Prescription Drug Rehab

Published by Raffa Bari | Last updated: 25th September 2024

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Clinically Reviewed by Dr. Olalekan Otulana (Advanced Practitioner)

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All information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.
Last Reviewed: 8th December 2023

Prescription drug addiction is an escalating issue in the UK, with millions of patients receiving dependency-forming medications each year. In the last few years alone, over 7.1 million people in England were prescribed medications that can lead to addiction – a growing concern that demands effective treatment and support.

At Cassiobury Court, we offer expert, compassionate rehabilitation for those facing addiction to prescription medications. Our specialised rehab programmes are tailored to the unique challenges of prescription drug dependency, helping individuals regain control of their lives and break free from addiction.

With an increasing number of adults seeking treatment for substance misuse, particularly opiates, we are proud to stand at the forefront of providing comprehensive care, combining medical support, therapy, and holistic approaches to ensure lasting recovery.

If you or a loved one are struggling with prescription drug addiction, our dedicated team is here to help you find on your journey to recovery.

 

Understanding Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription drug addiction is a complex condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterised by the misuse of prescription medications, and it often leads to both physical and psychological dependence.

This type of addiction can develop with any medication. However, it is most commonly associated with opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants.

Symptoms of Prescription Drug Addiction

Recognising the signs and symptoms of prescription drug addiction is essential for early intervention and effective treatment. Symptoms may include taking higher doses than prescribed, experiencing withdrawal symptoms, and feeling a compulsion to use the drug despite knowing the risks. Understanding these indicators can help in identifying the problem early and seeking the necessary help.

The risks can be even higher if you misuse the drug. This could include taking higher doses or using the drug more frequently, using other people’s prescription drugs or using these medications recreationally. Prescription drug misuse can lead to severe issues, including addiction and the development of substance use disorder (SUD).

Several general signs to look out for include:

  • Taking higher doses or using more regularly than directed
  • Increased tolerance (i.e. the drug has less effect)
  • Anxiety when you don’t have or use the drug
  • A compulsion to continue taking the drug
  • Seeking out the drug through unofficial or illegal channels
  • Being dishonest with doctors to get more medication
  • Withdrawal symptoms when you don’t use the drug

Common Types & Dangers of Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs are medications prescribed by doctors to treat specific medical conditions. However, some of these medications have a high potential for addiction. The most commonly abused prescription drugs include:

  • Opioids: These are powerful painkillers that can lead to physical dependence and addiction.
  • Benzodiazepines: These sedatives can cause dependence and severe withdrawal symptoms.
  • Stimulants: These medications, often prescribed for ADHD, can lead to addiction and other health issues.

Prescription drug abuse can have serious and sometimes fatal consequences. Misusing prescription medications can lead to overdose, severe health problems, and significant relationship issues. Some of the dangers associated with prescription drug abuse include:

  • Overdose: Taking excessive amounts of prescription medication can result in a potentially fatal overdose.
  • Health Problems: Chronic abuse of prescription drugs can cause a range of health issues, including liver and kidney damage, heart problems, and respiratory issues.
  • Addiction: Prescription drug abuse can lead to addiction. If a dependency does develop, professional intervention is often necessary.

     Get In Touch

Are you suffering from a Cannabis addiction and need help? Cassiobury Court is a leading UK based expert in Private Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Treatment. Find out how we can help by getting in touch with our friendly team today.

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Addictive Prescription Drugs we Treated at Cassiobury Court

At Cassiobury Court, we provide treatment programmes for all types of prescription drug addiction.

There are many individual medications, which may go by brand, generic or ‘street’ names (when traded illegally and used recreationally). Some of the most commonly encountered at rehab include Tramadol, Fentanyl, Codeine, Percocet, OxyContin/oxycodone, Lortab and Vicodin. The dangers of prescription drug addiction can be as severe as those of illicit drug addiction, both leading to serious health consequences and requiring proper support during treatment.

What Happens at Rehab?

Recognising the need for help is the first key step to begin prescription drug rehab, which is essential for recovery from dependency.

There are a number of elements to an addiction to prescription drugs. You may build up a tolerance to the drug, meaning you need more and more of it for the same effect. As your system gets used to the drug being present, it can come to rely on the chemicals involved.

This physical dependency can result in withdrawal symptoms when the drug is removed or even reduced. You may also develop a psychological dependency on the drug. In common with other addictions, a prescription drug addiction is characterised by a compulsion to continue using, even when you know there might be negative consequences.

Long-term use of these drugs can also change the way your brain works, particularly in areas such as pleasure and reward.

Rehab aims to treat all these different parts of an addiction through a comprehensive programme of treatments tailored to fit your own unique situation.

This will involve a detox to get the drugs out of your system and a programme of evidence-led therapies and other treatments designed to address the root causes and psychological aspects of your addiction. All this is delivered in a calm and secure rehab environment by a team of dedicated and experienced recovery professionals.

