Prescription pill addiction has, unfortunately become an epidemic in the United States. The availability and easy access of prescription pills in America is huge, and the number of medical professionals that rely on prescribing them is vast. Though, when used properly, prescription pills can have great benefits, the reality is that they are a slippery slope in regards to addiction. The propensity for addiction is immense, even for individuals who begin using them exactly as directed by a medical professional. It is imperative for an individual to seek proper help if he or she struggles with prescription pill abuse or addiction.

Detox

One of the first steps an individual must go through when beginning recovery from a prescription pill addiction will be to undergo the detox process. There are a number of different types of prescription pills that an individual may be addicted to, and this will play into which type of detox he or she undergoes. Depending on the type of medication, and whether or not an individual may be combining it with other drugs or alcohol, the detox process can range from intensely supported, to an individual going through the process alone. One option would be for a person to simply stop taking the abused substance or substances and allow his or her body to expel the drugs from his or her system. This option is good for individuals who have addictions to more mild medications and have not been abusing them for a long period of time.

Another option is for individuals to attend a medically supervised detox program. In a medically supervised detox program an individual will reside in a facility and will remain there until the majority, if not all, of his or her withdrawal symptoms have subsided form the detox process. This will give the individual access to twenty-four-hour medical care, in addition to the option of medically assisted detox, when deemed necessary. It will allow for a medical professional to oversee an individual’s entire detox process, while providing ample medical, psychological, and emotional support throughout its duration. This type of detox is essential for individuals addicted to opiates or opioids, individuals who have a dual diagnosis, individuals who have been abusing prescription medications for an extended period of time, and for individuals who have been abusing other drugs while simultaneously abusing prescription medications.

Treatment

After an individual goes through a detox process, he or she will likely be guided to attend a substance abuse or addiction treatment program. These programs can vary in duration and format. Some programs will be outpatient programs, which will cater more towards individuals who are unable to reside in a treatment facility due to other various commitments (school, work, family life…etc.). An outpatient program will require and individual to attend a certain number of hours each day and will have other expectations of its participants. Another type of treatment program is an inpatient treatment program. These will vary in duration, typically lasting anywhere from twenty-eight days to as long as six months. In an inpatient program a person will reside in the treatment facility and attend various therapeutic activities throughout each day. There will be specific rules, regulations, and expectations of its residents.

Post treatment, an individual will leave with an aftercare plan. This plan will be uniquely tailored to each person. The purpose of an aftercare plan is to set the individual up for success during and after his or her integration back into the world outside of the treatment program. An aftercare plan is something that is provided to individuals that are in an inpatient program or an outpatient program. Aftercare plans are extremely helpful tools for individuals in recovery, and many follow them indefinitely.

Further Information

The way an individual’s frame of mind, brain, and physical body adjust to accommodate an addiction will require a lifetime of healing. Every individual seeking substance abuse or addiction treatment must select a program that will be suit his or her needs throughout this life changing experience. Substance abuse and addiction are all consuming, and if left untreated can result in extremely difficult long term consequences, and in some cases death. There is no need to go through this alone. If you or someone you know is in need of addiction treatment for drugs or alcohol, please seek help immediately. We are available to answer any questions you may have regarding substance abuse or addiction. For further information, do not hesitate contacting us at: 323-207-0276. You can also feel free to reach out via email at: [email protected].

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