By We Level Up NJ Treatment Center | Editor Yamilla Francese | Clinically Reviewed By Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS, Director of Quality Assurance | Editorial Policy | Research Policy | Last Updated: March 1, 2023
Understanding Prescriptions Pills Abuse
A prescription pill can be abused when you use it for a purpose other than that prescribed. Therefore, it is crucial to understand that most of the medications in the market are psychoactive. In other words, they cause addiction or dependency cases similar to that of prescription drugs or illicit drugs. There are complications with changing the dependency pattern, and it often demands expert assistance. So, the first phase in several rehabilitation programs is typically a prescription pill detox.
Various detoxification programs can accommodate a more comprehensive understanding of which procedures are considered effective at removing prescription pill’ harmful substances. In addition, detoxification methods may vary from person to person, depending on the type and quantity of drugs used; the length of time the drugs were misused, and the addiction severity.
Danger in Discontinuation
A broad array of prescription pills is available to patients because it is ranging from pain killers derived from opium to stimulants. And depressants for the brain and spinal cord. To emphasize, there is a potential for chemical or physical dependence on each medication, along with neurological changes that happen over time with prescription pills.
The withdrawal will transpire when a person stops using a drug and ends the other or decreases the drug quantities. Basically, the onset of withdrawal symptoms might take several weeks before they are no longer severe enough to injure someone without proper treatment and prescription drugs. However, if not treated appropriately and adequately, they can be fatal.
Opioids
- Opioids are synthetic drugs derived from the Opium Poppy plant, and they are considered narcotic drugs. Medically, these substances are often used as pain relievers. In addition, doctors may prescribe a range of potential opioids to patients who come to them expressing an overwhelming and unmanageable amount of pain.
- Examples of Prescription Opioid Drugs include:
- Methadone
- Oxycodone (OxyContin)
- Percocet (Oxycodone with acetaminophen)
- Percodan (Oxycodone with aspirin)
- Meperidine (Demerol)
- Fentanyl (Duragesic)
- Hydrocodone with acetaminophen (Lorcet, Lortab, Vicodin)
- Hydrocodone (Zohydro ER, Hysingla ER)
- Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
- Moreover, opiates are a similar form of these drugs where the active ingredient is naturally occurring. These substances include opium, morphine, and codeine. These substances are highly addictive and contribute to the opioid epidemic that has been crippling America for decades. Therefore, medical detox and treatment are often necessary to help those who have been battling this form of addiction.
Stimulants
- Stimulants are a class of prescription pills used to manage conditions associated with attention and focus, such as ADHD. These benefit people with attention deficiency by enhancing their cognitive function and sharpening their focus. However, they work by stimulating dopamine production, a naturally occurring hormone responsible for feelings of pleasure, and induce a sort of “high” upon entering the bloodstream. The high becomes a sensation that users seek and can lead to addiction. Common examples of prescription stimulants include Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta, Desoxyn, Dexedrine, and Suprenza
Sedatives/CNS Depressants
- Sedatives are a class of drugs that do just that: they sedate the user. The level of sedation may vary depending on the exact drug, the dosage, and factors related to the individual taking the medication. Generally, Sedatives, or CNS Depressants, are in prescription to people who struggle with anxiety and sleeping disorders. Because they can have a calming effect on the user by increasing the presence of GABA, a neurotransmitter that slows activity in the central nervous system. Given that, the sedative effect can vary from simply making an individual relaxed to making them highly drowsy. Unfortunately, Individuals trying to escape feelings such as anxiety, fear, and depression; may abuse these substances to avoid these feelings for a little while. Xanax, Ambien, Valium, Klonopin, Mebaral, and Nembutal are common sedatives on the market.
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Prescriptions Pills Abuse Statistics
Age-related increases in prescription drug use were observed across the board for both genders. In the last 30 days, prescription medication use was reported by 18.0% of children ages 0 to 11, 27.0% of adolescents ages 12 to 19, 46.7% of adults ages 20 to 59, and 85.0% of people ages 60 and older.
45.8%
In the past 30 days, 45.8% of Americans consumed prescription medications in 2015–2016.
Source: CDC
66%
According to estimates, 66% of Americans use one or more prescription medications.
Source: CDC
4
The average American takes four prescription prescriptions each day
Source: CDC
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Hotline (877) 378-4154How is Prescription Pill Detox
Prescription Pill Detox can produce withdrawal symptoms just as harsh as many illicit drugs. So, consider whether it will be harmless to detox from prescription drugs at home, and a treatment facility is a more secure option. To clarify, detoxifying your body from prescription drugs is not common knowledge.
The method can usually be eased and more appropriately managed with the help of professional addiction treatment caregivers. So, what benefits are available at home? and what level of support is reasonable to expect from loved ones during this time?
And, someone who is detoxing may be helpless to care for themselves during this time, and it is best to be prepared for the worst.
