Although prescribed by doctors and effective in the treatment of various ailments, prescription drugs are not always harmless. Prescription benzodiazepines, stimulants, and opioids all have a potential for abuse and addiction. As exemplified by the opioid epidemic, prescription painkillers present more dangers than individuals realize. Though effective in the treatment of chronic pain and major physical trauma, prescription pain pills like OxyContin, Vicodin, and Percocet are also deadly if the dosage is not properly managed. Our BHOPB detox center offers prescription medication detox in Florida to support individuals battling addiction in their recovery from substance abuse.
Signs of Prescription Drug Addiction
Prescription drug addiction, also known as prescription drug abuse or prescription drug use disorder, is a serious medical condition characterized by the misuse or overuse of prescription drugs. These drugs are typically prescribed by healthcare professionals to treat various medical conditions. However, when taken inappropriately, they can lead to dependence, addiction, and severe health consequences.
Common Addictive Medications
Common addictive prescription drugs include opioids, sedatives, and stimulants:
- Opioids: These medications are prescribed for pain management and include drugs like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine. Opioids are among the most addictive medications in the United States, as highlighted by the ongoing epidemic.
- Sedatives: Sedative medications are often prescribed for anxiety and sleep disorders, including benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium) and non-benzodiazepines (e.g., Ambien). Misuse of these medications can also result in addiction, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms.
- Stimulants: Stimulant drugs are used to treat conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Well-known stimulants are Adderall and Ritalin, both of which can contribute to dependence and addiction.
Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse
Individuals who become dependent on prescription medications such as the ones previously mentioned often exhibit physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms. Hallmark signs and symptoms of prescription drug addiction may include:
- Continued use despite negative consequences
- Cravings for the drug
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug
- Loss of control over use
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Tolerance (when more of the drug is required to experience the desired effect)
Keep in mind that these signs may vary depending on the drug used and individual circumstances. Not all prescription drug-addicted individuals will experience these symptoms, and some may exhibit more. If you suspect addiction in yourself or someone else, seek out the opinion of a professional. Our prescription drug detox center administers clinical assessments to determine the appropriate form of care for clients and increase their chances of recovery.
Prescription Drug Withdrawal Symptoms
A detox from prescription drugs is the process of slowly decreasing use until the body can safely function without them. The longer an individual abuses prescription drugs like opioids, the more difficult it is for them to quit and the worse the withdrawal symptoms will be.
Because prescription medications can vary drastically in function and chemical makeup, the withdrawal symptoms associated with getting off prescription drugs can range in severity and duration. Individual differences can also play a factor in the nature of withdrawal symptoms.
Typically, the effects of a prescription medication detox can be felt within hours after use stops and peak after a few days. Physical symptoms tend to go away after a week or so, depending on the drug and the severity of the addiction, while psychological symptoms can linger.
Compared to some other prescription medications, prescription opioids can be accompanied by especially unpleasant side effects. During a detox from painkillers, patients will likely experience both physical and emotional symptoms.
Pain pill withdrawal symptoms include, but are not limited to:
- Drug cravings
- Extreme agitation and aggression
- Heart palpitations
- Insomnia
- Mood swings and irritability
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Respiratory distress
- Seizures and coma
- Severe muscle and joint pain
These withdrawal symptoms vary from mild to extreme. In some cases, a detox from prescription drugs can also irritate underlying health conditions. Due to the risks associated with withdrawal, the best way to detox from prescription drugs is at a medical facility like our Lake Worth drug rehab.
How to Detox From Medication
Lackluster or improperly managed detox from pain pills and other prescription drugs can leave patients in unnecessary physical distress and cause them to become resistant to further treatment. Therefore, the best way to detox from medication is with a medically monitored detox.
Patients at our facility will undergo a medically monitored detox that incorporates cutting-edge research and compassionate symptom management to ease the physical toll that detox often takes on prescription drug abuse victims. With 24-hour care and support, the goal of our Florida detox center is to keep our patients safe and make them comfortable enough that they stay positive about their recovery. Through various pain mitigation techniques, clients are not focused solely on the sometimes overwhelming pain and sickness of pill withdrawal.
Clients undergoing prescription medication detox at our facility will also take the first step to addiction-free pain management and have their eyes open to how to address pain without relying on pills. Our detox services are conducted on premises by a team of clinical experts trained to administer care at the highest degree.
Our prescription drug addiction treatment and detox involves a combination of medical, psychological, and behavioral interventions. All clients undergo a clinical assessment upon admission to ensure they receive a plan tailored to their needs.
Our prescription medication detox includes services such as:
- Detoxification: This is the stage of treatment in which the client undergoes supervised withdrawal or detoxification to manage withdrawal symptoms safely.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): MAT may be used for opioid addiction. Medications like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Counseling: Psychotherapy services, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), are important components of addiction treatment. They help clients develop coping strategies and address the psychological aspects of addiction.
- Support groups: Group therapy and participation in support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or SMART Recovery can provide peer support and encouragement.
- Long-term follow-up: Our facility also offers ongoing monitoring and support to help clients maintain recovery and prevent relapse.
It’s essential for individuals struggling with prescription drug addiction to seek help from healthcare professionals like our addiction specialists. The sooner addiction is addressed, the better the chances of successful recovery.
Finding Medical Detox Near Me
If you’re one of the millions of people across the country suffering from prescription drug or painkiller abuse, get help. Our Florida detox programs allow you to get clean with comfort, discretion, and dignity.
