Drug detox is a difficult process that is often the first step in addiction treatment. In some cases, it may involve medications. When you call drug detox centers to learn more about treatment options, keep in mind the instances where medication may be necessary for prescription drug detox.
Withdrawal Management
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration, opiate-based pain relievers are one of the most common categories of abused prescription drugs. These types of drugs often have similar, if not the same, withdrawal symptoms during detox as illicit opiates. Medication designed to help manage the withdrawal symptoms, such as buprenorphine or methadone, may be an option in prescription drug detox when the drug in question is opiate-based. The detoxification process can be vicious for some and maintenance medications are designed to slow down and lessen the symptoms of withdrawal, allowing patients some ease with detox. It is defined by the National Institute on Drug Abuse as the first step in addiction treatment, where the body rids itself of an abused substance. Those with prescription drug abuse problems are often wary of taking these medications during recovery, as there is a chance of abuse with maintenance medications. All medications used during prescription drug detox or treatment should be monitored for the safety of the patient.
Co-occurring Conditions
Dual diagnosis, where there is an additional co-occurring condition that is present, is not uncommon in cases of addiction. As many prescription drugs are usually to treat an additional condition, dual diagnosis and prescription drug detox are a normal combination. Often, the original condition that the drug was prescribed for still needs to be treated at the same time that the addiction is being treated. One cannot be ignored for the sake of the other as this will only complicate matters further and but the patient’s health at risk. In cases of dual diagnosis, medication may be necessary during prescription drug detox to ensure the continued care of the co-occurring condition during the addiction treatment process and to prevent any issues it can have on the person during detox.
Health Concerns
Addiction, whether it is to an illicit drug or a prescription drug, can cause severe damage to the mind and body. This damage can be potentially worsened during detox, causing a need for medical intervention like medication to be necessary. As the body flushes the drug out of its system, it often is causing a lot of additional stress on itself. Depending on the condition of the person’s body and the severity of the damage caused by the addiction, things can get a lot worse. Certain drugs can cause a weakening of vital organs like the heart, which may not be able to withstand the stress of detox on its own. Medication can simply ensure that the damage is being treated throughout the entire recovery process, including detox.
If you are struggling with an addiction, please call drug detox centers for help. You will be able to speak with one of our caring specialists about what treatment options are available for you.