Prescription Drug Detox and Therapy Programmes at Cassiobury Court

Long-term use of many prescription drugs can lead to a dependency requiring detoxification, more commonly known simply as detox.

This is when you process the drugs out of your system and it can be accompanied by a range of physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. These can vary widely but can be severe and sometimes dangerous, particularly with opioid-based painkillers.

It is always wisest to undergo detox in a medically supervised environment like rehab if at all possible, as you can receive medical care and intervention if needed. Inpatient prescription drug rehab provides a safe environment allowing individuals to fully concentrate on recovery, particularly during challenging withdrawal phases, with comprehensive therapies and round-the-clock care.

At the same time, a thorough and holistic rehab programme will look at the underlying causes and psychological aspects of your addiction. These can be explored through techniques such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), counselling and group therapy. You will also learn techniques and strategies for dealing with cravings and triggers to avoid relapsing back to the drug once you leave.

Common Treatment Approaches Used for Prescription Drug Addiction

Treating prescription drug addiction typically involves a combination of medication-assisted therapy and behavioural therapy. Medication-assisted therapy helps manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, while behavioural therapy addresses the psychological aspects of addiction. Common treatment approaches include:

  • Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT): This therapy helps individuals identify and challenge negative thoughts and behaviours related to their addiction.
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): This therapy focuses on managing intense emotions and improving relationships.
  • Motivational Interviewing: This approach helps individuals explore their reasons for giving up prescription drugs and increases their motivation and commitment to change.

These treatment methods are designed to provide comprehensive care, addressing both the physical and psychological components of prescription drug addiction.

Discover more information on core therapies provided at Cassiobury Court

Duration of Prescription Drug Rehab Treatment at Cassiobury Court

The duration of prescription drug rehab treatment at Cassiobury Court can vary based on individual needs and the severity of the addiction. However, typically, treatment can last anywhere between 10 to 28 days. For those seeking a short-term solution, detox programmes may be completed in just 7 to 10 days, allowing patients to rid their bodies of harmful substances.

For more comprehensive recovery, many individuals choose to stay at our prescription drug rehab for 28 days or longer. This longer duration provides the necessary time for therapy, counselling, and holistic treatments aimed at helping individuals rebuild their lives and prevent relapse.

The exact length of stay is personalised, as recovery is not the same for everyone. At Cassiobury Court, the focus is always on providing the right amount of care, ensuring each patient has the time they need to recover fully.

The Goals of Our Personalised Prescription Drug Rehab Programmes

The primary objective of our prescription drug rehab programme at Cassiobury Court is to guide individuals toward a full and lasting recovery.

Safe, Private and Comfortable Recovery

We are dedicated to creating a safe, private and supportive environment where healing and personal growth are central to the process. Our approach is holistic, addressing not only the physical aspects of addiction but also the emotional, psychological, and social components.

One of our key goals is to help individuals safely and effectively withdraw from prescription drugs. This involves more than just detoxification, as it’s also about managing withdrawal symptoms with medical supervision to ensure the process is as comfortable and safe as possible. We aim to stabilise physical health so that the individual can begin to focus on the deeper, underlying issues contributing to their addiction.

Personalised Treatment Programmes

Our programmes are tailored and deeply invested in helping individuals gain a thorough understanding of the root causes of their dependency.

Addiction often stems from complex emotional or psychological factors, and one of our goals is to help people explore these through therapy and counselling. By addressing the reasons behind their addiction, whether it’s stress, trauma, or mental health issues, we aim to empower individuals to break the cycle of dependency.

Relapse Prevention

At Cassiobury Court, we provide individuals with the skills they need to manage cravings and avoid relapse. Through a range of core therapies facilitated by our expert team, we teach techniques for identifying triggers and developing healthier coping mechanisms.

The ability to resist temptation in everyday life, once out of the rehab environment, is absolutely essential for long-term success. We want individuals to leave our programme not only clean but also fully prepared for life outside, armed with tools for maintaining their sobriety.

Rebuilding and Personal Growth

We prioritise helping individuals rebuild their lives. Addiction often disrupts personal relationships, careers, and emotional well-being. Our rehab programme encourages clients to reconnect with their own sense of purpose, rebuild trust with loved ones, and begin setting new, positive goals for their future.

We believe that recovery is not just about stopping the use of prescription drugs; it’s about creating a healthier you.

Prescription Drug Addiction Aftercare Programmes

Rehab gives you the help and environment you need to quit and the tools and knowledge you need to steer clear of prescription drugs and other harmful substances moving forward.

Every person in recovery will have challenges moving forward, though, which is why we provide a year’s free tailored aftercare. This is designed to provide much-needed extra support after you complete your treatment, which can be particularly risky in terms of relapse.

It’s always best to avoid this situation, but if you do relapse, aftercare support can help make sure that this is a setback you get through rather than the end of your recovery.

