What to Expect From a Prescription Drug Rehab Program
Prescription drugs are different from one another and therefore their abuse and addiction also varies greatly. This is why there are different types of specific treatment available that are customized depending upon the prescription drug that is being abused. However, all of these rehab programs will have certain basic elements that are deemed effective and very important according to experts.
An effective prescription drug rehab program is tailored to the need of an individual, is flexible, and is of an adequate length of time so that it addresses all the aspects of the addiction. A carefully designed rehab program not only focuses on the addiction of the patient but it also assess whether the abuse or addiction is accompanied by a co-occurring disorder that has remain hidden due to the use of the prescription drug. For example, Xanax is a very popularly abused prescription drug that is medically used as an anti-anxiety medication to relieve stress and if a person who is abusing this drug is actually suffering from an anxiety disorder, it becomes necessary to find alternative ways to treat the condition so that the patient does not suffer from any future relapses.
What types of prescription drugs do people get addicted to?
The most commonly abused prescription drugs include anti-depressants, painkillers (opioids and narcotics) and stimulants.
The most commonly abused antidepressants include:
- Barbiturates – These include Amytal, Seconal and Phenobarbital and are available under street names like barbs, reds, red birds, yellows and yellow jackets.
- Benzodiazepines – Ativan, Halcion, Librium, Valium and Xanax. Popular street names include candy and downers.
The most commonly abused painkillers (opioids and morphine derivatives) include:
- Codeine – Street name captain Cody, Cody schoolboy. This is usually injected or swallowed.
- Morphine – Street names Miss Emma, monkey and white stuff. Usually injected, smoked or swallowed.
- Methadone- Street names fizzies and chocolate chip cookies. Usually injected orswallowed.
- Fentanyl and analogs – Street names apache, China girl, China white, dance fever, friend, jackpot, murder 8, Tango and cash and TNT. Usually injected, smoked or snorted.
Other opioid pain relievers that are abused include- Oxycodone, HCL, Hydrocodone, Bitartrate Hydromorphone, Oxymorphone, Meperidine and Propoxyphene.
The most commonly abused stimulants include:
Amphetamines – Biphetamine, Dexedrine and Adderall. Street names include bennies, black beauties, hearts, crosses, speed, truck drivers and uppers. Usually injected, swallowed, smoked and snorted.
Methylphenidate Concerta and Ritalin. Popular street names JIF, MPH, R-ball, Skippy and the smart drug.
How Can Loved Ones Help Addicts Avoid Relapse?
If you have a loved one who has suffered from a prescription drug addiction, it is your duty to help him get over his problem so that he can avoid a relapse. There are certain pointers that can help you or a loved one avoid a relapse according to Anti-Drug website:
- Track your medications as well as the medications of your family member – If your loved one is taking an addictive prescription to recover from an addiction, administer doses for him and offer to refill on their behalf.
- Ask your family members to protect their medications in order to avoid temptation.
- Always follow the directions and dosages on your own medications to set a good example for others.