Break Free from Prescription Drug Abuse at Hawaii Island Recovery

Prescription drugs, whether they are being used recreationally or to address a specific diagnosed need, can still come with risks of developing an addiction or other side effects. Even those prescribed drugs for legitimate concerns and using them as directed by a medical professional are not immune to developing an unhealthy relationship with prescription drugs, leading to substance abuse and the need for professional care to address these unique situations. Hawaii Island Recovery understands the difficult, delicate situation that prescription drug abuse can create, and we are prepared to work with you and your family to develop a treatment plan that addresses your needs in prescription drug abuse and recovery today. 

Prescription drug abuse is using any form of prescription drug against what is recommended by a health care professional. For some, this can be taking higher doses of a prescription drug than directed, while others may take them more often or use them as they feel they are needed rather than under the direction of a professional, such as to self-medicate feelings of pain. The use of prescription medication for non-diagnosed ailments can also lead to substance abuse and can complicate the healing process, leading to a unique recovery journey. 

Substance abuse can always be a risk when dealing with prescription drugs, with substance use disorder and addiction being possible even in those using prescription medication as directed, depending on the medication and personal needs. Those living with addiction to prescription drugs may find it difficult to stop using these drugs and may feel compelled to engage with them despite the mounting negative effects of drug use on their own lives or the lives of family members, friends, and loved ones. 

Likewise, multiple kinds of prescription drugs can have addictive properties, and your journey overcoming prescription drug addiction will be unique in the drug used and the daily challenges you face. Prescription opioids can commonly lead to prescription drug abuse and opioid use disorder (OUD), with drugs like OxyContin, Percocet, or Vicodin all being common and addictive prescription drugs. However, depressants like Valium and Xanax, as well as stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin, can all also be addictive, with each person’s different drug and experiences leading to a unique healing journey and treatment plan. 

Prescription drug abuse can develop in several ways, and there is no single cause of this form of addiction. For some, using medications against the direction or prescription of a medical professional can lead to a dependence on the drug. A person may also attempt to get more prescriptions through engaging in “doctor shopping” or going to multiple doctors to get multiple prescriptions, or may even engage in risky, self-destructive behaviors like intentionally incurring injuries to procure more prescription painkillers, for example. 

However, it is also common that those living with prescription drug addiction may also look to street-level alternatives when these prescriptions run out, which can come with an array of additional risks. For some, street-level opioids can be cut with any number of unknown substances, including the dangerous fentanyl, exacerbating the destructive effects of addiction. Others may combine street-level drugs with alcohol to further their effects despite the damage they can do to a person’s mental and physical health. 

Prescription drug abuse and addiction can have lasting effects on your health and the lives of your family. Whether you are living with prescription drug abuse or witnessing a loved one living with these challenges, knowing the damage that untreated prescription drug abuse can have on families is important for taking that first step toward treatment and healing. 

Some of the immediate effects of prescription drug abuse on a person include:

However, prescription drug addiction can also profoundly affect family members. Compromised communication and self-isolation behavior can make it difficult to talk to a loved one who is abusing prescription drugs. Likewise, compromised professional performance, attendance, academic performance, and sudden financial issues can all be further signs of prescription drug abuse. Family members and loved ones may be tasked with making up for these challenges while navigating their own feelings of anxiety, anger, betrayal, and resentment that come with a loved one abusing prescription drugs. 

Addiction isn’t a disease that stays isolated. Rather, families, loved ones, friends, and entire communities can be affected by prescription drug addiction. Whether you are taking prescription drugs to address pain and personal health needs or using these drugs recreationally, the effects of these drugs need to be carefully monitored to prevent the destructive effects of drug abuse. 

Prescription drug abuse and addiction can impact every part of daily life. However, treatment is always possible. We at Hawaii Island Recovery understand the unique needs and challenges of this form of addiction. There is nothing easy about overcoming substance use disorder (SUD), but understanding the prescription drugs used, the reason behind your use, and your personal needs and goals for treatment are all just the beginning of a truly personalized and effective approach to sobriety. 

