Top Rated Prescription Drug Rehab in Philadelphia for Union Members
Prescription drugs can be very helpful for treating various conditions. However, many make the mistake of assuming that because it is a medication, it is safe. Many prescription medications come with a long list of side effects, and some can be habit-forming or addicting. Prescription drug misuse is quite common and occurs in individuals who take the medication in a way that is different from the way it was prescribed.
When a person develops a dependency on a prescription drug, they may have intentions to quit using but quickly find out they develop withdrawal symptoms. They will quickly relapse in order to offset these very uncomfortable and sometimes painful withdrawals. Some other people can become psychologically dependent because they feel they will die with their medication. For example, some people become dependent on their anti-anxiety medications and cannot stop taking them for fear they will have a panic attack.
Misusing prescription medications can lead to several dangerous complications, including drug addiction and overdose. However, there is help available in the form of addiction treatment. Seeking help from a drug rehab in Philadelphia is your best chance at recovery and getting your life back.
Union workers have many benefits, including the option of being a member of Union First. Through our membership, we can ease fears of checking into a prescription drug rehab center by helping you find an appropriate treatment center and protect your employment while you take time off to enter a drug addiction treatment and mental health treatments.
Table of Contents
- What is Prescription Rehab Like?
- What to Expect During Prescription Rehab?
- How Long Prescription Rehab in Philadelphia PA
- Top Abused Prescription Drugs
- Prescription Drug Abuse Signs & Symptoms
- Union First Helps Our Clients Keep Their Job While Undergoing Behavioral Health Treatment
- Why Choose Union First for Prescription Rehab
What Is Prescription Rehab Like?
Prescription rehab can feel frightening from expecting the unknown and the stigma that comes with checking into drug and alcohol rehab. However, many rehab centers are filled with caring, supportive staff who try to make your stay as comfortable and effective as possible.
When you check into our treatment facility in Philadelphia, medical staff will perform a thorough psychological and physical examination to help them create an individualized treatment plan. One of the first parts of drug rehab is going through medical detox. The same medical staff will monitor you 24 hours a day and also provide emotional support whenever you need it. Withdrawal symptoms of prescription addiction can be quite uncomfortable and at times dangerous or even fatal. However, nurses and doctors are equipped to administer medication-assisted treatment to help make the withdrawal process as safe and comfortable as possible.
After completing prescription drug detox, you will enter drug rehab treatment. There are various levels of care such as inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, and partial hospitalization treatment that you can choose from to fit your needs. Prescription drug rehab will be centered around evidence-based substance use treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, and 12-step programs to help get to the root of your drug addiction and provide you with tools to take with you after your program is complete.
What to Expect During Prescription Rehab
Prescription drug rehab is very similar to traditional rehab. Depending on which program you choose, you may be living in the facility full time, such as inpatient treatment, to fully focus on your recovery. Addiction rehab centers mostly on various evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy, support groups, and 12-step programs like Narcotics Anonymous. You spend several hours a week working on the root of your addiction and how to overcome it through addiction treatment. Some rehab centers include alternative or holistic treatments to support psychotherapy treatments. Treatment facilities may also include nutrition and exercise in order to help heal your body from the damaging effects of substances. It is also important to find a treatment program that includes relapse prevention planning so that you can have the best chance of applying everything you learned to the outside world and preventing a relapse.
How Long Is Prescription Rehab in Philadelphia PA?
Length of rehab depends on various factors, including how long and how severe the addiction was and if there are any co-occurring disorders. These factors will increase your time in rehab. Prescription drug detox is the first step, which can last from 5 days to 2 weeks, sometimes even more. Inpatient rehab and outpatient rehab can vary from 30 days to 60 days to 90 days or more. Rehab can also consist of various levels, usually, intensity is reduced with progress. Rehab program length can always be adjusted depending on your progress.
Top Abused Prescription Drugs
Several prescription drugs have the potential for abuse and addiction. The most commonly abused ones include:
Painkillers and Opioids. These include fentanyl, hydrocodone, morphine, and oxycodone. Any type of opioid abuse comes with many risk factors including becoming addicted and having a fatal overdose. Many heroin users report their addiction started with prescription opioids.
Anti Anxiety Medications and Sedatives. These are prescribed mainly to deal with anxiety disorders and sleep disorders. They are also some of the most commonly prescribed medications and include medications like alprazolam (Xanax), benzodiazepines (Klonopin), and diazepam (Valium). Sedatives and anti-anxiety medications have a high risk of abuse because users become psychologically and physically dependent on them.
Antidepressants. Even though people do not spend a lot of money and time on seeking out antidepressants, they can still be addictive. The body can become dependent on them and experience withdrawal effects they attempt to stop using. Some common antidepressants include fluoxetine (Prozac), escitalopram (Lexapro), and sertraline (Zoloft).
Stimulants. Primarily prescribed to treat disorders like ADHD and narcolepsy, stimulants can easily be abused. Many college students pass around Adderall in an attempt to gain better focus and alertness when studying. They can also be abused for staying awake or for weight loss.
Prescription Drug Abuse Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of prescription drug abuse will vary from person to person. However, common signs of someone living with addiction will exhibit changes in mood or behavior, such as hostility, anger, and anxiety. They can lose interest in activities they once found enjoyable or become secluded from friends and family. Depending on what they are addicted to, you may see extreme changes in their energy level, either highly energetic or very drowsy. Some of the criteria that may be used to diagnose a substance use disorder include:
- They are taking larger doses or for longer periods of time than intended.
- Spending a good deal of time getting, using, or recovering from drug use.
- Having cravings.
- Unable to cut down or stop, even when they want to.
- Continue to use the substance even when it causes problems in their life.
- Continue to use despite a decline in mental or physical health.
- Reduced productivity in school or work.
- They need more of the substance to get the same effect.
- They experience withdrawal symptoms when not taking the medication.
Union First Helps Our Clients Keep Their Job While Undergoing Behavioral Health Treatment
Union First is the first employee assistance service that provides behavioral health services and job protection to public employees, union members, and their families in Philadelphia. We help our clients find the right treatment facility for their recovery needs while also protecting their employment, no matter how long their treatment program may be. You should never sacrifice the right addiction treatment for the fear of losing your job. Getting help for addiction can save your life and there is no substitute for inpatient rehab when it is needed. We will stand behind you and fight for your employment rights while also helping you with the necessary paperwork. Through our program, members are provided with rehab placement, case management, job protection, and advocacy, as well as training services for union groups in Philadelphia.
Why Choose Union First for Prescription Rehab
Prescription drug abuse and dependency is a serious matter and should be dealt with as soon as possible. Many who cannot stop using, require professional addiction treatment through a rehab facility. Trying to find the right facility that can treat prescription drug addiction can be a daunting task or you may even fall victim to a scam rehab. When you choose Union First, you can feel confident you have found the right treatment facility in Philadelphia PA. Our staff will work with you and thoroughly examine your case to find you the right treatment center in our network of licensed and trusted treatment providers in Philadelphia. You can also rest easy that you have experts behind you making sure your employment is protected for however long you need drug addiction treatment.