Tips for Finding Help for Prescription Drug Abuse
Prescription drug abuse has been a primary contributor to the increased rates of substance dependencies and overdoses and has become an epidemic problem with consequences steadily worsening. In 2013, according to the CDC, “of the 43,982 drug overdose deaths in the United States, 22,767 (51.8%) were related to pharmaceuticals.”
The most addictive and commonly abused prescription drugs are:
- Opioid pain relievers.
- CNS stimulants (mainly amphetamines used to treat ADD/ADHD, narcolepsy, and obesity – Adderall, Ritalyn, etc.)
- CNS depressants (benzodiazepines or barbiturates used to treat of anxiety, panic, and sleep disorders – Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, Lorazepam, etc.)
For a lot of reasons, those who need treatment are simply not getting it and the following are some tips for finding help for prescription drug abuse.
We can help you find help for prescription drug abuse. Call 800-895-1695 toll free today.
Accreditation
Facilities accredited by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration SAMHSA participate in a system that monitors for successful treatment outcomes with the most up to date and acceptable treatment guidelines and can be found by state through the SAMHSA treatment locator @ https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/.
Considering Treatments and Settings
Reaching out for help and support is a brave thing to do that will jump-start your recovery.
Most treatments are available through outpatient services that make treatments the most affordable and effective with the least restrictions to civil liberties. It may be necessary to detox in an inpatient facility where intensified care can be offered until stabilization is achieved.
Counseling and behavioral therapies are important elements of treatment that help individuals develop coping mechanisms to remain abstinent and live more satisfying lives. There are different approaches and one may be more suitable than another to you, so exploring the options before hand can make a big difference in remaining engaged for the length of time necessary.
Inpatient treatment may be advisable if the patient has an extensive history of abuse and prior treatments with relapse, co-existing health conditions, or a lack of safety and network support at home.
We can help you find the right treatment for your needs. Call 800-895-1695 for help today.
Considering OTP
Opioid Treatment Programs OTP’s specialize in medically supervised withdrawals, detox, and medical maintenance using methadone and buprenorphine to relieve the cravings and withdrawals that are most distressing to opioid dependents in recovery. Registered OTPs can be found @ SAMHSA http://dpt2.samhsa.gov/treatment/directory.aspx and buprenorphine physician treatments @ SAMHSA http://buprenorphine.samhsa.gov/bwns_locator/.
Other Factors to Consider
Other important factors to consider when finding help for prescription drug abuse are: location, duration requirements, family involvements, after care services, and psychosocial or outreach services that may be offered to help improve overall health and social functioning.
Where to Look?
- Exploration online are great, but, it is always best to contact the facility directly to verify they have what you are looking for.
- Physicians, hospitals, community health departments, and community sponsored agencies may be good sources of referrals.
- AA and NA meetings are great contact resources for information and to speak with individuals who may be able to refer you to an appropriate source.
- SAMHSA’s 24 hour Help Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- Churches and clergy are often helpful sources of information.
Call our helpline at 800-895-1695 to find the treatment you need.