There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to overcoming substance use disorder. You have your own story, experiences, needs, and challenges with prescription drug abuse. Your first step into drug detoxification begins with personalized treatment as you work with professionals to understand your history with drugs, personal needs such as ongoing chronic pains and mental health disorders, and your expectations and goals for treatment at our detox and residential care facilities. 

Many of our staff members have navigated the challenges of drug addiction and recovery themselves, taking a compassionate and sympathetic approach to each treatment program and providing you with understanding and acceptance to begin your journey overcoming prescription drug abuse. 

We also understand that healing does not start or end at the walls of our treatment facility. Hawaii Island Recovery is committed to holistic wellness and long-term change, helping you navigate detox and residential care while instilling the skills, coping strategies, perspectives, and daily exercises for a sustainable, sober life outside the facility. We combine proven strategies with life skills and an effective relapse prevention plan for your long-term success while continuing to support your healing journey through outpatient care and virtual care options, connecting you to Hawaii Island Recovery’s supportive recovery community at any stage of your healing. 

Our programs are designed to meet you where you are in your recovery, from helping you take your first step into detox to celebrating your long-term success as an alumnus, making Hawaii Island Recovery the last call you have to make in your journey to a healthier, transformed future. 

Prescription drug abuse can affect your mental and physical health and impact daily life and behaviors. Hawaii Island Recovery’s comprehensive approach to treatment ensures that we can address the effects of prescription drug abuse in every part of your daily life for effective healing and wellness. Physical healing, emotional support, spiritual healing opportunities, and access to a community of peers for meeting social needs are all part of your comprehensive treatment plan to not just address symptoms of prescription drug abuse but empower you to establish a healthy and sustainable sober life. 

During your first step into prescription drug abuse treatment, we begin planning your personalized treatment. Hawaii Island Recovery offers a plethora of evidence-based therapies, holistic healing options, experiential programs, and more to help you find the combination of strategies that works best for you. During your initial assessment with one of our compassionate staff members, you will have the opportunity to explore personal needs and goals and ask questions about each of our therapeutic outlets to help you determine the approach that works best for you, from detox throughout your time in residential treatment, all to establish your best path to success as an alumnus. 

Detox can be incredibly intense, and those just beginning their journey to a healthy, sober future may meet their first major hurdles during this phase of treatment. Drug detoxification can be when withdrawal symptoms are at their most intense, bringing challenges like anxiety, depression, paranoia, nausea, vomiting, aches, insomnia, and much more. 

Our on-site medical professionals are available to help you through this difficult phase of treatment. They provide medical care and supervision to ensure that you have the resources and support necessary to navigate detox and transition to further levels of care, preventing relapse and providing comfort and care for an effective start to your sobriety. These programs typically last about two weeks but can vary depending on your needs and success in detox, with each program being able to be extended or shortened depending on your unique journey. 

After successful drug detoxification, you will be able to transition to our residential care program, helping you take the next important step toward your sustainable sobriety from prescription drugs. Our tight-knit, eight-person facility creates an intimate community of professionals and peers with enough time to focus on your unique needs and goals and ensure that you are an important and celebrated member of our recovery community. 

Your time in residential treatment is filled with options for personalizing your care to reflect your goals in healing. We blend proven, evidence-based treatment with holistic experiential therapies and the unique advantages of the big island of Hawaii to help you create your best approach to not just challenging and overcoming prescription drug abuse but establishing a life of sobriety and fulfillment throughout recovery. Daily experiential therapy, a structured routine alongside peers and professionals, and opportunities for new experiences, new skills, and rest all make up our effective approach to each day in healing during residential treatment.

