Addiction Treatment for Prescription Pills

Understanding Prescription Pill Addiction

It is estimated that more than 18 million Americans over the age of 12 have abused prescription drugs in the past 12 months. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), “an estimated 3 to 19 percent of people who take prescription pain medications develop an addiction to them.” 

The Dangers of Prescription Pill Addiction

Whether it is an Opioid pain medication, Benzodiazepines (Benzos), or an ADHD stimulant, there is an inherent danger in abusing prescription pills that many people overlook because they have been prescribed by a medical professional.

Reports indicate that more than half of people misusing prescription pills are:

• Stealing them from a friend or family member.
• “Doctor Shopping” Going to multiple doctors to get prescriptions
• Filling prescriptions at different pharmacies so that no one will notice how many pills they get each month

Commonly Abused Prescription Pills

Commonly Abused prescription pills generally fall into one of three categories.

• Opioid Painkillers: The most commonly abused prescriptions are painkillers. These include members of the Codeine family (often found in cough suppressants), Morphine, Methadone, Fentanyl and Oxycodone and Hydrocodone families including Percocet’s and Vicodin and Demerol.

• Stimulants: Commonly abused stimulants include Amphetamines such as Adderall for ADHD and Methylphenidates such as Ritalin or Concerta.

• Depressants: This group of drugs includes sleep medication such as Ambien, Benzodiazepines (Benzos) like Xanax and Klonopin, and Barbituates such as Amytal and Nembutal.

While each of these drugs has a different impact on the user, all of these medications pose a danger to the user if used improperly or abused.

Prescription Pills as a Gateway Drug

People misusing Opioids may try to switch from prescription pain killers to Heroin when it is more easily available. In fact, about 45 percent of people who use Heroin started with an addiction to prescription Opioids, according to the AMA.

It is simple supply and demand. As prescription painkillers become more regulated, the price increases and the supply decreases. This causes many people who have been abusing prescription medicine to turn to illicit drugs such as Heroin and Fentanyl.

Prescription Pill Detoxification and Withdrawal 

Because there are so many different types of prescription pills being abused, detox and withdrawal symptoms can vary greatly from uncomfortable to life-threatening.

That is why addiction professionals recommend Medically Monitored Detoxification for prescription pill addiction treatment. 

Medically Monitored Detox Prescription Pill Addiction

Detoxification is a critical first step in the recovery from any prescription drug. The physical, emotional, and psychological impact of ridding your body of addictive substances can be significant, and that is why it’s critical to do it in a safe, comfortable, medically-monitored environment.

Because there are many types of commonly abused prescription drugs, each with different withdrawal symptoms, it is important to undergo your rehabilitation with the support of trained professionals.

Treatment for Prescription Addiction

Prescription addiction treatment and rehabilitation programs at TOPSAIL integrate a range of treatment, therapy, educational programming and follow-up care. 

Following a thorough assessment with an addiction treatment professional, there are several options treatment options for prescription pill addiction. They fall intothree categories. 

• Full-Day or PHP (partial hospitalization) Treatments – Comprehensive treatment programs that meet all  week at our facility in Andover, MA.

• Intensive Outpatient Treatment – An immersive treatment program that helps individuals with substance abuse and addiction problems while they live at home. 

• Outpatient Treatment – Customized treatment plans that accommodate work, school, or other responsibilities living at home. 

Does Insurance Pay for Addiction Treatment for Prescription Pills?

With recent changes in healthcare law, most insurance carriers will pay for some, if not all, of the cost for addiction treatment under their behavioral and mental health coverage. This can include Outpatient Programs, Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), and Full-day Therapy/Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP).

TOPSAIL accepts all major insurance plans in MA and will work with you to understand how your insurance may cover your treatment.