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Natural Prescription Pill Detox Methods
There are several ways how to detox your body from prescription pills naturally. These methods include nutrient-rich diets or detoxifying practices like yoga, massage, and other holistic approaches. Secondly, the most transparent process of naturally detoxing from prescription drug medications is just allowing time and rest to do its thing. However, detoxing from prescription pills can be dangerous, but being patient and letting time pass while your body naturally detoxes is reasonable; for those who produce uncomfortable symptoms.
Prescription Pill Detox Program Benefits
A prescription drug detox program is beneficial for anyone who is trying to overcome this type of addiction. Because these programs can provide medical interventions when necessary, they can provide physical and psychological barriers to lower the risk of relapse. Specific benefits include:
- 24/7 Monitoring for Alleviating Withdrawal
- Medical Interventions
- Access to Alternative Therapies
- Licensed Addiction Professionals
- Individualized Treatment Plans
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Behavioral Symptoms Of Prescription Pill Detox:
- Stealing prescription drugs from acquaintances, family members, or complete strangers (raiding the medicine cabinet at a random house party, for example).
- Shopping for prescriptions from different doctors is known as doctor shopping.
- Lack of reliability as a result of failure to fulfill obligations or accomplish responsibilities.
- Reporting lost or stolen prescriptions repeatedly in order to get more of the desired drug is dishonest and manipulative.
- Modifying one’s usage patterns to get a stronger high (rather than take a pill orally crushing a pill up and snorting it or using it intravenously).
- When challenged, denial, justification, and an inability to give direct answers (about prescription drug use).
Symptoms of Withdrawal
Opioids
- Drowsiness, Lethargy, and Random Sleeping Habits
- Lack of Desire to Exercise
- Shallow or Poor Breathing
- Decreased Libido
- Cold and Flu Symptoms
- Nausea and Headaches
- Poor Hygiene
- Bad Decisions or Habits
- Ignoring Responsibilities
- Difficulty with Personal and Professional Relationships
- Weight Loss
Stimulants
- Jumpy or Over-Energetic
- Fast and Excessive Speech
- High Blood Pressure
- Constant Alertness
- High Body Temperature
- Delusions and Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Chest Pain
- Headache
- Erratic Heartbeat
- Random Sleep Patterns
Sedatives
- Drowsiness
- Poor Memory
- Slurred Speech
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Off-Balance or Lack of Steadiness
- Poor Coordination
- Dilated Pupils
- Depression
- Agitation
- Paranoia
- Aggressive Behavior
In addition to being uncomfortable, the prescription pill detox process can be downright dangerous. Consequently, depending on numerous factors, the process may take days or upwards of a week or two. On the other hand, withdrawal symptoms can even turn deadly. In conclusion. these are all reasons why it is essential to see the help of a professional medical detox facility. In fact, medications are available as well to ease the detox process, but this must be done so with professional care and close monitoring.
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Safe Prescription Pill Detox
Narcotic addiction is a common issue in the US because according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) [1], prescription and over-the-counter substance abuse are second only to marijuana misuse in terms of prevalence. Unfortunately, it is directly related to the magnitude and duration of withdrawal symptoms during detox that prescription drugs are physically and chemically dependent.
Most importantly, please do not try to detox on your own because all prescription drugs have withdrawal effects and health risks. Provided that, detoxification should be done under medical supervision and should be the first stage in a recovery program. Since addiction and dependence are physical and mental, detox can never be the only level in the healing process.
The Most Commonly Abused Prescription Pill Categories that Require Detox
The Prescription Drug Classifications that Contain the Most Commonly Abused Drugs that Require Detox are:
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
- Amphetamines and Stimulants
- Anabolic Steroids
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Opiates
- Sedatives and Tranquilizers
Each one of these drug classes can be helpful when it is used correctly but very dangerous when they are taken for too long or when they are abused in some way. Above all, addiction to prescription pills is distressing, most of the time, it is necessary to get the right sort of treatment if you think you might have an addiction. Therefore, medically assisted detox is the best way to begin recovering.
Given that, prescription drugs addiction doesn’t have to be a life sentence. However, going to prescription pill detox, with the help of treatment experts, can make a difference because of the support you may get to life-long recovery.
We are here to help. Contact us today here at We Level Up New Jersey and get the solutions you need to start your journey to sobriety.
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Sources
[1] Over-the-Counter Medicines – National Institute on Drug Abuse
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment. Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 45. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 15-4131. Rockville, MD: Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, 2006.
Gupta, M., Gokarakonda, S.B., & Attia, F.N. (2022, May 20). Withdrawal syndromes. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (2015). Medication for the treatment of alcohol use disorder: A brief guide. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 15-4907. Rockville, MD.
Sachdeva, A., Choudhary, M., & Chandra, M. (2015). Alcohol withdrawal syndrome: Benzodiazepines and beyond. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 9(9), VE01–VE07.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Medications for opioid use disorder. Treatment improvement protocol (TIP) series 63. Publication No. PEP21-02-01-002. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2021.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022, April 21). Naloxone.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022, July 14). Buprenorphine.
Cayley Jr., W. E. (2011). Effectiveness of acamprosate in the treatment of alcohol dependence. American Family Physician, 86(5), 522–524.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021, December 3). How effective are medications to treat opioid use disorder?