Substance abuse and addiction are complicated challenges. Uncovering the root causes of substance abuse is just as important as addressing the symptoms of abuse and addiction in your daily life. Evidence-based treatment programs like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT,) dialectical behavior therapy (DBT,) motivational interviewing (MI,) and much more are designed to help you address personal needs hidden beneath the surface. Overcoming prescription drug abuse also means addressing underlying mental health disorders, self-destructive beliefs, or even the effects of trauma in daily life. 

Addressing the root cause of substance abuse is complicated and can be a very vulnerable journey. Our commitment to support and acceptance ensures that you never feel judged while exploring these needs, deconstructing barriers and stigmas to empower you to confront personal needs and change. Trauma, addiction, mental health, and more are closely interconnected, and developing a comprehensive plan backed by evidence-based treatment is a necessary part of truly sustainable change in sobriety. 

We also utilize a plethora of complementary, holistic programs to support your continued healing in recovery. Opportunities like yoga, daily mindfulness practices, spiritual healing opportunities, and natural experiential therapies across the beautiful Hawaiian landscape can support your personal goals. Our on-site chef, Chef Cheryl, also supports your nutritional needs and health, ensuring you have the energy needed for healing and engaging in new practices alongside peers and professionals, creating a truly comprehensive and holistic approach to your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. 

Overcoming prescription drug abuse is complicated. There is no “quick fix” to addiction or easy way to overcome the challenges of stimulant abuse, opioid use disorder, or drug abuse of any kind, or any of its effects on your life and the lives of family members, friends, and loved ones. Therapy, whether dedicated individual therapy with one of our addictionologists and mental health specialists or group therapy alongside peers and professionals, is a necessary part of exploring sustainable change. 

Therapy can help you explore your root causes and work with others to explore healing opportunities, new perspectives, and more. There is no replacement for effective therapy in addiction recovery or the feeling of community, camaraderie, and support that comes with being an active member of a dedicated therapy and recovery group. 

Being an active member of group therapy at Hawaii Island Recovery is part of a truly transformative healing journey. We believe in the spirit of acceptance and support that comes with each treatment program, and each of our programs radiates the spirit of aloha that makes up the culture and island of Hawaii. These supportive relationships can persist throughout your time with us and even after you return to your local community, creating lifelong relationships who truly understand the hard work it takes to maintain your sobriety each day. 

Peers can also provide their own stories, perspectives, lessons, and techniques, ensuring that you are never left without a new idea to try as you overcome difficult challenges and new hurdles that will manifest throughout your recovery journey. Sharing experiences, both in the challenges of addiction recovery and the triumphs of success, also creates a culture and community that celebrates sobriety and change. We also offer both 12-Step and non-12-Step options for your continued healing from prescription drug abuse, helping you find the community and group that fits your approach to sustaining sobriety best. 

Hawaii offers a wealth of unique healing opportunities. The unique spiritual healing opportunities of Hawaii create an effective approach to holistic healing. We utilize the healing spirit and energies of the Hawaiian island to facilitate your healing, providing both physical and emotional healing opportunities as well as spiritual healing support. 

Each treatment plan also uses the natural advantages of Hawaii for a unique recovery experience. Nature walks, planting native trees, and even oceanic healing options that connect you to the flora and fauna of the island, like swimming with dolphins and snorkeling or surfing, are all part of becoming a member of our healing community and exploring all that sobriety has to offer. We also work closely with local cultural programs and individuals to help you embrace the spirit of aloha, getting to know the island and its healing properties while embracing a transformative healing community. 

Aftercare and community support programs are also a part of your healing journey, connecting you to the healing energies of Hawaii no matter where you are in your life. Our virtual care options and always-open phone line ensure that you are never disconnected from your family at Hawaii Island Recovery; support is available at any stage of your successful healing journey. 

Prescription drug abuse can affect entire families, but there are always treatment options available for you and your family. Hawaii Island Recovery is dedicated to creating a unique plan to help you overcome prescription drug abuse. Call us today at (866) 390-5070.