Prescription Drug Detox

Prescription medications lead to dependence and addiction when misused. Therefore, when an addiction happens, individuals require treatment to cope with the emotional and physical distress associated with it. Detox is the first step in treatment. For those wondering what happens during this process, it allows you to rid your body of all mind-altering substances and toxins.

Furthermore, due to the painful and dangerous nature of withdrawal symptoms, it is essential to detox at a credible and licensed facility. Fortunately, prescription drug detox centers in Atlanta, Georgia are dedicated to guiding clients safely and smoothly through the unpleasant but necessary detox process.

What Are Prescription Drug Detox Centers in Atlanta Like?

The Retreat of Atlanta’s prescription drug detox center assists patients in taking the first step towards recovery. Additionally, all of our drug and alcohol detox programs are medically-supervised, meaning you will be under the close watch of our care team. First and foremost, during this time, we monitor your vitals to ensure you remain physically stable. Then, if a complication should occur, we are there 24/7 to offer support and assistance.

Finally, we will administer specific medications to reduce your withdrawal symptoms and relieve your cravings as well. Following detox, we offer a variety of addiction treatment services in Atlanta. These include therapeutic interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, individual therapy, group therapy, and family counseling for example. We accept Aetn, TRICARE and PHCS insurance for qualifying people.

What Are The Most Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs?

Prescription medications are an essential part of managing pain, reducing anxiety, and maintaining overall health. In fact, in doing so, they further produce euphoric, numbing, and/or tranquilizing effects. Unfortunately, there are countless misused prescription drugs on the market. As an example, the following highlights common prescription drugs that people become addicted to.

Prescription Opioids

It is no secret that our nation is in the midst of an opioid crisis. These painkillers are heavily used across the United States, hence drastically increasing overdose rates and deaths. To add, some opioids such as heroin are illicit. However, most are prescribed in cases of chronic pain, surgery, and/or terminal conditions. 

Highly addictive opioids include:

• Morphine
• Hydrocodone
• Oxycodone
• Fentanyl
• Codeine

CNS Depressants

CNS depressants slow the central nervous system. In addition, these medications treat conditions such as anxiety, panic disorder, and insomnia as they have calming properties. Specifically, a widely misused type of CNS includes benzodiazepines like Xanax for example.

Types of benzos include: 

• Xanax (alprazolam)
• Klonopin (diazepam)
• Valium (clonazepam)
• Ativan (lorazepam)

Additionally, there are other types of CNS depressants such as barbiturates and sedatives:

Prescription Stimulants

Oftentimes, those under intense academic or professional stress misuse prescription stimulants. Moreover, these drugs produce a synthetic burst of energy, hence their popularity. Prescription drug detox centers in Atlanta can help a person deal with stimulant withdrawal symptoms.

Examples include: 

• Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine)
• Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)
• Ritalin/Concerta (methylphenidate)
• Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)

Signs of Prescription Drug Addiction

According to the National Survey on Substance Use and Health, an estimated 2 million people misuse prescription drugs each year. Tragically and consequently, almost 15,000 people die every year as a result of prescription medication overdose. Hence, it is crucial that individuals identify addiction in themselves and in their loved ones as well. 

Common signs of prescription drug addiction include:

• Borrowing medications
• Pharmacy shopping (i.e. visiting several providers/pharmacies to obtain prescriptions)
• Losing prescriptions
• Falling behind at work or in school
• Mood swings and abrupt personality changes
• Spending the majority of time using or recovering from drugs
• Experiencing financial hardship due to spending on drugs
• Illegal activity and risky behavior

Prescription Drug Withdrawal Symptoms

The exact symptoms of prescription drug withdrawal depend on the type of drug someone has used. Additionally, they also depend on the severity of the individual’s addiction. Therefore, withdrawal symptoms can occur in addition to cravings.

Examples that are common across the board include:

• Sweating
• Chills
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Fever
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Muscle aches and pain
• Mood swings
• Trouble concentrating
• Feelings of anxiety and depression
• Tremors and spasms
• Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
• Hallucinations and delusions
• Seizures

Prescription Drug Withdrawal Timeline

The duration of detox depends on the type of drug used as well as how often someone takes it, and lastly, how much someone takes at a time. It is important to note that those detoxing from prescription drugs are at risk for post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS). These symptoms can last for weeks, even months, even after detox is done. Generally, these side effects are mild and include cravings, insomnia, and feelings of sadness. Fortunately, a medically-supervised detox program can reduce the effects of PAWS.

The following highlights the different prescription drug withdrawal timelines:

Opioids

The opioid detox timeline depends on whether the opioid is short-acting or long-acting. To add, short-acting opioids include morphine and immediate-release forms of opioid painkillers such as fentanyl, oxycodone, and hydrocodone. Those detoxing from short-acting opioids begin showing withdrawal symptoms as early as 8 hours and as late as 24 hours after their last use. These side effects continue for up to 10 days. Controlled or extended release forms of opioids are considered to be long-acting. In these cases, withdrawal symptoms surface within 36 hours after a person’s last dose and have the potential to continue for over 2 weeks. 

Stimulants

Stimulant detox withdrawal symptoms begin and peak within 24 to 72 hours after a person’s last dose. For the most part, these side effects subside within 7 to 10 days. However, symptoms such as depression, mood swings, and insomnia often continue for an additional week. 

CNS Depressants 

Those detoxing from CNS depressants start experiencing withdrawal symptoms 12 to 24 hours after their last dose. These symptoms peak within 24 to 72 hours. Finally, side effects gradually begin to fade after this period.  Moreover, it is not uncommon for those detoxing from benzodiazepines to continue experiencing symptoms for up to 14 days. 

Medications Used at Prescription Drug Detox Centers in Atlanta, GA

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) reduces the severity of withdrawal symptoms. It also helps in preventing dangerous and potentially fatal reactions. It also prevents relapse as those participating in MAT have reduced cravings.

Medications commonly administered during prescription drug detox include: 

• Clonidine: Clonidine addresses the physical symptoms of withdrawal, making the overall process more tolerable.
• Methadone: Most often used in opioid detox, this opioid agonist helps to minimize withdrawal symptoms and ease cravings by tricking the brain into thinking a person is still under the influence of opioids; however, methadone does not get people high.
• Buprenorphine: This partial opioid-agonist prevents long-term relapse. It works very similarly to methadone but is not as potent.
• Antidepressants/Anti-anxiety medications: Those detoxing from benzodiazepines are subject to rebound anxiety and depression. These medications help to reduce these unpleasant feelings while keeping individuals from panicking.

Does Insurance Cover Atlanta Detox Centers?

The Affordable Care Act ensures that all public insurers provide some form of substance use coverage; this includes detox at prescription drug detox centers. Thus, it is best to refer to your particular policy to review your deductible and check the amount of detox coverage available to you. Keep in mind that your insurance requires you to receive treatment from an in-network provider. Fortunately, Retreat of Atlanta is proud to accept the majority of insurance plans in order to make our services as accessible as possible.

Begin Your Recovery at Our Prescription Drug Detox Centers in Atlanta, GA

Our compassionate team of experts is well-versed in the most cutting-edge aspects of evidence-based addiction treatment. We offer detox for all types of substance and alcohol dependence. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, our nurturing environment prioritizes your comfort, protection, and privacy. Therefore, you can rely on us to provide the assistance you need. Call The Retreat of Atlanta or use our contact form to get started on your recovery journey today.