When taken as directed by healthcare providers, prescription drugs can help address a wide range of medical and mental health conditions. However, certain prescription drugs, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants, have the potential for misuse and addiction. At Retreat of Atlanta, we offer personalized and comprehensive prescription drug detox programs in Georgia to help people overcome their addictions to prescription medications.
How Does Prescription Drug Addiction Develop?
Prescription drug addiction can begin in one of two ways. Sometimes, a person is prescribed medication and initially takes it as directed. However, as their body starts to build tolerance to the drug, it can seem like the medication is not working. This often occurs because the person is no longer experiencing the effects they did when they initially began taking the medication.
So, they start self-medicating and changing their dosages to experience these pleasurable effects. As tolerance continues to increase, so does their increase in dosages. Unfortunately, not only does this lead to addiction, it also makes it more difficult to obtain the needed dosages. So, the person could turn to doctor-shopping or obtaining the drugs illegally.
The second way prescription drug addiction develops is when someone who does not need the medication takes it anyway. They might want to experience the pleasurable effects of the drug. When they do, their brain remembers this as a positive experience. So, they are more likely to continue abusing prescription drugs to experience those effects again and again. Yet, with continued usage comes increased tolerance, dependence, increased dosages, and eventual addiction.
How Do I Know I Need Prescription Drug Detox?
Deciding if you need prescription drug detox in Georgia depends on several different factors. Some key considerations and questions to ask yourself include:
- Do you feel like you need the drug just to function?
- Are you self-medicating and no longer taking the drug as directed?
- Do you experience withdrawal symptoms when the effects wear off?
- Do you experience panic attacks, fear, or anxiety if you do have the drug?
- Do you attempt to get multiple prescriptions for the drug from different doctors?
- Are you stealing medication from someone who needs it?
- Are you obtaining the drug illegally?
- Is using the drug affecting your personal responsibilities, work, or school?
- Do you look forward to using the drug?
- Are you isolating yourself away from friends and family or attempting to hide your drug use?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you should consider scheduling an initial consultation at Retreat of Atlanta for a comprehensive evaluation to determine if you need prescription drug detox.
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Signs and Symptoms of Prescription Drug Addiction
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of prescription drug addiction is difficult for the person using the drugs. Often, it is their friends and family that notice the signs and realize their loved one could be addicted. Some of the more common signs and symptoms to look for include:
- Mood Swings
- Personality Changes
- Irritability
- Easily Angered
- Changes in Eating Habits
- Weight Changes
- Doctor-Shopping
- Financial Problems
- Engaging in Risk-Taking Behaviors
- Inability to Control Drug Usage
- Intense Cravings
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleep Disturbances
Most Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs
Some of the most commonly abused prescription drugs include opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants.
Prescription Opioids
Prescription opioids are often used to help manage pain and chronic conditions. However, they have a high potential for misuse. Some of the more commonly misused prescription opioids include:
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Hydrocodone
- Oxycodone
- Fentanyl
Prescription Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are a type of depressant that affects the central nervous system. They are usually prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, seizures, and insomnia. Yet, their calming and sedative effects can increase the risk of addiction. Some of the more commonly misused benzodiazepines include:
- Xanax
- Klonopin
- Valium
- Ativan
Prescription Stimulants
Stimulants help increase energy levels, focus, and alertness. They are primarily used to treat ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder). They can also be used to treat narcolepsy, binge-eating disorder, and certain types of depression. Some of the commonly misused prescription stimulants include:
- Adderall
- Ritalin
- Concerta
- Dexedrine
- Vyvanse
How Long Does Prescription Drug Detox Last?
The timeline for prescription drug detox will vary based on the drug being used, the duration and frequency of usage, and the dosage taken. A general timeline for drug detox is as follows for the most commonly misused prescription drugs.
Opioids
- 6 – 12 hours after the last dose, withdrawal symptoms will begin.
- Withdrawal symptoms could peak within three days but could take up to a week.
- During the second week of detox, most, if not all, of the physical withdrawal symptoms subside.
- Post-acute psychological withdrawal symptoms, like anxiety, cravings, and insomnia, could persist for several more weeks or months.
Benzodiazepines
- The withdrawal symptoms usually begin with the first day or two after discontinuing use.
- The withdrawal symptoms increase in intensity until they peak, usually within seven to ten days.
- The physical withdrawal symptoms will subside once they peak, and most are gone after two weeks.
- Psychological withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability and cravings, can linger for several more weeks or months.
Stimulants
- The initial withdrawal symptoms can begin within 24 to 72 hours after the last dose.
- From days four through eight, withdrawal symptoms increase until they peak.
- Within seven to ten days after the last dose, the physical withdrawal symptoms gradually decline until fully subsiding, usually by the end of the second week.
- Post-acute withdrawal symptoms, such as mood swings, depression, and cravings, can last for several more weeks or even several months.
What to Expect During Prescription Drug Detox
At Retreat of Atlanta, we begin our prescription drug detox treatment with a detailed evaluation and assessment to help create a personalized detox treatment and care plan. Our prescription drug detox includes round-the-clock medical supervision, evidence-based and holistic therapies, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
Medications
The types of FDA-approved medications used depend on the individual’s prescription drug addiction. For example, naltrexone, methadone, and buprenorphine are used to help treat prescription opioid addictions. For benzodiazepine and stimulant medications, various drugs may be prescribed to help manage specific withdrawal symptoms.
Behavioral Therapy
Some of the behavioral therapies we include with our individualized prescription drug detox treatment include:
- CBT: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most widely used evidence-based therapy for treating addiction and mental health disorders.
- DBT: Dialectical behavioral therapy helps people develop effective skills for altering their negative thought patterns and reducing stress.
- Individual Therapy: One-on-one therapy helps people uncover the underlying causes of their addiction, establish healthy boundaries, and identify triggers.
- Group Therapy: Group therapy provides opportunities to learn from others, share experiences, receive psychoeducation about addiction, and practice coping skills.
- Family Counseling: Family counseling helps repair the damages caused by addiction, rebuild trust, and educate the family on how they can support their loved one in recovery.
Does Insurance Cover Prescription Drug Detox?
Most health insurance plans offer some level of prescription drug detox coverage. Since plans vary, it is best to contact one of our intake specialists directly for assistance in determining your benefits and coverage limits.
Start Prescription Drug Detox in Georgia Today
When you are ready to begin your recovery journey and break free from prescription drug addiction, Retreat of Atlanta is here to help you. Our caring and compassionate team provides comprehensive drug detox treatment programs personalized to fit your unique needs. Contact us today to discover the path to a brighter, drug-free future.
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