Prescription Drug Addiction Recovery: How to Start Your Journey

Beginning the journey to recover from prescription drug addiction can feel like an overwhelming step, but it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make.

At Cassiobury Court, we understand that taking the first step is often the hardest, and we’re here to help you make that transition as smooth and supportive as possible.

The process begins with reaching out for help. This may feel daunting, but it’s an essential act of courage that sets everything else in motion. From the moment you contact us, we work closely with you to ensure you feel understood, valued, and supported. There’s no judgment – only a focus on your well-being and how best to guide you through this challenging time.

After reaching out, the next step involves understanding the unique details of your situation. We take the time to assess your personal history with prescription drugs, any co-occurring health conditions, and your emotional and psychological needs. This allows us to develop a treatment plan tailored specifically for you.

No two journeys are alike, and we aim to offer care that resonates with your individual experiences. Our admissions team will also ensure accessing treatment is as seamless as possible.

Starting your recovery is a personal and transformative experience. It’s about recognising your strength, your value, and your potential to live the life you deserve. At Cassiobury Court, we walk alongside you every step of the way, making sure you never have to face this journey alone.

Contact Us for More About Our Prescription Drug Rehab Programmes

Only you can make the decision to start your journey. So, if you are worried about your prescription drug use or any other substance issue, contact us today for confidential support.

Admitting that you have a problem is always a huge step forward, and we can talk you through the options to determine whether rehab is the right way forward for you or not. Call us on 0800 001 4070 or text HELP to 83222.

 

Prescription Drug Rehab FAQs

If you find that you are unable to stop using prescription medication despite wanting to, or if you're using it in higher doses or for longer periods than prescribed, it may be a sign that you need professional help. Other signs include experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop using the drug, prioritising drug use over important responsibilities, or feeling that your life is being negatively impacted by your drug use. If you’re unsure, a professional assessment at Cassiobury Court can help determine whether prescription drug rehab is the right step for you.

Medically assisted detox is a course of physical addiction treatment by which withdrawal symptoms are monitored and managed by trained professionals. Cassiobury Court administers this treatment at our rehabilitation centres detox clinic. During your treatment, any alcohol withdrawal and/or substance abuse withdrawal symptoms that you present with will be carefully managed with medication. The medication that you receive during this treatment will also depend on what addiction it is that you are overcoming.

Rehab programmes can vary from treatment plan to treatment plan, often due to the fact that some people opt for inpatient and some people opt for outpatient. However, the majority of the inpatient treatment plans that we provide here at Cassiobury Court typically last for around 28 days. This might seem like quite a long time to be with us, but the time will fly by.

Yes. In fact, all prescription drug rehab programmes at Cassiobury Court are fully personalised to meet your unique needs. We understand that each individual’s addiction journey is different, and we work closely with you to create a treatment plan that aligns with your personal circumstances. From the type of therapy to the length of the programme, we tailor every aspect of treatment to give you the best chance of recovery.

Essentially, the difference between inpatient and outpatient treatment is that with inpatient treatment you live within the treatment facility for the duration of your treatment. This is quite simply why inpatient treatment is so much more effective as you will not have access to drugs or alcohol at our facility. With outpatient treatment, you will be retuning home after attending each treatment at a local centre, which means that relapse rates can be quite high with outpatient programmes.

Withdrawal symptoms are very common during prescription drug rehab treatment, particularly during the detox phase. The severity and type of withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the drug, the length of use, and individual factors. However, at Cassiobury Court, we provide medically assisted detox to manage and reduce the discomfort of withdrawal. Our clinical team is on hand 24/7 to monitor your progress and ensure you are as comfortable and safe as possible throughout the process.

Raffa Bari

Raffa Bari - Author Last updated: 25th September 2024

CQC Registered Manager

Raffa manages the day to day caring services here at Cassiobury Court. Dedicated to the treatment and well being of our visitors she is an outstanding mental health coach registered with BAAT (British Association of Art Therapists). Raffa has outstanding experience in managing rehabs across the country and is vastly experienced at helping people recover from drug and alcohol addictions.

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Dr. Olalekan Otulana (Advanced Practitioner)

Dr. Olalekan Otulana (Advanced Practitioner) - Medical Reviewer - Last Reviewed: 8th December 2023

Dr. Olalekan Otulana MBChB, DRCOG, MRCGP, DFSRH, FRSPH, MBA (Cantab)

 Dr Otulana is a highly experienced GP and Addiction Physician. He has a specialist interest in Substance Misuse Management and he has a wide range of experience in the assessment, management (including detoxification) and residential rehabilitation of clients with various drug and substance addiction problems.  His main aim is to comprehensively assess patients with addiction problems and determine their treatment needs for medical detoxification treatments and psychological interventions. He is also experienced in managing patients who require dual drug and alcohol detoxification treatments.

A strong healthcare services professional with a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree from Cambridge University Judge Business School.