Prescription Drug Rehab

Prescription drugs can be helpful in treating specific medical conditions, however, the misuse of prescription medications continues to be on the rise.

According to SAMHSA, in 2020, there were more than 16 million Americans who misused prescription medication.

At Peachtree Recovery Solutions, our premier prescription drug rehab in Atlanta provides a safe and structured environment for individuals struggling with prescription drug addiction. It is crucial to understand the different types of prescription drugs, how addiction can develop, and what to expect if you’re looking for treatment.

What Are Prescription Drugs?

Prescription drugs are medications that are prescribed by a healthcare professional to treat a specific medical condition. They are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are only legally available through a valid prescription from a licensed medical practitioner. Prescription drugs can be incredibly helpful in managing chronic pain, anxiety, and other health issues. However, they can also be addictive when misused or taken without proper guidance.

Types of Prescription Drugs

There are various types of prescription drugs that can lead to addiction, including:

Opioids: These medications are prescribed to manage severe pain. Examples include oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), and morphine.
Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants: These drugs are used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. Examples include benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax), as well as sleep aids like zolpidem (Ambien).
Stimulants: These medications are prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other conditions. Examples include methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamines (Adderall).

What Are The Most Addictive Prescription Drugs?

Some prescription drugs carry a higher risk of addiction due to their potent effects on the brain and body. The most addictive prescription drugs include opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants. These medications can alter the brain’s reward system and cause physical dependence, making it difficult for individuals to quit without professional help.

How Does Prescription Drug Rehab Work?

At Peachtree Wellness Solutions, our prescription drug rehab addresses the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of addiction. The process typically begins with a thorough assessment to determine the severity of the addiction and any co-occurring mental health conditions. From there, a customized treatment plan is developed, which may include:

Medical detoxification: A medically supervised detox helps patients safely withdraw from the addictive substances while managing withdrawal symptoms.
Partial Hospitalization Programming (PHP): PHP is a full-day treatment program with individual and group therapy sessions. During this time, our compassionate staff help patients identify and change the patterns of thought and behavior that led to addiction.
Intensive Outpatient Programming (IOP): Intensive Outpatient Programming is a half-day treatment program with a minimum of nine programming hours per week. During this time, individuals work with our staff to help address root-cause issues and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): This approach uses FDA-approved medications in combination with therapy to help patients maintain sobriety.
Aftercare and Outpatient Treatment: Ongoing counseling, support groups, and relapse prevention strategies are essential for long-term recovery.

Signs of Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription drug addiction can vary from person to person depending on the substance and the individual’s unique circumstances.

Taking the drug in larger amounts or for longer periods than prescribed
Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control drug use
Spending a significant amount of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the drug
Intense cravings or a strong desire to use the drug
Neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school due to drug use
Continued drug use despite negative consequences or harm to oneself or others
Developing a tolerance, which means needing higher doses of the drug to achieve the desired effect
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to reduce or discontinue drug use
Changes in mood, such as increased anxiety, depression, irritability, or mood swings
Changes in sleep patterns, either sleeping too much or experiencing insomnia
Decline in personal hygiene and self-care
Social withdrawal and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Engaging in risky behaviors, such as driving under the influence or using drugs in dangerous situations
Doctor shopping or seeking multiple prescriptions from different healthcare providers
Obtaining prescription drugs through illegal means, such as buying them from street dealers or stealing from friends and family

How Does Prescription Drug Addiction Effect The Brain?

Addiction in general can have significant effects and long-term impacts on the brain, altering its structure and function in several ways. The specific impact depends on the type of drug, the severity and duration of the addiction, and individual factors. However, some general changes that occur in the brain due to prescription drug addiction include:

Altered neurotransmitter function: Prescription drugs often affect neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. These chemicals play essential roles in regulating mood, motivation, and reward. Prescription drug addiction can cause an imbalance in neurotransmitter levels, leading to changes in mood, behavior, and cognitive function.
Dysregulation of the brain’s reward system: Many prescription drugs, particularly opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants, can increase dopamine release in the brain’s reward system. Over time, this can lead to a desensitization of the reward pathway, making it more challenging to experience pleasure from natural rewards like food, social interactions, and other everyday activities. This dysregulation can result in drug-seeking behavior and compulsive use.
Changes in brain structure: Prolonged prescription drug abuse can lead to structural changes in the brain, particularly in areas related to decision-making, impulse control, and stress regulation. These changes can make it more difficult for individuals to resist cravings, control their emotions, and make rational decisions, perpetuating the cycle of addiction.
Impaired cognitive function: Addiction can impair cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. This can make it more challenging for individuals to carry out daily tasks, maintain relationships, and perform well at work or school.
Increased stress response: Long-term prescription drug abuse can alter the brain’s stress response system, making individuals more sensitive to stressors and increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, and relapse.

What to Expect During Prescription Drug Rehab?

Entering a prescription drug rehab program can be a life-changing decision. Coming into a rehab program can be intimidating and daunting when you don’t know what you’re walking into. Our compassionate staff will be able to answer any questions you have. In general, here’s what you can expect:

Intake and assessment: Our admissions process begins with a thorough evaluation to understand the patient’s unique needs, medical history, and addiction severity.
Personalized treatment plan: Our team of professionals develops a customized treatment plan that may include detox, therapy, medication, and other support services.
Multidisciplinary approach: Our program involves a dual diagnosis approach. This means that we address addiction with a mind-body-spirit approach, processing some of the underlying mental health symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and more.
Family Therapy: Family members may be invited to participate in therapy sessions or educational programs to support their loved one’s recovery.

How Long Does It Take to Detox from Prescription Drugs?

The length of prescription drug detox depends on the type of drug, the severity of the addiction, and the individual’s overall health. For most prescription drugs, withdrawal symptoms begin within 6-48 hours after the last dose and can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

Opioids: Detox typically lasts 5-10 days, with peak withdrawal symptoms occurring around day 3.
Benzodiazepines: Detox can range from 1-4 weeks, with withdrawal symptoms peaking between days 2 and 7.
Stimulants: Detox usually takes 3-5 days, with withdrawal symptoms peaking within the first 24-48 hours.

It is crucial to remember that detox alone is not sufficient to achieve long-term recovery. Comprehensive treatment, including therapy and aftercare support, is necessary to address the underlying causes of addiction and prevent relapse.

Services Offered at Peachtree Recovery Solutions

Depending on what’s best for each person, cocaine addiction treatment in Atlanta at Peachtree Recovery Solutions may include the following options:

For a complete list of all the services we provide, please contact us at your convenience.

Begin Prescription Drug Rehab in Atlanta Today!

Peachtree Recovery Solutions is a trusted drug rehab in Atlanta. Our facility offers an array of evidence-based treatment modalities so you can find which path best fits you. With a combined 50 years of experience, our staff has helped hundreds of individuals take their lives back from prescription drug addiction. Learn more about our admissions process or verify your insurance today!