Prescription Drug Detox
Begin your comeback with us
Determining the Specific Addiction Type
Prescription drug addiction is rising dramatically across all segments of the population. The most commonly abused prescription drugs fall into three categories:
Opiates
such as OxyContin, Vicodin, and Percocet
Benzodiazepines
such as Xanax and Valium
Stimulants
such as Adderall and Ritalin
Even individuals who take prescription drugs for justified medical reasons may begin to increase pill consumption gradually, resulting in addiction.
Some people who are addicted to prescription drugs choose one specific type of drug and stick with that drug throughout of course of their addictions.
However, there are many who mix and match their prescription drugs. This poly-substance use is remarkably common, with a study in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs reporting that 12.1 percent of college students mix alcohol and prescription drugs, and 6.9 percent mix multiple types of drugs together. Since this pattern of abuse is so common in people who do not have addictions, it’s likely to be even more common in people who do have addictions. As the process moves forward, people with addictions might move from recreational poly-substance use into serious poly-substance addictions.
At the beginning of the prescription drug detox process, our admissions coordinator will determine what kinds of drugs the individual has been taking and how much the person takes in each dose of drugs.
Antidepressants and Symptoms of Withdrawal
Antidepressants are prescription medications used to treat moderate to severe depression. The most common forms of antidepressant medication are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). SSRIs treat depression by changing the brain’s chemical balance of serotonin. This chemical impacts mood and helps users feel positive about their lives. SNRIs similarly boost mood by interacting with norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. Doctors also prescribe antidepressants to treat Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Antidepressants are most often available as oral tablets or capsules.
Common antidepressants include:
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Paroxetine (Paxil)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Venlafaxine (Effexor)
Antidepressants are among the most prescribed medications in the United States. Many doctors prescribe SSRI and SNRI antidepressants as a safer alternative to benzodiazepines. (Many also prescribe Buspar as a safer alternative to benzodiazepines as it specifically treats anxiety disorders.) Doctors consider antidepressants safer because the drugs have less potential for abuse. Despite this, some people abuse antidepressant medications and can still develop a physical dependence on them.
Most antidepressant abuse is typically someone increasing their prescribed dose when they feel like the drug isn’t working fast enough. Some people combine antidepressants with other substances like alcohol in an attempt to amplify the medication’s effects. Over time, antidepressants can stop working for those who truly need them. This can lead some users to increase their doses when they can’t find the relief they need on what was prescribed.
Like most drugs, taking large doses of antidepressants can be dangerous and can also increase the likelihood of seizures. People abusing antidepressants increase their risk of overdosing.
Withdrawal Symptoms
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mood Swings
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Tremors
- Loss of Coordination
- Headache
- Flu-like Symptoms
- Nightmares
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Restlessness
- Muscle Spasms
Stimulants and Symptoms of Withdrawal
Stimulants are a class of drugs that enhance brain activity. Prescription stimulants were used historically to treat asthma, obesity, neurological disorders, and a variety of other ailments, before their potential for abuse and addiction became apparent.
Some Common Brand Names of Stimulants:
- Adderall
- Ritalin
- Vyvanse
- Concerta
- Desoxyn
- Didrex
- Dexedrine
- ProCentra
- Adipex
- Dextrostat
- Methylin
- Focalin
Signs of Stimulant Use:
- Hyperactivity
- Intense Irritability
- Increased Hostility
- Insomnia
- Irregular Heartbeat
- High Blood Pressure
- Paranoia
- Unexplained Weight Loss
If a person addicted to stimulants quits using them, they will experience withdrawal symptoms as their brain has to relearn how to function on its own.
Withdrawal symptoms can be both physical and psychological in nature and are usually moderate to severe. The psychological withdrawal from stimulants can be especially severe, leading some former users to relapse; others may even become suicidal or violent. For this reason, stimulant users are advised to seek professional medical help when quitting the drugs.
Withdrawal from stimulants is characterized by a dysphoric mood—feeling unhappy—and the presence of two or more of the following symptoms:
Withdrawal Symptoms
- Jittery Reactions
- Anxiety
- Chills
- Dehydration
- Dulled Senses
- Slowed Speech
- Loss of Interest
- Slowed Movements
- Slow Heart Rate
- Irritability
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Increased Appetite
- Impaired Memory
- Weight Loss or Gaunt Appearance
- Insomnia or Hypersomnia
- Body Aches
- Drug Cravings
- Unpleasant Dreams
Generally, symptoms present within a few hours to several days after the last use of the drug. Most intense symptoms peak about a week in. Some psychological symptoms, like depression, can last for weeks or even months after quitting. Symptoms that persist after two weeks are considered post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS). PAWS may include poor sleep, anxiety, depression, irritability/agitation, poor concentration, fatigue, and mood-swings. PAWS can last from 12-18 months depending on the individual; however, symptoms tend to decrease in severity as times goes by.
Sleep Medicines and Symptoms of Withdrawal
If you have trouble sleeping, drugs like zolpidem (Ambien), eszopiclone (Lunesta), and zaleplon (Sonata) can help you get the rest you need. But if you use them longer than your doctor suggests, you may become dependent and need them to sleep. Practicing sleep hygiene skills is the best way to deal with sleep problems.
Sleeping pill withdrawal symptoms can be intense. Users with multiple addictions and/or co-occurring mental health problems may also go through a more serious and complicated withdrawal process.
Withdrawal Symptoms
- Body Spasms
- Seizures
- Insomnia
- Delirium
- Anxiety
- Drug Cravings
- Irritability
- Depression
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Sweating
- Increased Heart Rate
- Hand Tremors
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Managing Symptoms in a Detox Facility
Detox from stimulants is safest and most successful under the supervision of medical professionals. New Outlook Detox will help to manage symptoms of withdrawal, making the whole process more bearable and efficient.