It is easy to get hooked on prescription drugs whether you take them for a medical condition or are misusing them illicitly. Once dependence develops, it can lead to a host of problems, such as self-medicating, increased tolerance, increasing dosages, and eventual addiction. Additionally, as dosages increase, so too does the risk of accidental overdose and death. At Serenity Grove, we provide comprehensive detox for prescription drugs in Georgia with individualized detox treatment plans.
What Is Prescription Drug Detox?
Detox from prescription drugs is usually the first step to recovery from misuse and addiction. Each individual normally has specific detox needs. However, a sudden cessation of prescription drugs often results in moderate and severe withdrawal symptoms. In order to effectively manage withdrawal symptoms, medically supervised detox at Serenity Grove is recommended. Our medical team oversees detox to help individuals address their withdrawal symptoms and cravings for prescription drugs.
Commonly Misused Prescription Drugs
Commonly misused prescription drugs are usually the ones that increase the release of natural endorphins in the brain, such as serotonin, and can also create euphoria. They often include benzodiazepines, opioids, and stimulants, such as:
- Xanax
- Adderall
- OxyContin
- Fentanyl
- Morphine
- Ambien
- Ritalin
- Vicodin
- Valium
- Ativan
- Percocet
- Codeine
Prescription Drug Withdrawal Symptoms
Prescription drug withdrawal symptoms will vary from individual to individual. They will depend on the misused medication, the duration and frequency of use, and the dosage. The range of symptoms can also range from mild to severe. As such, medically supervised detox for prescription drugs in Georgia is highly recommended.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions. Common benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Panic Attack
- Tremors
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Muscle pain and stiffness
- Headaches
- Cravings
Some of the more severe benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms could include:
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Delirium
Opioids
Opioids are drugs that attach to the opioid receptors in the brain and central nervous system to block pain. Common opioid withdrawal symptoms often include:
- Intense cravings
- Muscle and joining pain
- Runny nose
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Restlessness
- Sweating
- Tearing eyes
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Sleep disturbances
Some of the more severe withdrawal symptoms of opioids may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Hallucinations
Stimulants
Stimulants are prescription drugs often prescribed for ADHD. They help increase energy levels, alertness, focus, and attention. Common stimulant withdrawal symptoms include:
- Sleep disturbances
- Chills
- Impaired cognitive functioning
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Intense cravings
- Mood swings
- Difficulty focusing and concentrating
- Lack of energy
- Body aches and pains
Severe stimulant withdrawal symptoms could include:
- Seizures
- Dizziness
- Uncontrolled shaking
- Muscle cramps
- Elevated heart rate
- Fast breathing
- Fever
- Difficulties remaining conscious
- Convulsions
- Chest pain
What to Expect During Prescription Drug Detox in Georgia
Detox for prescription drugs in Georgia begins with a comprehensive examination. You will be asked about your prescription drug misuse, medical and family histories, mental health issues, and other concerns and issues you have. Next, a comprehensive detox treatment plan is created and personalized to your needs.
You will receive round-the-clock medical supervision throughout the detox process with our inpatient program. Our outpatient detox program also provides medical supervision with daily check-ins and support. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may be used, which is using FDA-approved medications to help reduce cravings and manage the more severe and intense withdrawal symptoms.
An essential part of our detox programs includes individual and group therapy sessions. These sessions help address the underlying issues contributing to your prescription drug addiction. They also help you to start to build practical coping skills and strategies. Individualized plans can also include:
- Nutritional support
- Well-balanced and healthy meals
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Mindfulness
- Exercise
Recommended: Finding the Best Detox Centers Near Atlanta
How Long Does Detox for Prescription Drugs Last?
The duration of detox for prescription drugs will vary for each person based on the duration and frequency of use, drug taken, and dosage taken. Generally, detox takes between two to four weeks before all physical withdrawal symptoms have fully subsided.
However, cravings and psychological withdrawal symptoms, such as sleep disturbances, anxiety, irritability, depression, and mood swings, could persist for several months or longer. Therefore, ongoing treatment is recommended to help people effectively manage these symptoms.
It is also important to remember prescription drug detox is just the first step in recovery from addiction. Detox alone will not guarantee sustained abstinence. As such, transitioning to a prescription drug addiction treatment program is strongly recommended to achieve long-term recovery.
Medications Used for Prescription Drug Detox
There are different medications used for prescription drug detox treatment depending on the medication that was misused. For example, when treating prescription opioid drug detox, methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone can be used to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
In addition, certain medications can be prescribed to treat specific withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. For some prescription drugs, weaning may be used in place of medications. Weaning gradually reduces the dosage taken and allows the body time to adjust to a lower dose. This helps reduce and minimize withdrawal symptoms. Eventually, the drug is fully discontinued. However, when weaning is used the duration of detox will be longer.
Start Detox for Prescription Drugs in Athens, Georgia Today
Admitting you need help with prescription drug misuse and addiction can seem scary. When you turn to Serenity Grove for help, you are not alone. Our caring and supportive team is here to provide support and comprehensive detox for prescription drugs. Contact us now to learn more about our personalized prescription drug detox programs that can help you safely take the first steps to sustained recovery.
