Medication-assisted detox has gained popularity in recent years as an effective and safe approach to help individuals overcome addiction. This comprehensive guide will give you a deeper understanding of the detoxification process and the role of medication in facilitating a successful recovery. When taking prescription drugs for CNS depressive disorders, you should seek medical attention for withdrawal symptoms. It’s common for people to mistake alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as Delirium Tremens (DTs), for symptoms of withdrawal from sedative prescription drugs. Once you develop a dependence on or addiction to a prescription drug and stop using it, your body begins to detoxify as it works to rid itself of the toxic substance and regain a natural equilibrium. This detox process causes withdrawal symptoms, which may occur even if you begin a tapering protocol rather than quitting cold turkey.
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The reason the body reacts so severely during withdrawal is because the chemical processes in the brain were disrupted. Stimulants, opiates and antidepressants interfere with the GABA receptors in your brain. The role of the GABA receptors is to inhibit or reduce the activity of your nerve cells.
Although withdrawal from opioids is rarely fatal, they often involve excruciating pain. Specific withdrawal symptoms and their severity vary depending on the class of drug used and other factors; however, some symptoms can be highly uncomfortable or even dangerous. Even if you take a prescription drug as ordered by your doctor, you may still develop a dependence on it. Addictive substances cause an unnaturally high surge of “feel good” chemicals, which powerfully reinforces your desire to continue taking the medication.
Detox and Withdrawal Symptoms
Whether you are struggling with addiction, mental health or both, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t wait— reach out today to take the first step toward taking control of your life. The signs of prescription drug use vary, depending on the length and amount of drugs you use. Since addiction alters your brain chemistry, behavioral changes are the first things you’ll notice. Benzodiazepines can also be extremely dangerous since taking too many can cause you to become too sleepy.
This advertisement is clearly marked and is separate from our editorial content. Various factors, including the type of drug, the drug formulation, prescription drug detox and withdrawal treatment how to detox and how long you’ve been taking the drug can affect this timeline. In addition to physicians and nurses, therapists are available to aid in emotional healing during the detoxification process.
- Resources are available to help you or a loved one safely and effectively detox from Valium.
- For example, opioid detox may involve methadone or buprenorphine, while benzodiazepine detox may involve a tapering schedule to gradually reduce the dose.
- In inpatient settings, medical staff monitor you around the clock to keep you safe and handle any issues that come up.
- The goal is to make the individual as comfortable as possible while allowing their body to rid itself of the prescription drug.
The benefits of detox for prescription drugs
Calling the number is free and confidential, but treatment services may involve costs depending on your insurance coverage and the level of care required. We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. While we receive compensation in the form of paid advertisements, these advertisements have absolutely no impact on our content due to our editorial independence policy.
Withdrawal timeline for prescription benzodiazepines
At Priory, we offer a wide range of therapeutic approaches, which may include the 12-step model, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), and transactional analysis (TA). Therapy can take place in various formats, including one-to-one, group, or family sessions, depending on what’s most suitable for you. Drinking lots of water and other fluids will help flush all toxins from the body and prevent dehydration, streamlining the withdrawal process.
Some of those reasons include trying to get high off a pain pill or taking a stimulant to focus better while studying. Another determining factor is if a person has any kind of mental illness, likedepression,anxietyorpost-traumatic stress disorder. This is because prescription medications, like opioid painkillers, attach to parts of the nerves and block the emotional aches which then decreases feelings of worry or sadness. So if a person is prescribed a painkiller for a sprained ankle, they may be tempted to keep taking it after the ankle has healed, just for the relief of emotional pain. The drugs used during detox are designed to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
You may experience physical, mental, and emotional withdrawal effects as your body and brain seek to adjust to the drug’s absence. There may be some people who feel they can detox from prescription drugs on their own and will do so in the comfort and privacy of their own home. When people chose a self or home detox method, they will usually try to do so “cold turkey” or may utilize a variety of remedies whether over the counter or provided through a doctor. This type of detox from prescription drugs is dangerous due to the fact there is no medical monitoring for both withdrawal symptoms and the potentiality for adverse psychological reactions.
- Therapy can take place in various formats, including one-to-one, group, or family sessions, depending on what’s most suitable for you.
- A neurotransmitter chemical is needed for communication in the nervous system, and it alters receptors, which stops normal neurotransmitter production from prescription drugs.
- When someone becomes dependent on or addicted to sleeping pills, abruptly stopping their use can lead to potentially severe withdrawal symptoms.
- This normally includes a combination of MAT (medication-assisted treatment), psychotherapy, and counseling.
One of the first things you need to do is find a prescription drug addiction treatment center to help you with the detox process. When you’re taking prescription drugs like opioids and stimulants, your body becomes dependent on these medications. A prescription drug detox process can also be dangerous, depending on the drug of choice.
People who consider addiction treatment prescription-drugs often avoid them because of unpleasant and frequently dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Choosing a medically controlled detox eliminates the complications and allows for the most simple detox. Medical detoxification does not cure dependence; prescription drugs are required for long-term sobriety. Counselling, medication, nutrition, and aftercare programs can help people maintain long-term sobriety after their bodies have been cleansed of addictive drugs. A common approach to easing prescription drug withdrawal symptoms safely is the tapering technique, where the dosage of the substance is gradually reduced under medical supervision. Instead of stopping abruptly, tapering allows the body to adapt slowly, minimizing the severity of withdrawal symptoms and reducing the risk of complications.
Detoxing under medical supervision is the best way to ensure your safety and comfort during prescription drug withdrawal. In a medically supervised detox, you will be monitored twenty-four hours a day by a team of professionals who can help you through the process. When detoxing from drugs, it’s essential to have medical professionals monitor your progress and provide the appropriate care.
