Prescribed medication is useful for treating several health conditions. However, some medicines have become popular because they are misused in a way that is different from what is prescribed. Misappropriate use of prescribed medication can be typically related to recreational use to achieve a sensation of feeling ‘high’, although there are references to other causes of misuse.

The misuse of prescription drugs brings a range of harmful effects on physical and psychological health and can lead to addiction or potential overdose.

Anyone struggling with addiction should seek professional treatment to overcome their drug use and recover from this grappling condition.

Prescription Drug Treatment at Liberty Home Clinic

Liberty Home Clinic is an upmarket clinic providing primary and secondary care for individuals suffering from prescription drug misuse and other substance use disorders. Although we have two different locations, our level of care provides the necessary treatment and support through the stages of recovery.

Liberty Home Clinic - South Africa

Located in a secure area of Marina De Gama in Cape Town, South Africa, our primary care consists of inpatient residential treatment.

Our facility is not a rehab centre; we are an upmarket clinic with an intake of up to 22 patients at any one time with affordable treatment for most substance use disorders and mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, and process addictions, such as gambling, shopping or gaming.

What Treatment to Expect at Liberty Home South Africa

Our residential treatment does not offer detox, although we work closely with institutions that can provide medically assisted detox under the supervision of highly qualified specialists. When patients are stable and drug-free, we commence their primary care programme.

Treatment is scheduled for at least 28 days but can be extended for up to 8 weeks. Our staff is available 24/7 to assist and support patients during the treatment programme. A nurse administers medication management if necessary.

We use evidence-based and holistic approaches combined with a programme referred to as the Minnesota model, based on the 12-step approach designed by Alcoholics Anonymous. The programme consists of various modalities and therapies with counselling sessions 2 to 3 times a week for every patient.

We offer a wide spectrum of therapies for our patients recovering from prescription drug misuse.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is used to identify negative thoughts and behaviours, challenge them, and convert them into more positive ones. CBT is widely used in treating substance use disorders and remains one of the most effective therapies.

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) enables individuals to learn and develop new skills and coping mechanisms.

Sometimes, the use of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is applied to treat anxiety and trauma symptoms.

In our individual therapy spectrum, we provide motivational interviewing (MI), narrative therapy, person-centred therapy, and a host of other well-being practices.

Individual Therapy

We offer psychotherapy group sessions that incorporate self-help groups, skill development groups, and psychoeducational support.

Some group therapies address interpersonal processes and relapse prevention.

Group therapy benefits patients by allowing individuals to share their experiences and learn from one another. This kind of therapy, with the guidance of a trained therapist, helps patients to discuss and explore their inner feelings, thoughts, emotions and behaviours.

Participants may see different perspectives on problems, which can help them better understand them, see them in a different light, and find alternative solutions.

Group Therapy

All our patients receive 2-3 counselling sessions per week. These may include dynamic group therapy and interpersonal process development.

A qualified counsellor works collaboratively with a patient to explore and address their concerns. With specific goals in mind, counselling focuses on achieving them, such as resolving conflicts, improving mental health, making decisions, or coping with stress.

Counsellors use various therapeutic techniques to help patients understand their problems, develop coping mechanisms and practice different behaviours to make positive changes to their lives.

Counselling

We treat mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, which are often the underlying cause of substance addiction. Dual diagnosis identifies any co-occurring mental condition and is treated simultaneously with the substance disorder.

The symptoms of dual diagnosis can vary depending on the substance use disorders involved and specific mental health issues but may exhibit anxiety, depression, mood swings, withdrawal symptoms or changes in daily functioning.

A comprehensive assessment by our professionals trained in dual diagnosis is essential for proper treatment planning.

Dual Diagnosis

Our Clinic and Amenities

Liberty Home Clinic is a few minutes from the beach in Marina De Gama, Cape Town. Our upmarket clinic provides residential treatment in a safe and secure environment for our patients.

Amenities such as hospitals, clinicians, fitness centres/gyms, shopping malls, and the coastline and seashore are easily accessible. Accommodation consists of private and shared rooms, internet access during specific tech slots, and customised meal plans prepared by our on-site chef. Unfortunately, our clinic does not accept pets or mascots.

We are proud to highlight that all our staff have recovered from addiction and have hands-on experience in understanding the challenges and struggles surrounding drug dependence. There is no one better to recognise and feel what a patient is experiencing during their transition to sobriety and who knows how to offer support in the most effective way.

Addiction treatment near where you live may prove exceptionally expensive and is often out of reach for many seeking help. Although our clinic is located in South Africa, we can offer cost-effective treatment even when factoring in the cost of air travel.

When patients have concluded treatment with us at our clinic, we can help them benefit from secondary treatment at our other facility in Cape Town, which provides a sober living house where patients needing more time can transition at their own pace before returning home.

What are the Signs and Symptoms Prescription Drug Addiction?

