Can Prescription Drugs be Addictive?

A common misconception is that prescription drugs aren’t addictive. However, as we can see from the opioid epidemic, this isn’t the case. Prescription drugs like stimulants, benzodiazepines, and opioids are highly addictive drugs that are frequently prescribed. And while addiction isn’t inevitable, it is a risk that all patients should be aware of. For those who have developed a dependence on and addiction to their prescription drugs, our prescription medication detox can help kick start recovery.

What Drug Detox Is Like?

Medical detoxification, or detox, is a form of treatment designed to rid the body of toxic substances like drugs or alcohol. Detox is required when a person experiences withdrawal symptoms, which mark the existence of drug dependence.

Withdrawal can be a highly painful and uncomfortable process as the body tries to regulate itself and adjust to a lack of a particular substance. If not done safely or properly, withdrawal symptoms can become dangerous and even life-threatening, especially in cases when a person is detoxing from benzodiazepines or alcohol.

The body reacts so severely during withdrawal because the chemical processes in the brain are disrupted. For instance, in cases where the person is dependent on alcohol, they might experience symptoms like seizures, shaky hands, insomnia, and nausea.

These are excitable symptoms that occur because the body is no longer receiving a depressant substance like alcohol. In other words, all of the functions that were sedated during alcohol use are suddenly spiked during withdrawal.

The nature of withdrawals varies depending on the substance in question. Other factors like how long the person was using or drinking and how severely they used or drank can also impact the severity and duration of withdrawals.

Common symptoms of prescription drug withdrawal include:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Depression
• Intense dreaming
• Suicidal thoughts and tendencies
• Anxiety
• Aggression
• Tremors
• Stomach pains
• Sweating
• Fever

Again, these symptoms may vary depending on the drug in question. For instance, while individuals detoxing from depressants may experience high-activity withdrawals, those detoxing from stimulants may experience sedative symptoms like depression or fatigue. Our specialists are experienced and knowledgeable on how to detox your body from prescription drugs safely.

How to Detox Your Body From Prescription Drugs (Safely)

The best way to detox from prescription drugs is with medical detox. Having the support of a medical team can prevent symptoms like dehydration and seizures from becoming life-threatening. Legacy Healing Center helps people who are looking for drug or alcohol detox by offering comfortable and cohesive treatment options. To start the prescription medication detox process, a clinical assessment is essential in determining the specific treatment plan for the client. This allows our specialists to determine the severity of the individual’s condition and create a plan that works for them. During this time, our team will evaluate symptoms, medical history, and the severity of the person’s addiction to prescription drugs. Once the evaluation is completed, next is the detox itself. When long-term use of prescription drugs is stopped, the detoxification process immediately begins. During this process, the body works to rid itself of these substances. To make this process smoother and ease discomfort and pain caused by withdrawals, our medical team may administer medication and place clients on a tapering schedule.

Prescription Drug Detox Centers

Tapering with a professional prescription medication detox is a more effective way to detox than cold turkey or at-home attempts. It’s recommended that individuals interested in quitting drugs or alcohol undergo a medically assisted detox led by professionals. If you’re searching for detox services for yourself or a loved one, our numerous Legacy Healing Center locations across the country can help. Each center is focused on aiding clients in their recovery journeys, whether it’s with detox, therapy, or aftercare services.

For more information about our drug and alcohol treatment or other forms of detoxification, contact Legacy Healing today!

Related Reading:

• Prescription Drug Detox Long Island
• Alcohol Detox Supplements