Prescription medication abuse and addiction is a significant problem that can impact all areas of a person’s life. In London and across the UK, it’s an issue that appears to be growing although it’s usually not as visibly obvious as the effects of alcohol and drug addiction.
In many ways, prescription medication addiction is a hidden problem. People living with it may feel ashamed and uncertain of how to get help. And like many forms of addiction, it’s common for people to deny or underestimate the extent of their problem.

The good news is that prescription medication addiction responds well to the right treatment. What that treatment is really does depend on the individual and the prescription medication they’ve been taking. Generally speaking, most successful treatment programmes combine different elements such as detox, therapy and medication.

The role of behavioural treatment

Changing unhealthy and destructive ways of thinking and behaving is at the heart of behavioural treatments. This is usually through therapy and counselling, whether on a one-to-one basis, in a group or as a family unit. Therapy can support people in learning new strategies to manage their cravings and cope with everyday life in a healthier way. In the longer term, it can also prepare people living with prescription medication addiction to avoid cues and situations that could lead to a relapse.

The role of medication

Medication can play an important part in the treatment of prescription medication addiction. At the moment, research and experience has proved this for several types of prescription medication including prescription opioids.

It may seem strange to replace one medication with another but it’s a misconception that this will lead to addiction of the replacement medication. For opioid abuse (including codeine, tramadol and oxycodone), medication such as naltrexone can help restore balance to brain circuits that have been disturbed by opioid abuse.  This help to relieve withdrawal symptoms and cravings so it can also be useful in the longer term in avoiding relapses.

At the moment, there is no recommended medication for the treatment of tranquiliser and sedative addiction. If you’re worried that you have a problem with medication such as diazepam, temazepam or rohypnol, it’s extremely important not to stop taking the medication on your own. Your detox should be medically supervised as there are risks associated with withdrawal. Dosage will be carefully reduced and therapy will help you build healthier behaviours.

At Step One Recovery, we take addiction to prescription medication extremely seriously and have a wealth of experience in helping people overcome their problem. Whether painkillers, sedatives, tranquillisers or other medications are being abused, we can offer the right support in a non-judgemental way.

Residential rehab is very important for many types of prescription medication addiction as withdrawal can be challenging. And although it’s absolutely critical, detox is only the first step. We believe that real recovery is a journey that takes time and effort.

The Step One Recovery centre is located on a private estate in Spain. It’s the perfect sanctuary to start your journey to a more productive and happier life free from prescription medication addiction. We have a highly-skilled team of psychotherapists, doctors, counsellors and medical staff that’s experienced in treating prescription medication addiction successfully. From your very first contact to leaving our luxurious centre, you can be certain you’re in the safest, most expert hands.

A firm focus on recovery

We take care of all of your admission arrangements so that you can focus on getting better. We’ll develop a treatment programme that’s completely individual to you and assign a treatment team so that they can understand your needs and build genuine relationships with you.

Our focus is on treating the underlying issues rather than providing a quick fix. All therapy and treatment is on a one-to-one basis and discretion is at the heart of everything we do. From our luxurious, tucked-away environment to the complete confidentiality of all of our staff, you can be certain of recovery without intrusion. Beautiful scenery and stunning ocean views mean you can relax and concentrate on building a new life without fear of prescription medication addiction.