Medical Detox Prescription Drugs

The drug epidemic and crisis surrounding prescription analgesics, such as OxyContin, Vicodin, Dilaudid, and Percocet, has captured the nation’s attention as thousands of people have overdosed and died in recent years.  The government is now involved in a multi-pronged approach of addressing the many sources of the excessive prescribing of these painkillers, including “dirty” doctors, pain clinics, Medicaid fraud, and the influx of drugs from Mexico that land on the streets of the U.S.

These dangerous drugs are extremely addictive, many people becoming addicted within two weeks.  When an individual realizes they have begun to take increasing dosages of these drugs to get the same effect, or to ward off withdrawal symptoms, it is time to consider entering a medical detox prescription drugs, followed by addiction treatment.

About Prescription Drug Addiction

When someone becomes chemically addicted to a prescription opioid the neurotransmitters in the brain become altered, causing dependence on the drug.  With prolonged use, the body requires higher doses more frequently to satisfy its physiological demands, ramping up the individual’s use of the drug, further entrenching the addiction.  This is the point when prescription pill addicts may go to extreme measures to secure the opioids, as most doctors will stop approving refills as some point.

The shift from safe, reliable sourcing of the drug via legitimate pharmacies to seeking opioids online or on the street introduces risk.  There are fake versions of these pills being sold, most made in China, that may contain dangerous substances, such as fentanyl. Some may shift toward using heroin to satisfy their chemical dependence on opioids, which is also dangerous.  Heroin is routinely cut with fentanyl in recent years, a significant cause of the dramatic increase in overdose deaths.

What to Expect in Detox for Prescription Drugs

It is always recommended that someone attempting to stop using opioids undergo detox in a medically supervised setting where the withdrawal symptoms, both physical and psychological, can be managed and treated.  Without supervision, the symptoms could be so unpleasant that the individual simply gives up and returns to drug use in order to stop the pain of withdrawal. A monitored detox from prescription drugs allows the medical professionals to assist and support the individual, offering medical interventions to alleviate withdrawal symptoms so they can complete the detox process.

Withdrawal symptoms from opioids will vary in severity based on the individual’s history of opioid abuse.  Withdrawal symptoms will commence about 24 hours after the last dose and might include:

• Anxiety
• Muscle aches
• Restlessness
• Teary eyes
• Runny nose
• Excessive sweating
• Insomnia
• Excessive yawning
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rapid heart rate
• Hypertension
• Goosebumps
• Dilated pupils

Withdrawal symptoms tend to peak at days 2-3, and then gradually subside.  In most cases, detox from prescription drugs takes about one week.

Treatment for Addiction to Prescription Drugs

Once detox is complete the individual will need to begin a structured inpatient treatment program.  Inpatient rehab programs can be anywhere from one month to 6-9 months in duration, depending on the individual’s treatment needs.  While treatment can be challenging, frustrating, or tedious to some, it is essential that detox is followed up with an addiction treatment program if one is to be successful in living a life free of opioid addiction.

Treatment plans are usually tailored to fit the unique needs of the individual’s situation.  Perhaps there is a coexisting mood disorder that has been a factor in the addiction. If so, that dual diagnosis requires a specialized treatment plan.  Psychotherapy is a significant part of addiction treatment, helping clients look within and examine the hurts or traumas that may be at the root of the drug abuse.  Group therapy is another essential treatment element because it provides a safe and supportive setting for peers to share and learn from each other while a therapist facilitates discussion.  Family group is key to helping clients with chronic family dysfunction or just to acquire new communication skills and heal the wounds caused by the addiction.

Solutions 4 Recovery Provides Premier Medical Detox Prescription Drugs

Solutions 4 Recovery is an addiction and dual diagnosis inpatient treatment center in beautiful coastal Southern California.  Solutions 4 Recovery features a customized approach to treatment, not the cookie cutter format used at so many rehabs.  Here each client is valued and treated with respect and compassion as they progress through detox and treatment for prescription drug addiction, culminating in a new, optimistic lease on life.  After completing the inpatient program, Solutions 4 Recovery offers outpatient aftercare, which helps reinforce the new clean and sober lifestyle and solidify recovery. For more information, please contact Solutions 4 Recovery today at (888) 417-1874.