Prescription Drug Treatment in Washington State
- What is Prescription Drug Abuse?
- Risk Factors for developing a Prescription Drug Addiction
- Categories of Prescription Drugs that are commonly abused
- Myths and Misconceptions of Prescription Drug Addiction
- Evidenced-based Treatment at our Washington State Prescription Drug Program
- Get Prescription Drug Treatment at Hotel California by the Sea
There is a growing concern for prescription drug abuse in the United States. More and more of these types of medications are being prescribed at an increasing rate. Most of these drugs can be easily found in household medicine cabinets.
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At Hotel California by the Sea, we are dedicated to helping to combat the dangers of prescription drug abuse. Our prescription drug treatment in Washington State offers a comprehensive treatment program targeting the unique issues our patients may face in recovery.
Our Washington State prescription drug program focuses on helping men, women and young adults. An addiction to prescription medication can begin innocently by following the recommended dosage from a medical professional. Over time, a person can begin to develop a tolerance and become dependent on the substance in order to feel “normal.”
We provide a full continuum of support through intense inpatient and outpatient programs. Medication assisted treatments, relapse prevention and EMDR therapy are just a few treatment methods implemented at our treatment centers in Washington. Our effective treatment techniques help patients address underlying mental health issues and heal the root causes of their prescription drug addiction.
What is Prescription Drug Abuse?
Prescription drug abuse is the chronic misuse of prescription medication. These drugs include opioids, stimulants and depressants. The ease of accessibility and availability of these medications make prescription drug abuse more common than ever. Many of those who turn to illicit drugs begin with prescription medications that have a similar chemical structure and that offer similar effects.
Below are some of the signs to look for in a person who may have a prescription drug addiction.
- Are you taking a medication that was not prescribed to you?
- Are you taking higher doses of the medication than what was prescribed by your medical physician?
- Are you taking the medication more times in one day than recommended by your medical physician?
- Are you taking the prescription simply because you like the way it makes you feel?
Risk Factors for developing a Prescription Drug Addiction
There are many different risk factors that can contribute to the development of a prescription drug addiction. Risk factors are defined as characteristics that aid in the higher outcome of an event. Some of the common risk factors for prescription drug abuse include family history, social influences and mental health conditions.
Biology, Genetics and Family History
Genetics and biology are significant factors in the risk of substance abuse and prescription drug addiction. Research has found that a number of genes can lead to the development of substance addiction. It is even more likely to happen when multiple genes begin interacting with each other and create a higher outcome for addiction.
People who have substance use disorders are also much more likely to pass it on to their offspring. Someone who has a family history of substance addiction also has an increased chance of developing the same condition. Biological makeup, genetics and family history should be taken into consideration when assessing the risk for prescription drug addiction.
Social and Cultural Influences
Social and cultural influences often play an important role in the development of a prescription drug addiction. Young people are more likely to participate in activities surrounding drug and alcohol usage. The media and entertainment often glorify excessive drug use which in turn is a significant influence on young people.
Drug usage is often seen as a way of acceptance into desired social groups. Social and peer pressure to present a certain image can also lead people to participate in excessive drug use. When it becomes a consistent activity, it can lead to addiction.
Mental Health Conditions
Co-occurring mental health disorders are common side effects of prescription drug abuse. In some cases, pre-existing mental health issues lead to the development of drug addiction. When this occurs, self-medicating with drugs turns into a coping mechanism. Self-medication is used to manage or alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms of the mental health disorder.
Mental health disorders can often impact cognitive and behavioral functions. Prescription substance abuse is most commonly associated with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, personality disorders, PTSD and ADHD.
Hotel California by the Sea Bellevue rehab program:
- 10 miles from Seattle, Washington
- Inpatient and outpatient options
- Evidence-based treatment methods and therapies
- Alumni Program
- Family Program
- Therapy for family members
- Personalized treatment plans
- Structured environment
- Incomparable support system
Categories of Prescription Drugs that are commonly abused
Prescription drug abuse is often an unintentional result of using and overusing medications. Opioid addiction has recently become a huge public health concern. However, there are many types of prescription medications that are being abused. Each of them results in dangerous consequences ending in drug dependence, addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Opioids
Opioids are powerful prescription painkillers. They are known as central nervous system depressants producing euphoric-like effects.
This type of medication is prescribed by medical physicians to treat patients who experience severe pain or chronic pain. It is highly effective in treatment. It is also highly addictive with a risk for dependence.
Prescription opioids come in many forms. Some of the most commonly known addictive opioids include hydrocodone, fentanyl, codeine and oxycodone.
Opioid addiction is an extremely challenging condition to overcome. The feelings of extreme relaxation, calmness and euphoria become addictive very quickly. With long-term opioid use, there is an increased risk of addiction and overdose.
Stimulants
Prescription stimulant drugs are medications used to treat conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This type of drug increases a person’s alertness, attention and energy.
They increase brain activity and chemicals such as dopamine. Dopamine is the chemical in the brain that controls the sensation of pleasure. These powerful central nervous system stimulators include drugs such as Adderall and cocaine.
Symptoms of addiction to stimulant drugs can also result in a wide range of psychological effects. Psychosis, paranoia, and anger are common. Misuse of stimulant drugs often leads to prescription drug addiction.
HCBTS treats stimulant abuse and provides detoxification relief for those addicted to these medications.
Depressants
Benzodiazepines are prescription medications known as central nervous system depressants. This medication is normally used to treat people with severe anxiety disorders, panic disorder and sleep disorders. Depressants and benzos produce an intense calm in the brain and body.
