More than half of Americans are prescribed one or more prescription medications that they use on a daily basis. On average, those who are prescribed these medications are taking at least four different kinds, as well as over-the-counter medications. With this many people being exposed to prescription drugs, it comes as no surprise that rates of addiction are skyrocketing. And, even if those who are personally prescribed these medications are not abusing them, there is potential for his or her loved ones to take them from the medicine cabinet and become hooked on them. In fact, this is one of the most common ways that teenagers and young adults develop a prescription drug addiction.
When somebody is abusing prescription drugs, he or she is going to experience symptoms associated with the type of prescription drug he or she is using. For example, someone who is abusing a benzodiazepine like Xanax might appear sluggish in his or her behaviors, while someone who is abusing Adderall can seem overly energetic and physically unstoppable. Regardless of what type of prescription drugs individuals are using, however, there are common symptoms associated with prescription drug addiction, including the following:
- Isolation from people, places, and things
- Changes in demeanor
- Changes in physical appearance
- Familial conflicts
- Problems at work or school
- Inability to uphold responsibilities
Those addicted to prescription drugs do not need to continue to abuse them, even if they feel as though there is no way out. Addiction is a disease that can be treated and effectively managed. This first step is through a prescription drug detox.
Dependence and Withdrawal
When someone has abused a prescription drug for a long period of time, or if he or she has abused large amounts of it within a short period of time, his or her body can become dependent on it. When a dependence has formed, it means that the individual’s body has adapted to functioning while under the influence of prescription drugs. Therefore, when an individual stops abusing prescription drugs, the body produces a series of withdrawal symptoms in response. These symptoms, which can range from being slightly uncomfortable to extremely painful, are often what causes individuals to continue abusing prescription drugs, as they do not want to experience the upsetting nature of these symptoms.
It is very common for individuals to attempt to stop their prescription drug addiction on their own, however, the majority of them are unsuccessful. This can be highly demoralizing and cause individuals to turn to the use of prescription drugs to cope with their failed attempts. It can be easy to understand why many go back to using after trying to get sober when the types of withdrawal symptoms that can develop are made clear. These include, however, are not limited to, the following:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Chills
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Tremors
- Muscle pain
- Problems sleeping
It is important to keep in mind that with each type of prescription drug comes its own set of specific withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms listed above are considered common for any kind of prescription drug withdrawal.
Prescription Drug Detox
Withdrawing from prescription drugs can be painful when it is attempted independently. However, when an individual reaches out to a prescription drug detox, the detox experience can be much more comfortable and effective.
Drug detox is the process of clearing the body from any and all addictive substances, including prescription drugs like OxyContin, Ativan, Ritalin, and Vicodin. By removing these substances from the body, an individual can obtain the clarity of mind that he or she needs in order to successfully maneuver through the remainder of his or her treatment.
Depending on the type of prescription drug that an individual is using, prescription drug detox can provide clients with medication-assisted treatment. Medication-assisted treatment, which is also known as MAT, utilizes medications to help treat specific kinds of addictions. In general, MAT helps to decrease withdrawal symptoms and cravings. However, MAT is also used to help keep clients safe while detoxing.
For example, someone who is addicted to one or more benzodiazepines cannot simply just stop using. Doing this can lead to severe and potentially deadly health risks, including heart palpitations, high blood pressure, fever, and seizures. To prevent this, prescription drug detox will provide clients with a lesser strength benzodiazepine to help them slowly but effectively wean off of this kind of prescription medication to avoid complications.
Those who attend a prescription drug detox are not just limited to medical services, as there is a team of mental health professionals available to assist clients during detox.
These professionals can offer clients a shoulder to lean on, as well as several coping skills that are capable of helping them persevere through the duration of their detox. In addition, mental health professionals like psychiatrists can obtain a strong feel for where clients are at in terms of their psychological well-being, which can allow them to make professional treatment recommendations and/or prescribe medications capable of treating concerns related to their mental health.
When a prescription drug detox center provides a comprehensive approach to detox, clients are more likely to continue on with their care once they become sober.
Get Help Now Through a Prescription Detox Center
Are you someone who is addicted to prescription drugs? Are you feeling depleted, self-conscious, agitated, and/or sad? You are one of the millions of people who can both relate to and understand what you are going through. Continuing to abuse prescription drugs will only cause you to suffer further, and even cost you your life.
However, reaching out to us now and entering a prescription drug detox can help you build a strong foundation for your sustained recovery. The support you will receive from the staff at prescription drug detox center can help you change your life for the better and make your addiction a thing of the past.
Do not let one more second go by. You do not have time to put off getting treated. Contact us right now to begin receiving the help you deserve.
“Detox services are provided at our Experience Recovery Program. Often clients who need drug or alcohol detox will begin their journey at Experience Recovery for addition detox and transfer to Breathe or other programs for continued care. We will make sure you receive the highest care of medical detoxification at Experience Recovery.”
