No doctor prescribes medication with the intention of their patients becoming 'hooked'. However, with a general lack of addiction education and experience this is sadly the reality for many patients who have developed either a physical or psychological dependency on prescription medications.
From opioid painkillers like oxycodone, to stimulants such as adderall, there is a wide variety of potentially addictive medications that are commonly used in general medicine. However, recovery from these dependencies is more than possible, and Clinic Les Alpes is here to support you in this journey.
The term "prescription medications" refers to any medication that may be prescribed to you by a doctor, psychiatrist, or other medical professional. While some people who develop addictions may be buying these medicines 'off the streets' or 'on the black market', most people find themselves developing a dependency accidentally through their legal prescriptions. This is most common in people taking medicines for pain control or anxiety relief, as unpleasant sensations often drive people to take more medicine more often than what is prescribed.
Prescription drug abuse often begins innocently with legitimate medical needs. According to the national institute on drug abuse, millions of Americans struggle with prescription drug misuse and substance abuse annually. What begins as therapeutic drug use can silently transform into prescription drug addiction, characterized by compulsive use despite harmful consequences.
Not all prescription medications are addictive. There are, however, a few that tend to be more habit-forming than others. Some examples of prescription medications that are quickly habit-forming include, but are not limited to:
Prescription opioids, while used to treat severe pain, carry significant risk for substance use disorder development. The food and drug administration continually evaluates the safety of these medications, but prescription drug misuse remains a significant public health concern.
Do you recognize any of these warning signs in yourself or a loved one?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, it may indicate a use disorder requiring professional intervention. The substance abuse and mental health services administration recommends seeking treatment early, as addiction to prescription drugs can progress rapidly when left unaddressed.
Your medication was most likely prescribed to you by a medical professional, and as such, it is likely that you have some co-occurring illness or complaint that originally this medication was supposed to help you with. Stopping is therefore not as simple as going 'cold turkey', as you may find your previous symptoms flaring up again, in addition to prescription medication is typically quite strong, making the withdrawal process potentially dangerous. These are just two of the reasons why attending an inpatient facility with 24/7 medical care is an excellent option to ensure that you start your recovery journey in as much safety and comfort as possible.
Not only does Clinic Les Alpes offer an exceptional standard of care in accordance with strict regulations from the Switzerland Health Department, but we also employ a multidisciplinary team of world-class experts. This means that you can feel secure in the knowledge that you are receiving fully holistic care to the highest possible medical standards. All of this whilst also being cared for in a luxurious environment surrounded by unsullied nature in the Swiss mountains overlooking Lake Geneva.
Our prescription drug addiction treatment program follows a structured yet personalized approach:
Because 'prescription medication' as a term refers to so many different types of medication it is difficult to outline one specific detox or withdrawal experience. One aspect of withdrawal that is common among most habit-forming medications is that they are not typically safe to stop without medical supervision. Abruptly stopping, or too quickly weaning off from, certain medications such as opioids or benzodiazepines can lead to severe symptoms such as seizures, cardiac arrest, and even death. If you are looking to stop using prescription medications, it is essential to do so under strict advice and oversight from an experienced medical team.
Our treatment center provides medication-assisted treatment when appropriate, helping to ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings in a safe, controlled environment.
Once you have completed the physical withdrawal and detox, you undergo an assessment period of between 5-10 days. This is typically when you will complete assessments with a variety of professionals to establish your health needs, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, general doctors, nutritionists and complementary care providers. This ensures you receive a holistic care experience that can address all aspects of your wellbeing.
The substance abuse and mental health assessment is crucial for identifying any co-occurring disorders that require integrated treatment.
The complexities of drug dependency and its impacts on mental and physical well-being requires a comprehensive approach to addiction treatment that is led by a multidisciplinary team. Addiction is profoundly personal, affecting each person uniquely, emphasising the importance of custom-tailored treatment plans and durations. During your time in treatment, you will be exposed to a variety of therapies, both individual and in groups, as well as experiencing complementary therapies that offer more of a somatic experience to support your recovery.
Our outpatient treatment options are also available for those who have completed intensive inpatient care or whose condition allows for a less restrictive environment.
During the final week of your treatment, you'll collaborate with your lead therapist to develop a customised relapse prevention plan, tailored to assist you in avoiding relapses and establishing a robust strategy for your ongoing recovery. Additionally, you'll be provided with a personalised aftercare plan, ensuring you receive ongoing world-class professional support throughout your wellness journey.
The mental health services administration recognizes that continuing care is essential for maintaining long-term recovery from prescription drug addiction.
If you or someone you love is struggling with prescription drug abuse or addiction to prescription medications, know that help is available. Our specialized treatment center provides comprehensive care that addresses both substance use disorder and any co-occurring mental health conditions.
Don't let prescription drug misuse control your life any longer. Contact Clinic Les Alpes to speak with our compassionate admissions team and learn how our prescription drug abuse treatment program can help you reclaim your health and wellbeing.