Because of their sedative properties, depressant drugs such as benzos can become extremely habit-forming. Users will begin to take more and more in order to feel that sensation of extreme relaxation. The most common depressant medications include Ativan, Valium and Xanax.
Myths and Misconceptions of Prescription Drug Addiction
Despite the increasing risks of prescription drug addiction and overdose, many people believe that it cannot become an addictive substance. Many believe it is safer to use compared to illicit drugs. However, prescription drugs and illicit drugs often have the same, if not identical chemical structures. These similarities in drugs also produce similar, if not the same side effects and negative outcomes.
Another common misconception about prescription drug abuse is the difference between an addiction and having a physical dependence. People who suffer from a substance use disorder can develop both addiction and physical dependence. They are two different aspects of prescription drug abuse.
Misconception: Prescription Drugs are safer than illicit drugs
Many believe prescription drugs to be safer than illicit drugs. The belief is that because prescription medications are vetted by medical doctors and dispensed by a pharmacist, the drug cannot become addictive. Prescription drugs can be just as harmful and as addictive as other illicit drugs. In some cases, because prescription medications are so easily available and accessible, there is a greater chance of addiction compared to illicit drugs.
Prescription drugs and illicit drugs such as cocaine and heroin, often have very similar chemical structures. Because of the similarities in structural makeup, both prescription and illicit drugs produce similar, if not, identical side effects.
Misconception: Physical dependence and Addiction are the same
Addiction to drugs and physical dependence on drugs are both important components of prescription drug abuse. However, there are two different conditions.
Addiction is defined as repeated patterns of drug use despite harmful and negative consequences. These consequences can be psychological. Addiction can take a significant emotional toll on the person with prescription drug use producing side effects such as depression and anxiety.
Physical dependence is defined as a person’s body adapting to the presence of the drug. When the drug is removed, it is unable to naturally perform daily functions. Physical dependence often leads to serious withdrawal symptoms for which medication assisted treatments may be necessary. Drug dependence can also eventually lead to tolerance and the need for more or higher dosages of the medication in order to feel the same effects.
It is possible to experience physical dependence without the mental and emotional effects experienced by addiction.
Evidenced-based Treatment at our Washington State Prescription Drug Program
Our Washington State prescription drug program offers a full continuum of treatments. Hotel California by the Sea offers various levels of care where patients can receive individual treatment plans according to their needs. Inpatient and outpatient programs offer medication management and intensive therapies.
Access to case managers, therapists, and medical physicians also allows clients to receive quality care. In prescription drug treatment in Washington State, patients are carefully guided throughout each step of our prescription drug program.
Therapies for Prescription Drug Treatment in Washington State
To create a successful recovery, every aspect of prescription drug addiction should be addressed. The implementation of medication treatments as well as cognitive treatments target the physical and emotional factors of addiction. Some of the most effective evidence-based treatment methods for prescription drug addiction include:
- Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- EMDR Therapy (Eye movement desensitization reprocessing therapy)
- Group Therapy
- Family Therapy
Our prescription drug treatments in Washington State offer a comprehensive program that includes various therapies. These therapies work to uncover underlying mental health issues contributing to prescription drug addiction.
Client Specific Treatments
Each client in our prescription drug addiction treatment program will be assigned a clinical team and given an individualized treatment plan. The team of physicians, psychiatrists, and case managers will work with the client to create a comprehensive plan of treatment and recovery.
Hotel California by the Sea specialized in treating substance addiction with co-occurring mental health disorders. Many clients enter rehab with concurrent mental health conditions. Our specialized program provides rigorous treatment care in helping clients address these mental health issues.
A client’s entire medical history is also taken into consideration when developing a treatment plan. Clients enrolled in our prescription drug use disorder program will be provided with the tools and resources to heal.
Pain Management Treatments
The drug treatment in Washington State provides a wide range of pain management treatments. Recovering from prescription drug addiction can be a physically and psychologically difficult task. For patients who are experiencing emotional pain, our cognitive therapies help address these concerns.
For patients experiencing intense withdrawal symptoms, medication assisted treatments and medication management treatments are also available. These types of treatments provide comfort and help alleviate the intense withdrawal symptoms that often lead clients to crave drugs in order to end uncomfortable side effects.
Prescription Drug Abuse Levels of Care
Our Washington State prescription drug program offers multiple levels of treatment care. This includes detox, residential treatment programs, partial hospitalization program (PHP), and intensive outpatient (IOP). Each level of care focuses on a different step in addiction recovery and offers clients unique treatments, care and knowledge.
At Hotel California by the Sea, we offer various options for addiction recovery treatment. Everyone can heal from prescription drug addiction. With the help of intensive therapies, social services, and clinical staff, clients will have all the tools and resources needed to overcome their addictions.
Get Prescription Drug Treatment at Hotel California by the Sea
Prescription drug addiction can be a difficult condition to treat. Because of their addictive nature, these medications can often produce intense physical and emotional symptoms. This type of addiction includes factors of substance abuse and mental health conditions.
Drug treatment in Washington State provides a full continuum of care for those in need of support. Reach out to our admissions team today.
Learn more about how our Washington State prescription drug program can help you overcome your addiction. Through treatment methods such as MAT, CBT and EMDR therapy, clients can address underlying issues in their addiction. Hotel California by the Sea knows what it takes to overcome an addiction and provides every opportunity to heal and live a healthier life.
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Our compassionate staff will answer all of your questions without any pressure. Learn about our evidence-based drug addiction treatment and rehab, the ease of entering our program, and the benefits of getting help from a reputable addiction treatment facility like Hotel California by the Sea.
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