2. Siobhan Morse, Executive Director of The National Institute for Holistic Addiction
Studies discusses prescription drug abuse.
Prescription drug abuse has developed into one of the country’s most severe
drug issues.
Americans are abusing controlled prescription drugs at an alarming rate. They
are now being abused more than cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants, and heroin
combined.
Outside of marijuana, prescription painkillers are the most widely abused drugs in
the United States. Many who are addicted to prescription drugs have no prior
background of substance abuse. The fact is they become addicted after being
prescribed for genuine reasons.
There are options for overcoming prescription drug abuse.
What is prescription drug addiction?
Prescription drug addiction is characterized by intense and, at times,
uncontrollable drug cravings along with compulsive drug seeking and use that
persists even in the face of devastating consequences.
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3. What are the treatment options?
Medication and behavioral therapy,
especially when combined, are important
elements of an overall therapeutic
process. Additionally, there are many
new evidence-based technologies that
are being put to use in drug treatment.
What is a medical detox for substance
abuse?
Drug detoxification is used to reduce or
relieve withdrawal symptoms while
helping the individual adjust to living
without drug use.
Drug detoxification is not meant to treat abuse or addiction, but rather as an early
step in a long-term treatment.
Detoxification may be achieved drug-free, or may use medications as an aspect
of treatment.
Often, drug detoxification and treatment will occur in a community program that
lasts several months and takes place in a residential, rather than medical center.
Drug detoxification varies depending on the location of treatment, but most detox
centers provide treatment to avoid the symptoms of physical withdrawal to
alcohol and other drugs.
Most also incorporate counseling and therapy during detox to help with the
consequences of withdrawal.
What is in-patient treatment for drug abuse?
In-patient treatment, or rehab, is the most intensive treatment for all substance
abuse, dependence, and addiction. It is also referred to as residential rehab, or
residential treatment. With in-patient rehab the patient resides at the treatment
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4. facility and is monitored 24 hours of the day while undergoing a program to help
him or her learn how to overcome addiction and live their life.
What is outpatient treatment for drug abuse?
Outpatient treatment, or outpatient rehab, is similar to in-patient rehab,
specifically for treatment of substance abuse and process behaviors, but the
patient does not reside in the treatment center.
Approximately 90% of patients who receive some type of treatment each year
attend an outpatient counseling program.
What is relapse prevention and education?
As with other chronic conditions, episodes of relapse may require a return to prior
treatment components. A continuation of care that includes a customized
treatment regimen addressing all aspects of an individual’s life, including
medical, mental health, spiritual, and psychological services and follow up
options, for example.
Community or family-based recovery systems can be crucial to a person’s
success in achieving and maintaining a drug-free lifestyle.
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5. Do you have questions about Overcoming Prescription Drug Abuse? Our
experienced counselors are available 24 hours a day to take your call and get
you the help or information you need.
Call our Toll-Free Recovery Hotline at 1-800-303-2938 or visit our web site at:
http://drugrehabcenter.com and discover the best treatment options for you.
Our drug rehab center offers a unique and affordable holistic approach to
addiction treatment.
Our holistic addiction and treatment program has helped addicts from all over the
United States, Europe and Canada overcome their substance addictions and
achieve long term recovery. We treat the individual's specific needs, including
working with families.
For more special reports on addiction issues, visit:
http://rehabcentersnetwork.com/addiction-special-reports
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