Prescription Drug Detox in MA
Addiction to prescription drugs is a life-threatening condition. Withdrawal symptoms can be deadly. Rehab provides a safe place for prescription drug detox in MA.
Anytime that a patient uses prescription medication in a way not prescribed by a doctor, it’s drug abuse. If you or a loved one are suffering from addiction to a prescription drug, know that you are not alone. In 2019, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimated that almost 1.5 million adults suffered from pain reliever abuse disorder. Painkillers, stimulants, and sedatives are the most abused substances besides marijuana and alcohol. An estimated 52 million people have taken prescription drugs for a nonmedical reason at least once. Prescription drugs are a scientific miracle, designed to make patients’ lives easier. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean that they don’t also cause harm. The perception that any drug prescribed by a medical professional is always safe to use, even incorrectly, perpetuates the cycle of abuse. Though they are legal, it does not make them any less addictive.
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Addiction to prescription drugs is a life-threatening condition. Withdrawal symptoms can be deadly. Rehab provides a safe place for prescription drug detox in MA.
Anytime that a patient uses prescription medication in a way not prescribed by a doctor, it’s drug abuse. If you or a loved one are suffering from addiction to a prescription drug, know that you are not alone. In 2019, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimated that almost 1.5 million adults suffered from pain reliever abuse disorder. Painkillers, stimulants, and sedatives are the most abused substances besides marijuana and alcohol. An estimated 52 million people have taken prescription drugs for a nonmedical reason at least once. Prescription drugs are a scientific miracle, designed to make patients’ lives easier. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean that they don’t also cause harm. The perception that any drug prescribed by a medical professional is always safe to use, even incorrectly, perpetuates the cycle of abuse. Though they are legal, it does not make them any less addictive.
Prescription Painkillers
Painkillers suppress pain messages sent to our brain from our nervous system. They stimulate the parts of our brain that cause euphoria and create the feeling of being high. However, frequent misuse of painkillers can lead to the desire to take more in order to maintain functionality. Prescription Drug Detox in MA can lead to dangerous or even deadly withdrawal symptoms. Some commonly abused prescription painkillers are Oxycodone, Codeine, Vicodin, Fentanyl, and Tramadol. Signs of abuse and withdrawal may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Complete loss of energy
- Flu-like symptoms
- Muscle and bone pain
- Cold flashes
- Profuse sweating
- Gastrointestinal concerns
- Lack of appetite
- Insomnia
- Shakiness
- Agitation and confusion
Prescription Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines
Barbiturates are sedatives and benzodiazepines are tranquilizers. They have depressant effects similar to alcohol, creating feelings of complete relaxation. They interact with the GABA centers of the brain, which makes benzo detox especially dangerous to attempt at home. Abruptly stopping barbiturates after long-term misuse can cause potentially fatal seizures. Recovering addicts should use a medical detox center for their safety. Prescriptions of these types include Valium, Xanax, Restoril, Klonopin, and Ativan. Common symptoms associated with withdrawal or abuse are:
- Confusion
- Panic attacks and increased anxiety
- Insomnia
- Weight loss
- Shakes and tremors
- Muscle aches and pains
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Lack of focus
- Depression
- Seizures
Stimulants
Stimulants are generally prescribed to treat ADHD and narcolepsy by providing energy, alertness, and focus. They increase the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Dopamine reinforces rewarding behaviors, while norepinephrine affects autonomic functions like heart rate, blood sugar, and breathing. Abuse of stimulates can provide a feeling of euphoria. However, they can cause dangerous spikes in body temperature and heart rate. Eventually, this can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Stimulant detox can result in depression, dysphoria, and suicidal ideation. Prescription stimulants include Adderall, Dexedrine, Ritalin, and Concerta. Common symptoms of abuse or withdrawal may include:
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Impaired memory
- Fatigue
- Unpleasant dreams
- Chills
- Cravings
- Weight loss
- Inability to sleep or excessive sleeping
- Lack of interest in activities
- Dulled senses
Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms
While completing detoxification is a tremendous step forward in overcoming addiction, there’s no guarantee that withdrawal symptoms will go away. If you have a long-term or intense addiction, you may experience post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) that can last for months or even over a year. These include:
- Trouble sleeping
- Disrupted focus
- Mood swings
- Low energy
- Depression and anxiety
Ultimately, overcoming addiction is an ongoing process that goes well beyond detoxification. Having the right support system by your side can make a big difference in your success. At Mayflower Detox in MA, our team can help you manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of relapsing by offering motivation, as well as medication when necessary.
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Prescription Drug Detox Challenges
Identifying a substance use disorder is already a challenging process. Sometimes it can be difficult to admit to having a problem when the signs can be attributed to something else. This is one of the reasons prescription drug detox can be challenging. Symptoms of an underlying emotional or physical problem that the drug was originally prescribed for may be very similar to the symptoms of addiction. Addiction co-occurring with a medical disorder makes it almost impossible to determine where the symptoms of the disorder end and the addiction begin. Intervention can also prove formidable as the addict may point a finger at their initial diagnosis to explain their behavior.
Attempting to detox will cause withdrawal symptoms that are uncomfortable, intense and sometimes life-threatening. It’s extremely hard for addicts to detox from prescription drugs, especially when they are so accessible. It is highly recommended that recovering addicts seek out rehab options to make the process both safe and successful. Rehab facilities are equipped to provide medical supervision and support. The use of drugs like Naltrexone, Methadone, Buprenorphine and Loxfeidine can help ween someone off prescription medications effectively. Behavioral counseling and other therapies are also available, which greatly increase the chances of completing the program.
Why Mayflower Detox?
Mayflower Detox is New England’s premier rehab option for individuals struggling with addiction. The world-class professionals that work at Mayflower’s state-of-the-art facility strive to be authoritative sources for addiction treatment. This beautiful facility offers a holistic refuge for addicts seeking treatment for prescription drug abuse. Intake is an easy, guilt-free process. Once admitted, you’ll enjoy compassionate care in a positive setting. At Mayflower Detox, we recognize that your path to recovery doesn’t end with us. That’s why you’ll receive quality after-care referrals post-detox to ensure your success.
If you or a loved one feel that you may be suffering from an addiction to prescription medication, we are here to help.
Contact Mayflower Detox now to start your journey toward a life free of addiction.
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