COMPASSIONATE & EFFECTIVE TREATMENT FOR ALCOHOL & SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER IN MASSACHUSETTS CALL US 888-702-1788
Substance use begins for a myriad of reasons, from family history to traumatic experiences and mere curiosity. Whatever your story, we’re here to help you shape the next chapter. With evidence-based treatment and therapeutic interventions, we’ll design a treatment plan that is customized to suit your individual needs.
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Prescription pill use can derail the health and goals of even the most ambitious and dedicated person. But, this spiral doesn’t have to continue. Refresh Recovery offers comprehensive, flexible, and holistic therapy options to help you or a loved one enjoy positive physical and mental health without substance use or self-medicating.
When life becomes difficult or trying, it’s not uncommon to search for a quick way to alleviate the feelings and stress that come with these situations. A traumatic experience may cause PTSD and leave you or a loved one searching for a means to make it through the day.
Just one more pill from your prescription to take the edge off that day’s stressors. A new or old injury sends pain radiating through your body while visiting a friend — one of their prescription pills will help.
No matter how it happens or is framed, thousands of people use prescription drugs as a stress coping mechanism without the intent of developing a dependence. But the active ingredients that make these drugs effective quickly counters an innocent decision.
One in four adults in the U.S. with a serious mental health issue also has a substance use disorder. It’s more common with certain mental health disorders, including anxiety disorders, depression, personality disorders, and schizophrenia. The relief found in a prescription for these conditions may begin to wane over time.
As the drive for more relief increases, along with the usage of prescription pills, you or your loved one often finds your social, physical, and behavioral health declines. Signs of a co-occurring substance use disorder include:
For prescription pills, a moment of experimentation caused by boredom or curiosity can have a lingering impact on your mental and physical health. As your body adjusts to the effects of an initial dose, you or your loved one continue experimenting, too often unaware of the adverse effects now and in the future.
Some prescription pills are used for their ability to counter medical issues such as sleep issues and fatigue, increase productivity, or to achieve and manage a healthy body weight. One dose is never enought to accomplish these goals. Impatience or desperation sets in and doses are increased in volume or frequency, leading to dependence and potentially severe side effects.
When your doctor or healthcare provider prescribes a specific medication for a medical condition, the dosage is based on the information at the time. But, not using it as directed can lead to your body developing a tolerance to the dosage, causing you to use more to achieve the effects. Over time, even this new dosage isn’t enough and you or a loved one develop a dependence.
Every day, you or a loved one face outside influences in your life. Some influences are easily managed while others continue until you relent. A prescription painkiller or a stimulant could help you overcome pain or energy obstacles but with a devastating cost.
No matter the severity of a prescription pill disorder, you are worthy of recovery. With professional inpatient and outpatient treatment options, Refresh Recovery is here to help.
Reasons, why some begin to misuse prescription pills, are as unique as the individuals themselves. Some want to escape the stresses of daily life; others want to fit in with friends in social situations. Others are self-medicating after an unpleasant experience. No matter your reasons, using a prescription against medical advice can cause a range of side effects, from uncomfortable to life-threatening.
Many people don’t realize they have a benzo dependence since their tolerance builds over time. This means they may speak to their doctor or healthcare provider about the return of anxiety or a sleep disorder and have the prescription dosage increased. But, the dosage increase means your body has to overcome a tolerance in order to reach the desired effects.
Xanax® (generic alprazolam), Valium®, and other prescription benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, sleep disorders, and/or seizures. These medications are central nervous system (CNS) depressants that slow brain activity. When used appropriately, these medications offer long-sought relief for patients and an enhanced quality of life. But misuse can cause anything from moderately uncomfortable side effects to a life-threatening overdose.
Whether you’re a professional in a high-demand career, or a student looking to make it through finals, stimulants, and amphetamines sound like an easy way to meet expectations. After all, stimulants like Adderall® and Ritalin® (generic name methylphenidate) have long been used to help people focus on and complete assignments, work, and other daily tasks. The increased alertness, attention, and energy were well worth the additional effects of elevated blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate.[4]
Yet, the misuse of these common stimulants and others has been well documented, along with the potentially life-threatening side effects that come over time. Dependence, cardiovascular issues — including arrhythmia and heart attack — and even psychosis may occur without seeking professional treatment and support.
