Bedrock Recovery Center is here to get you into the safety of recovery. Our detox program gets you through narcotic withdrawal in comfort before transitioning you into our inpatient residential program.
Our cutting-edge prescription drug addiction program can help you get your life back. Now is the time to reach out to Bedrock Recovery Center to start the process!
What Is Prescription Drug Addiction?
Over-the-counter drugs can be harmful when used in ways other than those indicated on package inserts. Prescription drugs have even more potential for harm. This is why a licensed healthcare practitioner needs to act as a gatekeeper for these substances.
Without a doctor’s supervision, prescription drug use can lead to dependence and addiction. This is true for all age groups and demographics. As time passes, physical and mental addiction can wreak havoc in a user’s life.
What Is the Opioid Epidemic?
The opioid epidemic is a major problem in America. Two decades ago, drug companies told doctors that opioid pain relievers were not addictive. Doctors prescribed them at high rates before realizing that the drugs were, in fact, addictive and misuse was rife.
What does it mean to misuse prescription drugs? For starters, it means that you don’t follow a doctor’s usage guidelines.
It also means that:
- You share your medication
- You snort or inject drugs rather than ingesting them
- You use prescription drugs to get high
The government took steps to further limit access to these drugs. States set up prescription drug monitoring programs. When their doctor-approved supply came to an end, patients found it difficult to get drugs that they were now hooked on.
Many users turned to dangerous illicit substances such as heroin and fentanyl. They also tried out other prescription drugs. As a result, addiction tore through communities. And this cycle is still happening today.
Heroin is one of the most cited primary drugs in treatment admissions in the Commonwealth.
Prescription Drug Addiction in Massachusetts
What Are the Different Classes of Prescription Drugs That Are Abused?
Opioids such as Oxycontin aren’t the only prescription drugs that are abused.
Facts about prescription drug addiction in MA:
- In 2016, MA had the fourth-highest overdose death rate in the country.
- In MA in 2017, there were 13.7 cases of Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) for every 1,000 hospital births. This means that dozens of babies were born addicted to opioids.
- In 2018, 331 overdose deaths in the state were due to prescription opioids.
- Since 2010, there have been more than 10,000 naloxone rescues in the state. This drug reverses the effects of opioids.
Misusing any of the following classes of drugs is cause for concern:
- Stimulants or ‘uppers’ which speed up brain activity. They treat ADHD and sleep disorders. Stimulants include Adderall.
- ‘Benzos’ are often prescribed for anxiety. They include brands such as Xanax.
- Barbiturates and hypnotics are similar to benzos and opioids. They are so-called ‘downers’ because they slow down brain activity and they can make you feel less aware of stresses around you. . Nembutal is used in general anesthesia and to treat seizures. Hypnotics include sleeping pills such as Ambien.
What Causes Prescription Drug Addiction?
Factors that can increase the likelihood of prescription drug addiction:
- If you have a family history of addiction, you are more likely to develop an addiction.
- Your social environment can have a negative influence on you.
- Mental health issues may lead to drug misuse.
- You may be unaware about the risks involved with prescription drugs.
- If you are an older adult who requires medication for multiple health problems, there’s a chance of addiction.
Get Help for Prescription Drug Addiction
If you or someone you know is struggling with prescription drug addiction, Bedrock Recovery Center can help. We offer a full spectrum of services including medication-assisted treatment.
Treatment begins with a doctor-supervised detox which is tailored to you. This allows you to go through withdrawal in the safest possible manner.
Once you’re in better physical shape, we use evidence-based therapeutic approaches. Group and individual therapy sessions give you the mental tools to stay sober. These coping mechanisms will set you up for a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Contact us for more information about the best options for you.
FAQ About Prescription Drug Addiction
Can I afford prescription drug addiction treatment?
Often times, your health insurance plan can cover a majority of the cost of your treatment from prescription drug addiction. Not sure where to start? We can help verify your insurance plan and point you in the right direction, even if it’s not with us.
Can I force a loved one to go to rehab for prescription drug abuse?
If you live in the state of Massachusetts, there is a law that passed, known as Section 35. Under this law, it “allows a qualified person to request a court order requiring someone to be civilly committed and treated involuntarily for an alcohol or substance use disorder”.
Read more about Section 35 and speak with one of our treatment specialists today to help assist you through this process.
How can I stage an intervention for prescription drug addiction?
If you have tried talking to your loved one about their issue with prescription drugs and still can’t get them into treatment, give us a call. We can talk you through the steps needed to hold an intervention and can even send a certified interventionist to help assist you during this process.
There is some planning that goes into place in order to conduct a successful intervention. You can read more about this process here.
How do I talk to a loved one about prescription drug addiction?
Talking to a loved one about prescription drug addiction treatment can be tough. It’s important to go about it in a healthy way, without them feeling judged or pressured. Here are some tips on talking to a loved one about addiction treatment.
What does prescription drug treatment look like?
Treatment for prescription drug abuse often comes in multiple stages. The stages are dependent on what substance(s) an individual is using and how often. Typically, treatment consists of detox, inpatient/residential treatment and/or intensive outpatient treatment.
This process usually takes on average 90 days. An individualized plan will be made for each patient by their clinician and therapist.
