Prescription Drugs Detox

There are many pros and cons of prescription drugs, but there are countless times when individuals become attached and dependent on these medications, which forms an addiction. Addiction is the number one worst side effect of taking prescription drugs. Prescription medication is excellent for short-term use, for example, if someone is sick with the flu or needs antibiotics to fight infection, and it makes functioning throughout the day less painful. Still, the misuse of these substances may cause an overdose which is the worst-case scenario. 

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Prescription drugs fall into three main classes: central nervous system depressants, stimulants, and opioid pain relievers. Each type of drug can create a physical and chemical dependence, making changes in the brain that take time to reverse the adverse effects. Withdrawal symptoms can depend on the dose, duration, and person, but with the help of Banyan’s professional staff, we can safely work you through the withdrawal process thanks to our prescription drug detox. 

Prescription Drug Dependence   

There are various kinds of prescription drugs, and not all have the potential to be habit-forming. However, many prescription drugs – usually the most prescribed – can lead to dependence and addiction when misused or taken for extended periods. 

Depressants   

As you can imagine, depressants are drugs that depress or sedate the central nervous system. These include drug classes like benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, and Valium) as well as barbiturates. Usually, those who abuse these substances take them orally. Benzos are often prescribed to treat ailments like anxiety disorders, seizures, or symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.   

Long-term use of depressant medications can cause the brain to be in a long-term state of relaxation. Chemicals like GABA are usually heightened and forcefully activated during active addiction. When those with a dependence suddenly quit or cut back on their use, the body reacts with withdrawals as the consistently relaxed functions suddenly surge.   

Stimulants   

Stimulants include amphetamines and methylphenidate, which are mostly used as ADHD medications. Commonly abused stimulants include brand names like Adderall, Dexedrine, and Biphetamine. As you may have guessed, stimulants impact the central nervous system by increasing or stimulating nerve activity, particularly neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine.   

When used for extended periods, stimulants can also cause physical dependence due to long-term use. The brain becomes accustomed to being constantly stimulated, so it is common for addicts to experience withdrawals like depression, fatigue, and low energy. While stimulant withdrawal is not usually life-threatening, it is best to undergo medically supervised detox to prevent discomfort severe enough to cause relapse.   

Opioid Narcotics   

Opioids are among the most dangerous prescription drugs on the market. These include commonly abused substances like fentanyl, codeine, methadone, morphine, OxyContin (oxycodone), hydrocodone, and the street drug heroin. Opioids are normally prescribed to treat individuals with moderate to severe or chronic pain.   

All opioids work by attaching to mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system and other areas of the body, blocking pain signals and alleviating symptoms. At the same time, opioids are also known for activating the reward system of the brain, elevating levels of the feel-good chemical dopamine. This euphoric and relaxing sensation is what hooks users and contributes to addiction. 

Long-term opioid abuse of any kind can also lead to physical dependence, which is marked by withdrawal symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, and more. Detox from prescription drugs like opioids is known for being highly dangerous, with severe dehydration being the most life-threatening symptom. For this reason, undergoing a professional opioid detox is crucial not only for avoiding relapse but also for preventing a fatal outcome. 

Signs of Prescription Pill Addiction  

Maybe you’re trying to ignore the severity of your prescription pill addiction, you think things aren’t so bad. But prescription pill addiction can start slowly, and it’s important to recognize the early signs of this addiction and seek treatment before it takes control of you. 

It’s important to keep an eye out for signs of prescription pill abuse: 

  • Taking more pills than prescribed 
  • Taking pills more often than they’re prescribed 
  • Doctor shopping for more scripts 
  • Taking drugs in a way that’s not prescribed, such as snorting the pills 

Health Problems Caused by Prescription Pill Abuse 

Prescription drugs are generally safe when taken according to doctor or pharmacist instructions, but prolonged abuse of prescription drugs can be dangerous. Many prescription drugs are at the center of famous celebrity overdoses, and prolonged use has been linked to organ damage, high blood pressure, heart attacks, seizures, and even death. This is because prolonged exposure to the chemicals in prescription drugs at high volumes, such as with addiction, can result in a myriad of other health issues. Prescription drug abuse can also cause changes to a person’s appearance, with many barbiturates and painkillers being linked to patterns of skin picking and drug addiction. 

