonality among some of the top rehabs in the UK.

Some aftercare programmes differ from place to place, however an example of what to expect include weekly therapy sessions with an addiction specialist to stay on track after treatment, these weekly sessions last up to a whole year upon completion of the rehab treatment to ensure lasting recovery.

Why are aftercare programmes important in recovery?

Aftercare programmes ensure that once rehab for prescription drug abuse is complete, there is a reduced risk in relapse once patients return to their familiar environments. This is a fickle time, it may come with outside temptations and being alone during this is something that could trigger a relapse.

With that in mind, it is important to have somebody to talk to, somebody who understands the hardship and can provide constructive advice and guidance on how to deal with these situations.

Continued Support Provided in Aftercare Programmes

The support provided within aftercare normally comes in the form of either 1-2-1 counselling or group counselling.

While this is provided by the rehab itself, there are also outpatient facilities that we would encourage anybody in recovery to take advantage of.

This includes groups like Narcotics or Alcoholics Anonymous. These are scattered all across the country making them incredibly accessible both online and in person, they’re free of charge and follow the 12-step model for those in active recovery and long term sobriety.

Support for Families of Those Affected by Prescription Drug Abuse

Addiction doesn’t only affect the user, addiction affects the family too. Due to this, we offer support and guidance for anybody who is looking to help their loved ones find treatment.

How Prescription Drug Addiction Impacts Families

Like any addiction, the user is suffering. This change in behaviour can break down relationships, cause deceitful behaviour and impact the whole family. Due to the pressure and upset this brings onto the family, many choose to try to find treatment for their family member suffering from prescription drug abuse.

From stealing, building debt and bringing trouble to family homes, addiction can make its way right through the family network breaking bonds between loved ones all down to addiction.

Support for Families With Action Rehab

We support families who want to find a prescription drug addiction rehab for their loved one. We know how hard it is to watch somebody suffer, so it is crucial to seek help in finding relevant treatment for them during this pressing time.

We can help families with guidance and advice on how to handle and approach those suffering from addiction, while also being able to help organise interventions to get those who need it into treatment as soon as possible.

How to Begin the Process of Rehabilitation from Prescription Drug Abuse

Begin the process of getting help for yourself or somebody else today. We make the process as easy and streamline as possible to ensure there is no reason to turn away from sobriety.

The Admissions Process With Action Rehab

The admissions process is simple with our help, we ensure that the process is as straightforward as possible taking the following approach:

• Pre-admission Chat: Before we begin the process of admission, we chat to anybody who is looking for treatment, this is informal it is simply to explain how we work and what rehab can do. It offers advice and guidance for families and those suffering from addiction alike
• Assessment and Admission: Assessment is the way we can better understand the addiction at hand, this is when we will get to understand the recommended duration of treatment, whether a detox is required and the level of care needed.
• Admission: The third and final stage is admission, this is when we can admit patients to their chosen rehab after providing all of the details necessary to make a decision.

It truly is simple to get into a prescription drug rehab with our help, waste no more time in postponing sobriety and seek help from us today.

Reach Out to Action Rehab Today

Talk to us either by requesting a call back via one of our contact forms today or calling us on 0151 268 6992.

We are here, ready to help beat prescription drug addiction, together.

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John Gillen - Author - Last Updated: 16th November 2017

John is a leading expert in addiction recovery and has been pioneering new techniques such as NAD+ for over 10 years. He’s committed to providing the best treatment options available throughout Europe, including ongoing research into therapies like laser therapy to help people heal from their problems.

Dr Lapa - Addiction Psychiatrist - Last Reviewed: 29/03/2022 1:00 pm

MBBS, PG Dip Clin Ed, OA Dip CBT, OA Dip Psychology, SCOPE Certified

After graduating in 2000, Dr. Lapa has worked across a wide range of psychiatric settings with differing illness presentations and backgrounds; this was aligned to him continuing professional development at postgraduate level which involved clinical research that closely related everyday clinical practice

Dr Lapa is indemnified by the Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS) and MIAB Expert Insurance for Psychiatric and Private Medical practice. He is fully registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK with a licence to practice.

Member of Independent Doctors Federation (IDF), British Association for Psychopharmacology (BMA) and The Association for the Study of Obesity (ASO)

Dr Lapa’s extensive experience has also concentrated on the following areas of clinical practice:
– Assessment, Diagnosis and Pharmacological Treatment for Adults with ADHD.
– Drug and Alcohol Dependency and maintaining abstinence and continued recovery
– Intravenous and Intramuscular Vitamin and Mineral Infusion Therapy
– Dietary and Weight Management and thorough care from assessment to treatment to end goals and maintenance
– Aesthetic Practice and Procedures