Prescription Drug Detox
Prescription drug abuse, while most prevalent in the US, is a problem in many areas around the world including Europe, Southern Africa, and South Asia. In the US alone, more than 15 million people abuse prescription drugs. In 2006 in the United States, 2.6 million people abused prescription drugs for the first time.
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While detox services are not offered at our JourneyPure Nashville campus, JourneyPure has several other facilities that provide detox. We will make sure you receive the highest care of medical detoxification.
Prescription drug abuse causes the largest percentage of deaths from drug overdoses. Of the 22,400 drug overdose deaths in the US in 2005, opioid painkillers were the most commonly found drug, accounting for 38.2% of these deaths. Research from 2016 shows that when U.S. doctors give their patients narcotic painkillers, 99% of them hand out prescriptions that exceed the federally recommended three-day dosage limit. This is the unfortunate reality of how we ended up in a crisis of overuse, and overdose.
Currently, in The United States, it is not uncommon for people to be on some kind of prescription drug. Benzodiazepines, stimulants, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and opioids, All make up the menu of medically prescribed offerings. According to a study conducted by Consumer Reports, 55% of Americans are taking prescription drugs.
Drug dependence is a complex disease process where the person addicted cannot voluntarily stop, or lessen their use of illicit or prescription drugs. People who become addicted to drugs are not necessarily lacking in morals or character, and they do not come from one specific background or socioeconomic group. Drug addiction occurs throughout all demographics in our society and is not picky about who it makes its victims.
Genetic predisposition, environmental, and mental health issues all increase a person’s potential to engage in prescription drug abuse, however, there are effective treatments for drug detoxification and recovery. So do not hesitate, if you are struggling with addiction contact our prescription drug detox center in Nashville, Tennessee today and learn how we can help you begin your treatment!
Prescription Drug Withdrawal Symptoms
There is no doubt that withdrawing from prescription drugs can be very challenging. However, a prescription drug detox center can make this process much easier for those who are prepared to stop using and finally get sober. When someone ceases to use the prescription drug they have become dependent on they are going to experience withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms that they will experience will vary depending on the substance, frequency, longevity, and quantity used. Different prescription drugs will present different withdrawal symptoms.
Prescription Opioids (OxyContin, Fentanyl, Vicodin):
- Nausea
- Depression
- Muscle cramping
- Cravings
- Anxiety
- Agitation
Stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin, Dexedrine):
- Anxiety
- Dehydration
- Slowed heart rate
- Exhaustion
- Hallucinations
- Body aches
Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin):
- Panic
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Heart palpitations
- High blood pressure
- Seizures
Most of the symptoms described can be very dangerous themselves or have dangerous collateral effects. It is critical that anyone considering discontinuing a substance they are currently abusing to seek out a facility that provides the specific detox that they are needing.
A prescription drug detox center in Nashville will also provide clients with 24/7 physical and psychological care. Not only will clients have their vitals checked on a regular basis by doctors and nurses, but they will also be in contact with psychiatric professionals who can help them through the difficult mental health aspects of prescription drug withdrawal.
Timeline Of Prescription Drug Withdrawal
Generally, most periods of withdrawal last anywhere from a few days to two weeks. During this time is when the majority of individuals withdrawing from prescription drugs experience the most intense symptoms. Additionally, and often viewed as most important, a prescription drug detox center offers clients a safe, secure place to detox where the temptations to use are eradicated and the focus on getting sober is the everyday goal.
Prescription Opioids
Users of opioids will begin to feel the effects of withdrawal within a day of their last dose. The intensity and discomfort will reach its peak around the third day of detox. The entire duration of the detox can take 7-10 days
Prescription Stimulants
People abusing stimulants will be able to feel the effects of withdrawal within a day. The symptoms will increase in intensity for the first few days, then begin to diminish at a weeks time.
Benzodiazepines
Benzos, like Xanax, are very challenging to detox from. Withdrawal from this type of drug is arduous and takes a heavy emotional toll. Patients can suffer seizures after only a couple of days, and risk injury or death. Depression and high levels of anxiety can follow, so it is critical the individual be under the watchful eye of our medical team and in our detox facility here at our prescription drug detox center in Nashville Tennessee.
It only takes upwards of 12 hours after one’s last use to start feeling symptoms, which will continue to build until they reach their peak around two weeks. From there, they will slowly taper off. However, symptoms associated with benzodiazepine withdrawal have been known to linger for months to years after the user has ended.
Because detoxing from prescription medications can be so challenging, people can spend more time in their addictions even when they want to quit, for the sole purpose of avoiding detox. And while detox is the only way to rid the body of the substance the patient has been taking, it doesn’t have to be experienced with its full force.
Our medical staff is well trained and prepared to provide appropriate medications to ease one’s symptoms. Medications like;
- Anti-nausea medication
- Sleep aids
- Antidepressants
- Carefully monitored medications that ease the acute symptoms of specific drugs
These medications all help to provide a patient with more peace and comfort during their detox.
Get Professional Help Today At Our Nashville, Tennesee Prescription Drug Detox Center
The most important component of the patient’s detox is their desire to be done with the substance they are taking. After that, it is up to us at our prescription drug detox center in Nashville, Tennessee to provide you with an appropriate, safe and supportive detox care. It is our hope that you choose to continue on in our inpatient treatment program so that you can learn the tools necessary for long-term sobriety.
So, do not make any more excuses for why you cannot stop using. Your future is in your hands, and you are capable of changing your story for the better. Call our Nashville, TN prescription drug detox center today. We can help you.