Prescription painkillers are powerful drugs that have the potential to cause great harm to those who are predisposed to substance abuse. Over the past 15 years, a growing number of individuals have become addicted to these heroin-like substances; however, unlike other drug abuse trends, there appears to be no end in sight. The American College of Physicians, in an effort to stem this alarming trend, recommended establishing new policies and procedures last year. Tighter Control The ACP’s recommendations come as prescription painkiller overdoses become a major cause of accidental death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In fact, prescription drug abuse has become so common that millions of Americans older than age 16 reported abusing a prescription drug at least once in the past year, the National Institute on Drug Abuse reported in 2010. As a result, the ACP developed updated guidelines that better protect patients taking prescription drugs from developing a dangerous substance abuse habit. Included in the recommendations are evidence-based guidelines that physicians can use to guide treatment decisions. Many patients begin taking prescription painkilling drugs for legitimate reasons — such as back pain — and then wind up physically dependent or addicted as other factors come into play. These factors may include a genetic link to addiction, undiagnosed or untreated depression, or a habit that develops because the symptoms of withdrawal become intolerable. The ACP recommends greater access to patient and doctor education programs, as well as a national prescription monitoring system, so that medical professionals can make better decisions with regard to pain management treatment. Random drug testing, and a limit on how much and how long patients can take prescription drugs, should positively affect the rate at which patients become addicted to drugs.Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment The drug treatment facility at The Ranch PA features a prescription pill and pain management clinic that helps clients recover from addiction as well as the very real symptoms of pain and anxiety they feel. Our treatment center, which is the best drug rehab on the east coast, uses a holistic approach to sobriety and wellness that addresses the physical, emotional, behavioral, and spiritual aspects of addiction. Our caring and experienced staff helps our clients discover why substance abuse became a problem as they teach them the techniques they need to live satisfying, sober lifestyles outside of residential care. Following residential care, The Ranch PA helps each client stay on the path to recovery with a comprehensive Aftercare program. For more information about the prescription drug recovery program at The Ranch PA, today. (photo via)
