Prescription drug dependence is reaching epidemic proportions in the United States. Millions of Americans have found that they are dependent on substances originally prescribed by their doctors. The most commonly abused classes of prescription drugs are painkillers, stimulants, and central nervous system depressants. This surge in prescription drug use and abuse is largely the result of the dramatic increase in prescriptions written for these drugs over the past two decades.
If you are worried that you or someone close to you is dependent upon prescription drugs, it is essential that they get help in a drug addiction treatment program like the one at Recovery Bay. The first step, however, is understanding and being able to identify the signs of prescription drug dependence.
Signs of Substance Use Disorder
Millions of Americans safely take prescription drugs like opioids every day. The issue, however, is that it is very easy to develop a substance use disorder when taking these drugs. A substance use disorder occurs when someone can no longer control their drug use, and it significantly interferes with their life. The most significant sign of a substance use disorder is that the person is no longer able to control their drug use.
There are several signs that may indicate that someone is dependent on prescription drugs. Some of the more common signs include:
- Taking larger doses of the drug than prescribed or taking the drug more often than prescribed
- Taking the drug for reasons other than what it was prescribed for, such as to get high
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping or reducing the use of the drug
- Continuing to use the drug despite negative consequences, such as job loss or relationship problems
If you can identify any of the above behaviors in yourself or someone you care about, Recovery Bay can help. Reach out to our compassionate expert team today at 833.991.2955 to learn more.
What to Expect in a Residential Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Program
The first step in dealing with any substance use disorder is detox. At Recovery Bay, this is always medically supervised to ensure that our patients are as safe and comfortable as possible. We understand that detox can be difficult, which is why our team will be there to support you every step of the way.
After detox, our patients will begin residential treatment. This is an intensive program that typically lasts 28 days. During treatment, our patients will participate in individual and group therapy sessions. They will also have the opportunity to take part in experiential therapy, which can include things like yoga and equine therapy.
The Importance of Gender-Specific Addiction Treatment
One of the pillars of the program at Recovery Bay Center is that we only treat male patients. This is for a number of reasons, including:
- Men and women process drugs differently
- Men are more likely to engage in risky behaviors when under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Men are more likely to suffer from underlying mental health conditions that contribute to addiction
- Men respond better to treatment in an environment in which they feel that they can speak more freely
- Gender-specific treatment allows patients to develop a robust network of social support, which can be key to continued recovery and avoiding relapse after they have left our care
If you are a man struggling with prescription drug addiction, we urge you to reach out to us today. We can help you get on the path to recovery and live a healthy, drug-free life.
Learn More About Prescription Drug Dependence at Recovery Bay Center
If you or someone you love is struggling with prescription drug addiction, contact us today. Our expert team can help you understand the signs of dependence and get the treatment you need to recover. Call us today at 833.991.2955 or reach out to us online to learn more.