What to Expect at a Prescription Drug Rehab in Florida

Millions of people take prescription medications to treat or relieve symptoms of various medical conditions. Many people believe that prescription drugs are always safe to use because doctors can administer them. However, prescription drugs have the potential for unwanted side effects, including abuse and addiction.

Research from 2021 showed that 14.3 million people over the age of 12 reported abusing a prescription drug in the previous year. Prescription drug abuse is a significant problem in the United States, and people living with it require comprehensive prescription drug addiction treatment.

Understanding the issue of prescription drug abuse, how to identify it, and what to expect at a prescription drug rehab can help you make informed decisions about your well-being and find the treatment you need. If you or someone in your life struggles with prescription drug abuse, reach out to the team at Archstone Behavioral Health to learn about our Florida rehab programs or to schedule an intake evaluation.

Prescription Drug Abuse: Understanding the Issue

Many people take prescription drugs under medical guidance and supervision to manage the symptoms of acute or chronic medical conditions. However, some people may misuse prescription medications by:

• Taking larger doses of the medication than prescribed
• Taking the medication more often than they’re supposed to
• Using the drug differently than prescribed, such as crushing and snorting tablets
• Taking a prescription medication recreationally–meaning without a prescription

Prescription drug abuse can quickly turn into physical dependence or addiction. Recreational prescription drug abuse is most likely to lead to addiction, but even those who take prescription drugs as prescribed may develop dependence on them.

People who take prescription medications–even as prescribed–may develop a physical tolerance to them, meaning they need to use more to get the desired effects. Substance use can change how your brain and body work, making it difficult to stop taking these medications without professional treatment and ongoing support.

Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs

Some prescription drugs have side effects that people find desirable, making them want to use the drugs more often or in higher doses or to take them without a prescription. Certain types of prescription drugs have a higher potential for misuse, dependence, and addiction.

Here are some of the most commonly abused prescription drugs.

Opioids

Opioids are a class of drugs that are most commonly used to treat pain. Doctors may prescribe opioid medications for patients living with chronic pain or after surgery or other medical procedures.

Commonly prescribed opioids include:

• Codeine
• Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
• Morphine
• Oxycodone (OxyContin)

Opioids can produce feelings of calm, well-being, and euphoria that make them highly addictive. Opioid abuse is a significant problem in the United States. In 2021, five million people had a prescription for opioids, and more than 16,000 people died from a prescription opioid-related overdose.

Benzodiazepines

Doctors prescribe benzodiazepines (benzos) to patients who struggle with anxiety and panic. Benzodiazepines calm activity in the brain and central nervous system, allowing people to experience relief from the uncomfortable physical and emotional symptoms of anxiety.

Commonly prescribed benzodiazepines include:

• Xanax (alprazolam)
• Ativan (lorazepam)
• Valium (diazepam)

In 2021, nearly 4 million people had prescriptions for benzodiazepines, and more than 12,000 people died of an overdose involving benzodiazepines.

Barbiturates

Barbiturates are sedative medications that have the potential to cause physical and psychological dependence and addiction.

Commonly prescribed barbiturates include:

• Amytal (amobarbital)
• Nembutal (pentobarbital)
• Luminal (phenobarbital)
• Seconal (secobarbital)

Research from 2021 showed that more than 2 million people in the United States lived with an addiction to barbiturates.

Stimulants

Prescription stimulants are used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and other medical conditions.

Commonly prescribed stimulants include:

• Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Dextrostat, ProCentra)
• Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
• Methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Mehylin, Ritalin)
• Amphetamine + Dextroamphetamine (Adderall)

In 2021, about 1.5 million people had a prescription stimulant use disorder.

What to Expect at a Prescription Drug Rehab in Florida

Many people who struggle with prescription drug abuse need professional support and treatment to stop using these drugs and avoid relapse in the future.

Prescription drug rehab generally occurs in stages. Here is an overview of what to expect at a prescription drug rehab in Lantana, Florida.

Evaluation

Before beginning treatment, you will be evaluated by a doctor or addiction specialist so your treatment team can tailor your care to meet your unique needs. The evaluation may consist of:

• A substance abuse history
• Mental and physical health assessment
• Lab testing and physical exam
• Family history of substance abuse and addiction

This assessment will also help your team determine which level of care you require to stay safe and comfortable during detox and treatment.

Detox

Detoxification is a critical first step of treatment for many people with prescription drug addiction. When people with addiction stop using a substance, they typically experience a range of uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that make it difficult to avoid relapse. During detox, patients receive care that includes:

• Medications
• Supervision
• Emotional support
• Mental health treatment
• Holistic therapies to soothe the body and mind

These and other therapies can help people remain safe and comfortable during detox, giving them the best chance of success.

Treatment

Prescription drug addiction is a complex condition that requires thoughtful, holistic treatment. Addiction treatment programs in South Florida typically include a combination of evidence-based and holistic therapies that can help people’s minds, bodies, and spirits heal during recovery.

Treatment plans may include:

• Individual, group, and family therapy
• Behavioral therapies
• Medications
• Medical and mental health treatment
• Relapse prevention education
• Holistic therapies

Prescription drug rehab is offered in both inpatient and outpatient settings. The level of care people require depends on the severity of their addiction, their general health, and other factors.

Aftercare

After completing a prescription drug rehab program, people must create and follow an aftercare plan to prevent relapse. An aftercare plan may include:

• Individual and group therapy
• 12-step meetings
• Regular mental health and medical care
• Sober living

People with prescription drug addiction must stay active and engaged in their recovery so that they can live a healthier, sober lifestyle after rehab.

Find a Prescription Drug Rehab in Florida

If you or someone you love struggles with prescription drug abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Archstone Behavioral Health offers prescription drug rehab in Florida, allowing people to get the holistic, high-quality treatment and support they need to overcome addiction.

Contact our team now to learn about our programs or to set up an intake evaluation.