Substance use disorder (SUD) is the clinical term for a drug addiction. Prescription drug misuse can be problematic to notice even though a person may exhibit side effects of a medication, as it doesn’t necessarily mean it is being misused. Only when the person is at risk of developing SUD must they show at least two of the following behavioural symptoms to be diagnosed.

Taking the drug longer than intended and in greater doses
Failing to stop or cut down because it is too difficult
More time is spent on sourcing, using and recovering from the drug
Experiencing intense cravings
Continues using the drug despite relationship problems
Incapable of completing work/academic tasks
Continues using the drug despite it imposing risks
Continues using the drug despite a decline in physical or mental health
Abstains from participating in social or recreational activities or important work/school issues
Needs more substance to reach the desired effect
Experiences withdrawal symptoms when not used and can only be alleviated by consuming more of the drug

The Risk Factors When Using Prescription Drugs

Depending on the substance being used, there are several physical and psychological risks, some more severe than others. Other risk factors of prescription drug misuse are that they can impair judgement, making users more likely to endanger themselves by making irrational decisions. Impaired thinking and delayed reaction time can potentially lead to vehicle accidents if a person decides to drive while under the influence. Exhibiting anti-social behaviour or getting involved in risky situations can lead to legal matters, including arrest, custody or heavy fines. People misusing substances are much more likely to participate in unprotected sex, making the chances of sexually transmitted diseases more probable.

Commonly Misused Prescription Drugs

There are many prescribed medicines, all specifically treating various physical and psychological ailments.

To simplify naming every drug, they are best categorised for the class of drugs they belong to.

Many prescribed drugs are derived from opium and go under the term of opioids. Probably the best-known opioid is heroin, but there are many others with the same similarities that carry their own risks. High doses of opioids or consuming them with other substances, such as alcohol, can decrease breathing and slow down the heart rate to dangerous levels. Grappling with opioid misuse and addiction exerts an increased urge to consume more, imposing a huge risk of overdose.

Opioids

These prescribed drugs can treat anxiety, depression, panic attacks or even insomnia (sleep disorders). Misusing CNS depressants can reduce breathing, but when combined with other medications, even simple over-the-counter medicines or substances like alcohol, breathing can slow down considerably or stop, leading to a slow heart rate and could potentially be fatal.

CNS Depressants (Benzodiazepines)

Misusing stimulants can lead to an elevated risk of dangerously high blood pressure, body temperature and heart issues. High doses of stimulants can lead to heart disease, seizures, paranoia, psychosis or suicidal ideation.

Mixing prescription medications with other substances or alcohol may lead to potentially dangerous interactions. If you are experiencing difficulties with any prescribed prescription drug, it is important to seek professional help from your GP, pharmacist or other healthcare provider.

Stimulants

When To Seek Treatment for Prescription Drug Addiction

When prescription drugs are taken exactly as stated by a doctor or healthcare provider, there should be no concern as any side effects can be monitored and dealt with to avoid the development of concurring issues.

Some of these side effects may manifest as:

Increased blood pressure, body temperature, and heart rate accompanied by slow breathing
Small pupils and bloodshot eyes
Insomnia
Hyperactivity
Sweating
Loss of appetite.
Nausea or vomiting.
Uncontrollable muscle movements.
Agitation
Weight loss.

Side effects can be addressed by reducing the dosage or switching to another substance with a lower potency. This is always carried out at the discretion of a medical professional.

Addiction may develop through deliberate misuse (desire to achieve a high) or through unintentional misuse (believing more will lead to feeling better). There is no distinction other than the reason for misuse.

Once the substance consumption has developed into an addiction, a user will find the intensity of withdrawal symptoms overwhelming, making any attempt to stop or reduce consumption impossible.

Treatment should be considered well before an individual reaches a significant stage where overdose or suicidal thoughts may be prominent.

If you, a loved one, or someone you know is struggling with substance use disorder and needs help, you may want to consider our treatment options at Liberty Home.

Contact Us For Affordable Prescription Drug Treatment

At Liberty Home Clinic, we extend our services to anyone, anywhere in the world, who seeks addiction treatment through our primary care programme.

Our cost-effective treatment is a competitive advantage, and our clinic is easily accessible internationally via direct flights.

We provide world-class treatment at a fraction of the cost in many major cities and have provisions for our patients to progress to secondary care in our facility in our secondary treatment facility in Cape Town.

You are welcome to contact us anytime for further information, guidance or learn more about us and our services.

Don’t let distance, cost or doubt get in your way. We can help you make informed decisions from the moment you call us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What advantage is there travelling to South Africa?

With a high volume of international direct flights, it is easily accessible from all major cities; treatment costs are comparatively low while providing the same level of world-class treatment.

Is your residential clinic in a safe area?

Our clinic recognises the importance of safety and security for our patients. The facility is locked down and is continually secured by armed response services that patrol the neighbourhood to ensure the complete safety of our guests.

Are there recreational activities?

Part of our healing process revolves around recreational activities. We provide a range of activities to enhance recovery, such as meditation, yoga, visiting museums, sightseeing, golf, physical exercise and more.