Prescription painkillers with an active opioid ingredient were once the go-to for doctors treating or managing chronic pain for patients. Percocet©, Vicodin©, oxycontin, and other prescribed opioids became common household names throughout the U.S. These controlled drugs bind to opioid receptors in your brain and interfere with the usual pain signals sent between your brain and body, lessening the pain. At the same time, opioids increase dopamine activity, a neurotransmitter that triggers your brain’s reward circuit.
Unfortunately, prescription opioids and painkillers are highly addictive substances with thousands of people developing a use disorder every year. Nearly 8.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, including codeine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone, in 2020.[2]
Prescription opioid misuse may cause mild to severe side effects, including:
While illicit fentanyl poses a significant risk to anyone using illicit drugs, prescription fentanyl also poses serious risks when misused. It’s often used to control and manage the pain felt after surgery or for people whose chronic pain is resistant to other opioids.[5]
Fentanyl’s potency, even under the guidance of your doctor or healthcare provider, is a driving force behind dependence and substance use disorder. If you suddenly stop fentanyl, withdrawal symptoms can begin in a few hours, including:
Most prescription medications can be misused. Yet, certain types of drug prescriptions have a higher potential due to the active ingredients and how they interact with receptors in your brain. Three commonly misused prescriptions are opioids, benzos, and stimulants.
Prescription painkillers with an active opioid ingredient were once the go-to for doctors treating or managing chronic pain for patients. Percocet©, Vicodin©, oxycontin, and other prescribed opioids became common household names throughout the U.S. These controlled drugs bind to opioid receptors in your brain and interfere with the usual pain signals sent between your brain and body, lessening the pain. At the same time, opioids increase dopamine activity, a neurotransmitter that triggers your brain’s reward circuit.
Unfortunately, prescription opioids and painkillers are highly addictive substances with thousands of people developing a use disorder every year. Nearly 8.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, including codeine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone, in 2020.
Each client receives a care plan designed to meet their individual treatment needs and goals with the support of qualified and trained clinicians, therapists, and staff.
By using evidence-based methods, therapies, and programs, we help you build the foundation for lasting health and wellbeing.
Our team has the knowledge, experience, and ongoing training to treat a range of disorders, including AUD, OUD, and co-occurring disorders.
Many of our supportive staff have been right where you are and know the strength it takes to maintain a lasting recovery, and they’re here to help in every step.
The goal of prescription drug addiction treatment isn’t only managing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, but providing support to you or your loved one as an individual. Without learning and understanding what internal and external issues could be fueling prescription misuse, treatment isn’t as effective as it could — and should — be.
Refresh Recovery knows substance use disorder doesn’t happen in a linear way and neither should a treatment plan. Here, our care meets you where you are in your recovery journey, ranging from a full-day treatment program during the week to medication management therapy. We give you the flexibility to receive comprehensive treatment while maintaining the daily schedule of your life.
At Refresh Recovery, we provide comprehensive mental health and substance use disorder treatment in Massachusetts. Our experienced team offers evidence-based therapies to address a range of conditions, including addiction, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more. Find out how we can help you achieve long-term recovery.
Alcohol Use Disorder is a socially acceptable substance problem with devastating consequences. Overcoming this disorder requires strategic and effective medication treatment, therapy, and support. A lasting recovery from alcohol abuse is possible, and we can help.
Opioids mimic the effects of morphine and are often prescribed as pain killers, like Oxycontin® and Fentanyl. The classification also includes the illegal street drug heroin. Treatment for OUD will vary based on the client’s individual needs but often includes Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT) alongside counseling and therapy sessions.
In the beginning, medications are prescribed to alleviate uncomfortable and painful symptoms. However, because of how they interact with the brain, they can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Counseling, therapy, and evidence-based treatment can help you navigate substance addiction and abuse without neglecting your original symptoms.