Prescription Drug Detox

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Are you struggling with an addiction to prescription drugs and are ready to get on the road to recovery? Detoxification should only be undergone when an addict is ready to commit to a life of sobriety. Before taking on this life changing task, it is helpful to know exactly what detox from prescription drugs entails.

Why Prescription Drug Detox Is Necessary

Detoxification is necessary when physical or psychological dependency on a drug is apparent. If alterations are being made to the prescription schedule to feed excessive need for a substance, or if the drugs are being acquired without the prescription of a medical professional, then detox is most likely required. Detox is crucial for the removal of toxins that have accumulated in the body to cause a biological dependency.

Prescription Drug Detox Versus Prescription Drug Rehab

While detox and rehab share the goal of long term sobriety, they are actually two separate treatment programs. Detox is just the first step of the recovery process that works to remove the physical need for the drug of abuse. Rehabilitation is the process that begins when detox is complete. It encompasses the therapy and counseling that is necessary for recovering addicts to go through in order to become reacquainted with how to live life free of drug dependency.

Why Medically Monitored Prescription Drug Detox Is Important

Attempting prescription drug detox should only be administered under 24-hour professional medical supervision. Unforeseen complications that demand medical attention can occur because of withdrawal symptoms. Physicians may also provide non-addictive medications that can curb and even remove the grueling effects of withdrawal. Supervision also provides a level of moral support that keeps patients from the temptations that they would likely battle with otherwise.

Common Prescription Drug Withdrawal Symptoms

It is difficult to say exactly what withdrawal symptoms will occur because there are various kinds of prescription drugs that would cause different side effects during detox. Withdrawal is also dependent on how severe the addiction is.

Common withdrawal symptoms from prescription opioids include:

•  Depression
• Anxiety
• Abnormal changes in bodily temperature
• Muscle aches
• Joint pain
• Insomnia
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Common withdrawal symptoms from prescription barbiturates include:

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Heart palpitations
• Depression
• Seizures
• Stroke

Withdrawal And Co-Occurring Conditions

Addiction to prescription medication usually starts when they are given the medication to treat a pre-existing disorder. That is why it is not uncommon for individuals to struggle with addiction as well as other mental or chronic disorders. Dual diagnosis treatments are offered at many drug rehab facilities to integrate addiction and co-occurring programs.

Co-occurring conditions can include:

• Alternate personality disorder
• Borderline personality disorder
• Narcissistic personality disorder
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Anxiety
• Post traumatic stress disorder
• Phobias
• Panic disorders
• Obsessive compulsive disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Anorexia/bulimia
• Insomnia
• Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder

Detox is the first crucial step towards a life free of addiction. Call our 24-hour addiction helpline to find the best detoxification facility for you.

 

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