Prescription Drug Abuse & Addiction Treatment

Contents

• Why Seek Treatment at Athletes Recovery?
• Program Philosophy and Benefits
• Treatment Options at Athletes Recovery
• Continuing Care

The life of an athlete is hard; not only do they have to deal with mental and emotional stress on a daily basis, but their bodies are also plagued by physical strain. Many professional athletes live with chronic pain, struggle with anxiety about their performance, or in some instances experience bouts of depression. For these and other reasons some athletes may turn to prescription drugs to manage these difficulties, enabling them to continue to perform under the rigors of their sport. Pain medications may be used as a means to cope with physical pain, while anti-anxiety agents may be used to help induce sleep or relax after a hectic day. While this may not seem like a big deal, due mostly to the fact that these drugs are obtained from a physician, the truth of the matter is that if these drugs are abused, they can result in serious consequences, including addiction.

Athletes Recovery is dedicated to providing athletes with a tailor made treatment approach that will be sure to meet the unique needs of professional and collegiate athletes, both active and retired. Our confidential treatment program is rooted in the principles of recovery placing extra emphasis upon spiritual, emotional, and personal growth. Our goal is to transform the lives of those we treat as they begin their journey toward recovery. Prescription drug addiction is not something to take lightly. At Athletes Recovery, we can help you overcome your addiction so that you can lead a healthier life.

Why Seek Treatment at Athletes Recovery?

While pain or anxiety may be a couple of the reasons that an athlete may begin to take prescription meds, it is when they begin to take them more often than prescribed or for longer periods of time that it becomes a problem. After a prolonged period of abuse, many athletes will become addicted and find themselves unable to relax or cope with the pain without the use of medication, and this can carry on long into retirement. Eventually an athlete can get to a point where they are taking prescription medications multiple times a day. While taking a pill to deal with a presenting problem is a quick fix, by not treating the underlying cause for the drug use things will only get worse. The longer these medications are abused the more they are going to begin affecting all areas of an athlete’s life. Some individuals may have begun to notice that they are having difficulties within their personal relationships or that they are facing more serious injuries because they didn’t let other minor ones heal properly before popping a pain pill and getting back on the field. Prescription medications can lead to a number of adverse health consequences and in severe cases, such as an overdose, lead to death.

Once an athlete has become physically dependent upon prescription medications, it is highly unlikely that they will be able to stop taking the drugs without some form of assistance. Research has shown that inpatient treatment programs can be a very effective approach for many individuals who are struggling with a substance abuse addiction. In addition to a number of different therapeutic approaches, a rehab program can provide an athlete with the support system they need to overcome their addiction. Through an inpatient program, an individual can learn better coping skills, pain management, stress management, and relaxation techniques. Additionally, they are provided with the time needed to work through any emotional pain that they may be struggling with. When you enter into a rehab program, you will be able to get away from the pressure you face as an athlete and place all of your energy into healing.

Program Philosophy and Benefits

Athletes Recovery strives to be a confidential treatment program that is able to meet the needs of current and retired athletes who are struggling with the challenges of their unique career. Our culturally-competent, compassionate, and experienced treatment staff works hard to provide each client with an individualized, client-centered plan of care in a supportive atmosphere. Our treatment places a strong emphasis on strength and accountability of team, and our services are based upon the mental and physical regimes our athletes are inherently familiar with. We want each patient to leave our program knowing that they have had the best experience possible.

Treatment Options at Athletes Recovery

Before the treatment process can begin, each athlete will have to complete a comprehensive assessment with one of our intake specialists so that we will be able to determine the client’s exact needs. Once this process is complete, a treatment plan will be developed based upon the results, which will lay out your plan of care for your duration in the program. We will make sure to include you in this process by taking into account any concerns you may have and answering all of your questions. Your personalized treatment plan may include some of the following therapeutic approaches:

Detoxification will be your first stop in the inpatient program if you have become physically dependent upon prescription medications, as well as any other substances. Our medical team will provide medically-monitored detox, which will allow us to safely and comfortably remove any drugs from your system. Once this process is complete, you will be able to fully engage in the treatment process.

Individual therapy will allow you to confidentially discuss the challenges you are facing due to your prescription med abuse and to begin working through some of the problems your addiction has caused in your life. With a therapist, you will be able to explore the unique difficulties faced by athletes and work on ways to cope without drugs.

Group therapy can be extremely beneficial because it will provide you with the opportunity to work with other athletes who understand the challenges you may be facing. As a team you will build off of one another to develop better coping skills, identify triggers for use, and how to prevent relapse.

Family therapy is a very important part of the treatment process as drug addiction tends to affect the family as a whole. Some athletes may have spent a majority of their time on the road or may be newly retired and need to once again learn how to integrate back into family life. Family therapy can open lines of communicate and let everyone express how they are feeling about the addiction.

In addition to traditional therapy, Athletes Recovery offers a number of additional treatment approaches designed for our athletes. These may include:

• Exercise and weights
• Prayer and meditation
• Physical therapy
• Educational therapy
• A.A. and N.A.
• Yoga
• Massage therapy

Continuing Care

When your stay in the inpatient program comes to an end, you will work with your treatment team to determine your next step of treatment and develop an after care plan. Some of our athletes find that they would do best in a sober living facility, where they will be able to practice their newfound sobriety skills, while slowly adapting to life without drugs. Others may feel that they have made enough progress to continue their recovery in a less restricted environment by taking place in either a partial hospitalization program (PHP) or intensive outpatient program (IOP). Both PHP and IOP programs allow athletes the opportunity to work on their therapy during the day while slowly reintegrating back into community and family life. Finally, others may discharge home with a sober coach, referrals to traditional outpatient therapy, and references for community resources. Whatever you determine is the next best step for you, Athletes Recovery will be there to support you.