Many people make the mistake of believing that prescription medications are entirely safe. Although prescription drugs can be safe and effective when taken as directed by a healthcare provider, many also have the potential for abuse and addiction.
Commonly abused medications like benzodiazepines (benzos), opioids, and stimulants can lead to addiction if abused or misused. Many people are also able to get their hands on prescription medications without written prescriptions from doctors, mainly for recreational use. If you or someone you know is struggling with a prescription pill addiction, our prescription drug detox programs can help.
Prescription Drug Withdrawal
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, an estimated 52 million people (20% of those aged 12 and older) have used prescription drugs for nonmedical reasons at least once in their lifetimes. This misuse often stems from various factors contributing to addiction or dependence. Genetic predisposition plays a significant role, as individuals with family members who have substance use disorders are at higher risk. Moreover, acquiring prescription drugs from friends or relatives is prevalent, with over half of pain reliever misusers obtaining them this way. Others misuse prescriptions to achieve a high or enhance academic or professional performance.
Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD also heighten vulnerability to prescription drug addiction. These medications, designed to relieve pain or anxiety, can induce euphoria and relaxation by affecting nerve receptors and boosting dopamine levels. Consequently, individuals grappling with chronic pain or mental health challenges may turn to prescription drugs for relief, unwittingly escalating their risk of dependence.
Long-term use of prescription drugs can lead to physical dependence, characterized by withdrawal symptoms when the medication is reduced or discontinued. These symptoms can vary widely depending on the type of drug, the duration of use, and the dosage. For example, stimulants may cause depression and fatigue, while benzodiazepines can lead to sleep disturbances and anxiety. Detoxification under medical supervision is essential for managing these potentially severe and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms effectively.
In essence, comprehending the complexities of prescription drug misuse and addiction requires an understanding of genetic predispositions, mental health factors, and the physiological effects of prolonged drug use. Properly managed detoxification is crucial for individuals seeking recovery, as it ensures a safe and effective approach to handling withdrawal symptoms.
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Withdrawal From Prescription Drugs
When experiencing withdrawal, the body goes into shock as it attempts to clean itself out of the remaining traces of the prescription drugs it’s become accustomed to absorbing. Not only can this process lead to a rebound in symptoms the medication was originally taken to treat, but it can also manifest more serious symptoms.
While several withdrawal symptoms occur in all cases of medically assisted detox, some symptoms are specific to the drug.
Stimulant Withdrawal Symptoms
Stimulants are prescribed to help patients with sleep disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and severe cases of depression. Stimulants impact the CNS by stimulating the release of chemicals like dopamine to increase alertness, concentration, focus, and mood.
Stimulant abuse has grown popular among students to enhance studying and performance. When a person stops using these drugs, they may experience stimulant withdrawal symptoms like:
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in mood
- Congestion
- Delirium
- Fatigue
- Hallucinations
- Irritability
- Muscle pain
- Nausea
- Restlessness
- Runny nose
- Seizures
- Shakiness
- Sleeping difficulties
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Vomiting
Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms
Typically, opiates are prescribed to treat pain. The history of opioid abuse dates way back, a danger that persists to this day as the nation struggles with a drug epidemic.
There are both prescription opioids, like codeine and morphine, as well as illegal opioids, like heroin. When opiates are taken, the drugs enter the brain and activate endorphins and dopamine.
This means that the drug produces a kind of high marked by happiness and euphoria. However, opiate withdrawal is far from euphoric. Common opioid withdrawal symptoms include:
- Aggression
- Anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dilated pupils
- Excessive sweating
- Fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Muscle aches and spasms
- Nausea
- Paranoia
- Rapid heartbeat
- Stomachache
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms
The most common benzo withdrawal symptoms, often called rebound symptoms, are usually symptoms of the ailments the person’s medication was originally taken to treat.
These symptoms may include:
- Anxiety
- Cravings
- Excessive sweating
- Hand tremors
- Headache
- Heart palpitations
- Increased tension
- Mild to moderate changes in perception
- Muscular stiffness or discomfort
- Panic attacks
- Trouble concentrating
- Trouble sleeping
Clearbrook’s Prescription Drug Detox Centers
To start the prescription drug detox process, it’s important to understand how it works to ensure safety, health, and comfort. Clearbrook Treatment Centers offers detox programs, at both our Pennsylvania and Massachusetts locations, to help people addicted to drugs like opioids, benzos, antidepressants, and stimulants recover.
Before the detox, clients are evaluated by specialists to create a specific treatment plan for them. This is a significant part of the addiction recovery process at our Northeast addictions treatment centers to help people who are looking for a solution to their addictions by offering comfortable, safe, and healthy treatment options.
During the evaluation, our team asks clients about their symptoms, medical history, whether they have any underlying health conditions, the longevity and severity of their drug use, and more. Based on this information, our specialists will create an addiction treatment plan that meets the individual’s needs.
After the evaluation comes the detoxification process itself, during which clients will be slowly weaned off drugs under round-the-clock care. Our medical team provides supervision and medicated-assisted treatment (as needed) to reduce discomfort and the risk of complications.
Following detox, clients can then move on to other forms of care in our residential treatment program. In addition to prescription drug detox, our inpatient level of care also offers individual and group therapy, 12-step support groups, family counseling, and more.
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Get Started on Your Journey Today
While detoxification is a crucial first step in the recovery process, it is just the beginning of the journey towards lasting sobriety. At Clearbrook Treatment Centers, we understand that overcoming prescription drug addiction involves more than just detox; it requires comprehensive treatment and support.
Contact us today or call us directly at (800) 582-6241 to learn more about our specialized prescription drug addiction treatment programs and how we can assist you or a loved one in achieving and maintaining sobriety. Our dedicated team is here to guide you through every step of the recovery process, offering personalized care and support tailored to your needs. Let us help you take the first step towards a healthier, drug-free future.
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