Prescription Drug Abuse in Cape Cod, MA
Prescription drug abuse is on the rise in the United States due in large part to the mistaken belief
that using drugs intended for medical use is safer than using street drugs. Although prescription
drugs may be prescribed by medical professionals, they can be just as addictive as drugs like
heroin, and overdoses are to blame for 45 percent of all drugrelated deaths, according to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
While prescription drug abuse is a serious concern, recovery is possible through treatment
administered through a professional prescription drug addiction rehab program. Prescription drug
addiction rehab can help people break free of the patterns of prescription drug abuse and lead
fuller, healthier and happier lives.
Get the Facts on Prescription Drug Abuse
While any prescription drug can be abused if used in a manner other than the way prescribed by
a doctor, certain drugs are more commonly abused than others, including:
Opiate painkillers, such as Vicodin, Fentanyl and Oxycontin
Central nervous system stimulants, such as Ritalin and Adderall
Central nervous system sedatives like Klonopin, Valium and Xanax
Prescription drug addiction can occur when a medication is prescribed by a doctor for long
periods of time or when a drug is used recreationally. People who are addicted to prescription
medications often go to great lengths to maintain their supply of drugs. Some shop for doctors to
write them prescriptions, while others will resort to forging prescriptions and stealing drugs from
others.
Even when they suffer financial, legal, familial and social hardships due to their drug abuse,
individuals who are addicted are usually unable to stop seeking and taking prescription
medications. As a result, prescription drug abuse can truly ruin lives, but there is hope for
recovery through treatment.
Treatment for Prescription Drug Abuse
Addiction to prescription medications involves a physical dependence on the drug being abused
as well as mental, emotional and spiritual factors. The National Institute on Drug Abuse cautions
that willpower alone is usually not enough to overcome an addiction to prescription drugs and
that the best approach to lasting recovery is one that involves the assistance of a team of
experienced professionals.
Treatment often begins with medical detox to manage the symptoms of withdrawal that occur
when drug use is discontinued suddenly. Detoxification concludes with a transition to the rest of
recovery, where addicts are encouraged to explore what led them to abuse prescription
medications. Through a combination of traditional and alternative therapies, individuals
undergoing treatment are also taught strategies and new ways of thinking that can help them
remain drug free once treatment ends. An aftercare program is also put into place to continue
care and reduce the risk of relapse.
If you or someone that you know is dealing with prescription drug addiction,
drugtreatmentcenterscapecod.com can help. We offer a holistic program customtailored to the
individual and provided in a luxurious residential facility in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. To learn
more about our programs, call Drug Treatment Centers Cape Cod.