Dependency in a Pill: Treating
Prescription Addiction

From Prescribed Use to Addiction: A Guide for Our Clients

Prescription drugs, even when used as directed, can profoundly alter the way the brain functions over time. This can particularly impact the brain’s reward center, leading to a situation where feeling ‘normal’ becomes impossible without the drug—significantly heightening the risk of addiction.

The journey from managing prescription medications to facing a dependency is often subtle. Initially, the drug is required for legitimate medical reasons, but gradual changes in the brain’s chemistry can foster a dependency. As tolerance builds, the need for higher doses to achieve the same effects can lead to a full-blown prescription drug dependency.

This escalated use often marks the start of a physical dependence. An client’s body may become accustomed to the drug, necessitating an increased amount just to function normally. Recognizing these addiction signs early is crucial, as the longer the dependency persists, the more challenging the recovery can be. Withdrawal symptoms upon stopping the drug can be severe and disruptive.

Preventing drug misuse in sports involves understanding these dynamics and being vigilant about the subtle shifts from use to abuse. Health and prescription abuse are tightly linked, with the latter having the potential to derail not just sports and high-stress careers but also life post-sports and everyday life.

Knowing how to safely manage prescription drugs and spotting the early signs of misuse can protect you from the spiral of addiction. It’s also beneficial to be aware of resources and addiction recovery programs designed to address these unique challenges, ensuring clients can recover while maintaining their physical and mental health.

Identifying Symptoms of Prescription Addiction

Prescription drug addiction can manifest through both physical and behavioral changes, which tend to intensify as the addiction progresses. For clients whose physical condition and performance are closely monitored, recognizing these signs of prescription drug abuse can be particularly challenging due to the private nature of such conditions.

While prescription abuse might be adeptly concealed by those experiencing it, particularly athletes who are often media-savvy, there are noticeable symptoms once the addiction escalates. Recognizing these early can be crucial in managing athlete addiction symptoms effectively:

• A state of being overly relaxed or euphoric, even off the field
• Noticeable mood swings affecting team dynamics
• Unusual fatigue that impairs training or performance
• Decreased appetite and associated weight changes
• Erratic decision-making that might risk careers
• Social withdrawal or isolation from teammates
• Facing legal issues potentially related to substance possession or use
• Loss of sponsorship, contracts, or employment due to behavioral issues
• Financial hardships exacerbated by unmanaged spending or lost earnings

If you feel that you might be struggling with addiction, it’s critical to act swiftly. Organizing an intervention for addiction can be a proactive step toward addressing these challenges. Discussing treatment options for addiction, including prescription abuse recovery programs, can provide the necessary support and resources to navigate recovery.

Treating Prescription Drug Addiction

When a client decides to seek help for prescription drug addiction, the first step is consulting with a specialist who understands the unique challenges faced by high-stressed professions and sports professionals. At Pure Recovery California, we are equipped with addiction specialists who are experienced in dealing with addiction treatment.

Our treatment process begins with a thorough substance abuse assessment, specifically designed to address the nuances of athletic and high-stress professionals lifestyles and careers. Based on the type of prescription medication used, the duration of use, and any co-occurring conditions, such as depression or anxiety, we craft a personalized treatment approach.

All our recovery programs are personalized and developed by a licensed and certified clinical care team. We focus on creating rehab programs that not only aim to overcome addiction but also ensure a smooth transition back into high-stress professions, professional sports and daily life.

Prescription Drug Detox

Detoxification is the critical first step in the recovery process for anyone struggling with prescription drug addiction. At our luxury rehab center, we ensure that all substances are safely eliminated from your system, and that any severe physical withdrawal symptoms are effectively managed.

It is crucial that the detox process occurs under medical supervision in a treatment facility, rather than at home. This is especially important given the high risks associated with withdrawal, which can include convulsions, strokes, heart attacks, or even fatal outcomes. The withdrawal process varies by substance; for instance, opioid withdrawal can be extremely painful and uncomfortable, while withdrawal from benzodiazepines (benzos) can be life-threatening without proper medical oversight.

In our luxury rehab detox facilities, doctors may utilize medication-assisted detox strategies. These medications are specifically chosen to alleviate withdrawal symptoms without contributing further to addiction, ensuring a safer and more comfortable detox experience.

Managing the delicate balance of health and performance is paramount. Understanding the signs of dependency and recognizing when to seek help are vital steps in maintaining both your career and your wellbeing. If you may need help, consider contacting a facility experienced in managing detox. Our programs are designed to address the unique needs for high-stress professions and professional athletes, providing the support necessary to move forward in recovery.

Medication Assisted Treatment at Our Luxury Rehab Center

In the journey towards overcoming addiction, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) plays a crucial role, especially for clients committed to maintaining their performance and health. This treatment approach includes the use of non-addictive medications designed to treat withdrawal symptoms during detox and reduce cravings throughout the recovery process.

Non-addictive medications help manage the transition back to normalcy while minimizing the risk of falling back into addictive behaviors.

Additionally, anticonvulsants are often utilized during detox from benzodiazepines. These are particularly important for managing withdrawal in a safe manner, which can be crucial for clients whose physical condition must remain at its peak, even during recovery.

Our recovery programs incorporate these and other anti-craving medications as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. These plans are tailored ensuring that recovery does not interfere with high-stress work environments, professional obligations or athletic performance.

If you are seeking help for long-term addiction, understanding the options available, including long-term addiction treatment, can be the first step towards a successful recovery. Utilizing non-addictive drugs for recovery ensures that you can maintain focus on both your health and your profession, reducing the likelihood of relapse and promoting sustained wellness.

Clinical Therapy for Prescription Addiction

Following a comprehensive detox program, the next crucial phase in our residential treatment is formal clinical therapy. We highly recommend our 90-day program, recognized as the “gold standard” in the addiction treatment industry, to ensure a thorough recovery process.

At Pure Recovery, our team of doctors and therapists designs each treatment plan individually to tackle the root causes of addiction and address any co-occurring issues unique to high-stressed professions and professional athletes. Addiction is a behavioral challenge and a brain disease that alters the brain’s structure and function. Successful recovery involves restoring the brain’s natural chemical balance.

Our evidence-based addiction recovery includes advanced techniques like 3D Cognitive Brain Mapping and Neurofeedback technology. These tools are crucial for assessing the brain’s current state and enhancing cognitive functions critical for decision-making and relapse prevention.

The therapeutic approaches we utilize are rooted in both science and comprehensive clinical practice:

• Trauma Therapy
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
• Relapse Prevention Strategies
• Biofeedback Cognitive Programs
• Regular Individual and Group Sessions

Understanding the importance of a holistic recovery, we also integrate personalized nutrition programs designed by our organic chef, alongside a tailored exercise regimen. These programs include yoga and breathing exercises to synergize mind and body wellness, increasing energy and reducing stress.

Our goal at Pure Recovery is to rebuild our clients to their optimal state of functioning. We create a robust foundation for change that not only supports immediate recovery but also fosters long-term health and performance sustainability.