Prescription Drug Treatment

Who needs Prescription Drug Treatment?

Prescription drug treatment is recommended for any person who has developed a relationship of abuse or addiction to prescription drugs. These drugs may include prescription drugs that have been legitimately obtained from a physician -- or prescription drugs that have been illicitly obtained.

Whatever the source of the addiction, if these drugs become compulsively used by an individual, and cessation causes withdrawal symptoms and cravings that lead to relapse, an addiction has developed and the individual is urged to enter a prescription drug treatment program immediately.

Prescription drug treatment at The Orchid Recovery Center for Women addresses addiction with a two step process. First the detoxification and withdrawal process is medically managed to reduce cravings and discomfort. Second, the addict is introduced to a program of recovery that includes both support system and relapse prevention elements. The latter includes individual and group counseling that provides support for addicted women and speaks to the gender-specific issues most relevant to their condition.

How Prescription Drug Addiction Starts

Prescription drug addiction typically develops in one of two ways. In the first scenario, an individual is introduced to prescription medication used in a recreational manner by friends or peers. This method of use typically happens at a younger age, perhaps as early as junior high. These recreationally used prescription drugs include painkillers, depressants, anti anxiety medication or stimulants. Individuals with a Vicodin addiction or OxyContin addiction alter these drugs, usually by crushing, to allow them to be more quickly absorbed, sniffed or smoked. These medications may be initially taken from parents or grandparents medicine cabinets, but over time and dependence younger users may begin purchasing the drugs illegally.

The second method of prescription drug abuse follows a legitimate prescription by a doctor for a real condition. In this scenario, an individual requires a painkiller or anti-anxiety medication for a legitimate purpose. Because of the highly addictive nature of opiate painkillers, however, the person rapidly develops a tolerance and compulsion to use that medication. After the prescription runs out, the individual might fake continued pain, forge prescriptions, get duplicate refills or begin doctor-shopping to obtain more prescription drugs.

The Orchid sees a number of this second type of drug addict – and understands that is especially hard to bring her into drug treatment. For one thing, she is able to justify his or her drug use because it was obtained at a pharmacy with a prescription instead of being bought on the street. For a second, this addict truly believes that he or she has a physical condition that requires the use of the prescription drugs. And in once sense he or she is right. He or she has an addiction to that drug that requires continued use. Because of the power of the human mind, once a person has become addicted he or she may truly feel pain that will justify further use of the painkiller.

Detox and Prescription Drug Addiction

In both cases prescription drug treatment must first eliminate the drug from the user’s body. This typically requires a detox procedure in which the user stops taking the drugs while his or her detox and withdrawal symptoms are medically managed. After the drug detox procedure, the addict must learn or relearn how to live without the assistance of painkillers and other prescription drugs. This typically requires therapy sessions, in combination with introduction to a support group designed to prevent relapses and build a sober life.

The Orchid Recovery Center offers caring and supportive treatment for women who have seen their life turned upside down by prescription drug addiction. A Florida drug rehab center known throughout the country for its groundbreaking treatment of women suffering from addiction, The Orchid believes that through caring, compassion and group counseling, individuals can break the cycle of drug addiction and live a healthy, happy and productive life. For more information, contact The Orchid today.