Types Of Treatment For Prescription Drug Addiction

Many of the treatment methods used for prescription drug addiction are the same as or similar to those used for illicit drug addiction. The only difference is the manner in which the methods are combined and used. By employing multiple methods to treat prescription drug addiction, treatment providers are able to give patients the best possible outcome for their recovery.

Please call 800-487-1890 (Who Answers?) to learn about what treatment options are available for you, and consider the different methods used for treating prescription drug addiction.

Behavioral Treatment

Most behavioral methods in prescription drug addiction treatment are designed to identify the causes of a person’s addiction and help them manage the difficulties of recovery in a healthy manner. They are usually presented in therapy, which can be done in an individual or group format, but both are usually used.

Behavioral treatments are designed to help the person relearn how to function and interact with others without the assistance of the drug. According to the National Institute on Drug Addiction, behavioral treatment methods will also identify and help meet the needs and wants of the patient.

Patients learn how to function without drugs in behavioral therapy.

It is often recommended that therapy techniques be continued after the patient has left treatment in order to prevent relapse and help them manage cravings.

Pharmaceutical Treatment

It may seem counterintuitive to treat prescription drug addiction with more prescriptions, but in many cases it can help the person with the detoxification process. Opioid medication is one of the most common categories of prescription drug abuse, usually in the form of prescription pain relievers.

A 2014 study conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found that around 4.3 million prescription drug abusers used prescription pain relievers for nonmedical purposes, making opioids one of the most commonly abused prescription drugs available.

Management medications, like methadone or buprenorphine, may be recommended for addicts of prescription opioids to help control the withdrawal process.

Combination Treatment

In order for treatment to be as effective as possible, multiple methods are usually applied. A single method can leave gaps in the treatment, and prevent all issues the person may have with their addiction from being properly addressed.

Often, a combination of methods and treatments will be used in order to present the patient with the best chance of recovery. Changes may be made in a person’s treatment plan, as many programs will conduct an assessment of a patient’s progress to determine the treatment’s effectiveness.

Not every treatment method will work for every person, and some may lose their effectiveness with time or interact poorly with other methods.

3 Commonly Abused Types of Prescription Drugs

Treatment for Dual Diagnosis

In cases where there is another condition present with the addiction, it is referred to as a dual diagnosis. This is common with prescription drug addiction, as most users are abusing medication that they were legitimately prescribed to treat an injury or illness.

When treating the patient for their addiction, their original condition often will still need treatment. This may require a full reassessment of the condition and careful monitoring of any medication or treatment plans prescribed for it, as it may cause interference with the addiction treatment.

If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction, please call 800-487-1890 (Who Answers?) to receive help. You will be able to speak with one of our caring specialists about what treatment options are available for you.