Prescription drug abuse can be treated through outpatient treatment programs, which are often ideal for individuals struggling with sobriety while maintaining their work and home lives.
We offer multiple Georgia-based outpatient programs at Atlanta Recovery Place designed to support clients struggling with sobriety and behavioral concerns. Contact our facility today to access evidence-based outpatient addiction treatment in the Atlanta area.
What are the Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse
Prescription drug abuse can be identified by yourself, doctors, and loved ones who are paying attention to the signs. It has to do with the frequency of use, the reason for use, and behavior while using.
Individuals addicted to prescription drugs will struggle with the frequency of use. This means they are taking the medications too frequently or at too high a dose. This can lead to several mental and physical health problems. First, it can lead to an overdose on the medication. Depending on the prescription drug, this can impact other organs in the body and can even be fatal for some. Additionally, taking a prescription medication in too high of a dose or too frequently is one of the primary risk factors for addiction.
Another early sign of prescription drug addiction is when these medications begin getting abused. Prescription drug abuse includes taking the wrong amount of a medication, as well as taking them for the wrong reasons, such as taking pain pills for the euphoric sensation rather than pain relief. Medications like opioids and opiates create a calming high that can be addictive. And when it comes to stimulant medications, like those prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy, they can increase focus and instigate weight loss. These positive side effects of these prescription drugs increase the chance that people will take the drugs recreationally instead of just for medical purposes.
Lastly, an individual may be able to identify addiction to prescription drugs based on how an individual acts while using the medicine. An individual’s behavior will differ when using the drug to get high versus for medical purposes. Loved ones may notice an increase in risk-taking behavior and irresponsibility. An individual addicted to prescription drugs may turn to lying and stealing to obtain the drug or illegal street drugs to achieve the same high. This can be especially dangerous as illegal narcotics are unregulated, untested, and potentially lethal.
Does Prescription Drug Addiction Require Detox?
Prescription drug abuse often does require detox, generally supervised by a medical professional. Medical professionals can observe any adverse withdrawal symptoms and provide medical support through this process.
Prescription drug addiction impacts more than just an individual‘s physical health. Prescription drug addiction affects people both mentally and emotionally, and withdrawal from this can be challenging in clients struggling with other mental health concerns. For example, addiction is more common in individuals with anxiety and depression. However, many drugs create anxiety and depression through the withdrawal process. Increased anxiety or more severe depression can have life-altering effects on individuals who are not adequately cared for during the withdrawal process.
It is recommended that all individuals go through detox under the care of a medical professional. When doing so, medical professionals can observe the withdrawal process, prescribe medication to support the process, and offer psychological support for struggling clients.
Are There Outpatient Programs for Prescription Drug Abuse?
Clients who struggle with prescription drug abuse can access addiction treatment through outpatient facilities. Outpatient programs can be intensive or generalized depending on the client’s need. When individuals are identified as addicted to prescription medication, the severity of the addiction indicates the treatment needed.
Many individuals with moderate to severe prescription drug abuse succeed in partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient treatment programs. These more heavily intensive programs support clients as they work to learn the skills and habits necessary for living a drug-free lifestyle.
Individuals who have completed a more intensive program or who have been diagnosed with a mild substance use disorder can find success with generalized outpatient treatment. Individuals meet several times a week with a counselor or therapist and a small group in this process. During this process, they continue developing the skills learned in more intensive treatment and work to identify specific triggers and situations where they might become overly saturated with stressors.
In both outpatient and intensive outpatient treatment programs in Georgia, clients live at home and attend weekly treatment. Depending on the need, the hours can vary from 5 to 30 hours a week spent in treatment.
How to Find Outpatient Rehab Programs for Prescription Drug Abuse in Atlanta, GA
Finding an outpatient rehab in Atlanta, Georgia, to fit your needs may seem difficult. However, that process is made simple through the Atlanta Recovery Place. Our outpatient addiction treatment program offers partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and sober living programs for individuals struggling with addiction.
Our tailored treatments also support individuals struggling with dual diagnoses. For example, individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder, who are also struggling with a substance use disorder can attend our dedicated comprehensive treatment program to work on their mental health. Focusing on substance abuse and behavioral treatment, we hope to support clients in creating a knowledge base for lasting recovery.
Get help today at Atlanta Recovery Place.