Misconceptions about Prescription Drugs 

Prescription medications are beneficial for many reasons. Common daily prescription pills are used to treat ADHD, anxiety, and severe pain. Many believe prescription pill abuse is somewhat safer than other drug abuse considering these drugs are prescribed by a medical doctor and FDA approved. 

Unfortunately, this thinking is the reason why the prescription pill epidemic is such a problem in our country. Many of these prescribed medications are psychoactive, mind-altering, and can lead to addiction problems. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 52 million people older than 12 have used prescription medications recreationally in their lifetime. 

Once abuse turns to an addiction, this is when the problem arises. Each type of drug can create a physical and chemical dependence, making changes in the brain that take time to reverse.  

What is Prescription Pill Detox Like? 

The cycle of dependence can be difficult to break and often requires professional assistance. The first step in most recovery programs is typically detox. Detox refers to the process by which toxins are purged from the body. The detox process may vary depending on the type of drug abused, length of time abused, and the severity of the dependence.  

With all prescription pill detox and withdrawals, the individual’s body will be affected physically, mentally, and spiritually. Withdrawal symptoms from most prescription medications are so severe that detoxing without medical supervision often fails. At Banyan Treatment Centers, we know that the only way to guarantee a successful start to the recovery journey is to have a medically supervised prescription pill detox program along with therapy to treat all aspects of the individual. 

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Prescription Pill Withdrawal Symptoms  

When exploring treatment avenues for prescription drug addiction, it's crucial to select a detox program equipped to provide comprehensive support throughout the detoxification journey. Given the diverse nature of prescription medication addiction, withdrawal symptoms can manifest in various ways. 

Typical withdrawal symptoms of prescription drugs include: 

  • Physical symptoms: Physical withdrawal symptoms may present themselves in many ways depending on the pharmaceutical type. For instance, withdrawal symptoms from opioids may include restlessness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and muscle aches. Tremors, an accelerated heart rate, raised blood pressure, sleeplessness, and seizures are among possible side effects of benzodiazepine withdrawal. Withdrawal from stimulants might make you feel drained, hungry, depressed, and have trouble sleeping. 
  • Psychological symptoms: Prescription drug withdrawal can also result in many psychological symptoms. There are various potential symptoms, including worry, irritation, mood changes, agitation, depression, confusion, and trouble focusing. Some people can have strong desires for the drug, which would make the withdrawal process difficult. 
  • Rebound effects: Rebound effects are when the symptoms that the medication was initially recommended to treat come back or get worse. An increase in depression symptoms, for instance, may occur in people who stop taking antidepressants. A key part of the detoxification process is comprehending and controlling these rebound effects. 

Without a proper detox for a prescription pill addiction, withdrawal symptoms could worsen and lead to additional health conditions. The best way to avoid this is by undergoing a supervised prescription pill detox at our rehab center. Our staff of trained professionals provides patients with an efficient detoxification treatment so they can begin to heal from the repercussions of substance abuse. 

The Risks of At-Home Detox and the Benefits of Professional Supervision 

As noted previously, the most effective way to detox from prescription pills is through a medically supervised program, such as the one offered at Banyan Treatment Centers. Detoxing at home might seem convenient, but it carries significant risks, including severe complications and even death. Going 'cold turkey' can lead to intense withdrawal symptoms that are difficult to manage without professional help. 

Medically supervised detox programs provide a safe and controlled environment where our professionals can monitor your progress and address any complications that arise.  

Moreover, detoxification is just the first step towards recovery. Comprehensive treatment plans, including therapy and counseling, are crucial for addressing the underlying issues of addiction and promoting long-term sobriety. Proper medical detoxification, combined with ongoing therapy, increases the chances of sustained recovery and helps individuals rebuild their lives free from the grip of addiction. 

Start your Journey to Sobriety  

When it comes to addressing prescription pill addiction, Banyan Treatment Centers offers the best choice through our comprehensive program. Our dedicated team specializes in providing personalized care and support tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual struggling with addiction. We understand the complexities of prescription pill dependency and offer a safe, medically supervised detoxification process. 

Additionally, we offer specialized programs for military personnel and veterans facing prescription pill addiction. Our Military and Veteran Prescription Pill Detox program is designed to address the specific challenges and experiences of those who have served our country. Learn more about how we can support military members and veterans on their journey to sobriety. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with prescription pill addiction, we urge you to reach out for help today. Contact us at (888) 709-0683 to speak with one of our compassionate intake specialists.  

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