The severity of prescription drugs should never be overlooked, we are consistently helping those that require a safe prescription drug detox proving just how important it is to get help before addiction escalates.
Why Detoxing From Prescription Drugs Is Important
Like any substance, a medically assisted detox is absolutely necessary in order to withdraw safely. It is crucial to find the right help, and with us at Action Rehab, we make that possible as we highlight the importance of getting help for prescription drug addiction and bridge the gap between those suffering from addiction and a suitable detox centre.
Taking prescription drugs recreationally or not as prescribed can be incredibly dangerous, it can impact the cognitive function, organs, the heart, the respiratory systems. Prescription drugs are prescribed at an instructed dose and this is non-negotiable to follow for good reason.
If you don’t follow the prescribed dose, it can quickly spiral out of control and result in addiction, which is why it is important to detox safely if this is something that has happened.
Choosing The Right Prescription Drugs Detox Centre
Not knowing where to start when looking for a prescription drug detox centre is completely understandable, that is why we make it easy. Instead of coming up with what makes a good prescription detox centre alone, leave it to us as we take every factor into consideration but most importantly, the requested prerequisites.
Some of the things that we take into consideration when helping individuals find a suitable prescription drug detox centre include, but aren’t limited to the following.
#1 Staff Care
In order to trust a detox centre, it is important to understand the level of staff care that must be present. There should be a combination of nurses, addiction specialists, therapists and doctors. Detox is medically assisted, so this could include the prescription and administration of prescription drugs that are designed to help manage withdrawals.
Due to this, there must be strict regulations in place that ensure that everything being administered is correct and done properly. At Action Rehab, we can find those in need of medical assistance and help find a suitable prescription drug detox centre with health professionals at the forefront.
#2 CQC Rating Awarded
Another aspect to be aware of is the CQC rating that the prescription drug detox centre holds.
Look for those that are ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ and review the report to find their strong points. The CQC is a regulatory body that releases publicly available information regarding the audit performed on CQC registered healthcare facilities.
#3 Facility Reputation
Something else to look out for is the general reputation of a detox facility. This is something that is able to portray a non-biased look into the workings of a detox centre, plus you’re able to find out about particular staff members, their strong points and if it is at all suitable for the addiction at hand.
#4 Past Patient Success Rates
While inpatient detox and rehab care has a higher success rate in general due to the intensity of the treatment, it is understandable to want to know some more about the success rates of each particular prescription drug detox centre.
The best way of finding out if a facility has a good success rate is by reading reviews from past inpatients, speaking to us for some more insight and taking a look at testimonials on the website of the facility.
A Typical Prescription Drugs Detox Timeline
While withdrawal from any substance can vary massively in terms of severity, there are some things that are expected. Do note, that this is a general guideline and this regards prescription drug abuse only, meaning if there are other substances being taken alongside prescription drugs the withdrawal process can look very different and somewhat more severe.
Stage 1: Initial Withdrawal: Day 1 – 3
During the first three days of detox for prescription drugs, withdrawals begin to appear, these can include symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, trouble sleeping, a rapid heartbeat, nausea and or vomiting, diarrhoea, body aches and cravings. These are troubling withdrawals and can be severe depending on the substance, so it is important to have medical assistance during this time.
Stage 2: Peak Withdrawal: Day 3 – 5
During day 3 to 5, the withdrawal symptoms are at their peak. These days continue with the aforementioned withdrawal symptoms, some more intense as the body intensively craves the substance. This can also be the start of intense psychological issues, like depression and heightened anxiety.
Stage 3: Symptoms Begin To Subside: Day 6 – 14
During the end of the first week and through the second, prescription drug withdrawal symptoms are beginning to die down. While there is likely to be some lingering withdrawals like fatigue, mood disturbances and potential sleep disturbances for the most part they will be subsiding.
Stage 4: Symptoms Subside & Post-detox Recovery Begins
Once the withdrawal symptoms have subsided, there begins psychological recovery. This includes rehabilitation in a designated prescription drug rehab facility, this comes secondary to detox since it is required to have a body free from substances prior to beginning psychological rehabilitation to fight the non-physical side of addiction.
Medical Supervision and Safety Measures During Detox
During prescription drug detox, medical supervision is crucial. Since some prescription drugs are incredibly potent and present intense withdrawal symptoms, it is important that medical supervision is around the clock.
At Action Rehab, we are able to present you with detox facility options that offer around the clock care should this be necessary.
Some individuals that detox prescription drugs from their body feel like this is an approach that is effective, plus, it promotes safety during a vulnerable time.
Staff that are well equipped are to hand during the fickle time of a prescription drug detox are there to help, so rest assured that anybody suffering from addiction is handled with care and compassion during this time.
Understanding Prescription Drugs Withdrawal Symptoms
While some may be aware of how to detox your body from prescription drugs, the withdrawals can be intense, which is precisely why it is important to be aware of them and the types of complications that can come along with them.
Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms that those who detox from prescription drugs could experience may include, but aren’t limited to:
- Flu-like symptoms: e.g. aches, sweating / chills)
- Nausea and or vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Dilated pupils
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Cravings
- Irritability
- Muscle stiffness and or tension
- Tremors
- Seizures (in some severe cases)
A lot of what is experienced is heavily dependent on the advancement of the addiction and the exact substances being used. Plus, if there are other substances being used alongside the prescription drugs.
These are factors that can seriously intensify some withdrawals which is why it is important to have a professional assessment to find out the best course of treatment.
Medications Used During Prescription Drugs Detox
It may sound strange, treating prescription drug addiction with prescription drugs however, in moderation and with the right dose prescription drugs can help. During a detox from such, as mentioned, withdrawals can be intense and due to this, various prescription drugs could be used to help manage these.
This essentially helps those that are detoxing to overcome withdrawals more ‘easily’ than they would have without the assistance of prescribed drugs from addiction specialists. There are a range of drugs that treat different withdrawals, it is not necessarily a one size fits all with one drug alone.
That being said, some of the prescribed drugs that can help with particular withdrawal symptoms are as detailed below.
Methadone
Methadone is commonly used in the UK as part of opioid substitution therapy (OST) for individuals suffering with opioid dependence.
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is also often used for opioid substitution therapy
Naltrexone
Naltrexone is often prescribed for the treatment of alcohol dependence and opioid dependence, a common prescription drug addiction.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are available by prescription for the treatment of various conditions, including anxiety disorders, insomnia, and muscle spasms. They can be used during the detoxification for individuals with benzodiazepine dependence under strict medical supervision.
Antidepressants and Antipsychotics
Antidepressants and antipsychotics are widely prescribed for the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other mental health conditions that may become apparent during or after prescription drug detox.
Medications Used to Support Recovery
After a detox for prescription drugs, there are some medications that could help with the long-term recovery process.
While not all of those that have completed treatment may feel as though it is required, some may require these medications to support relapse prevention efforts.
Some of these may include psychological help, such as antidepressants and anti psychotics.
They could help with the transitioning into daily life again to think rationally when it comes to triggers that could influence relapse.
If it isn’t necessary right away, a local GP can always assess and prescribe them in the future if necessary.
Reach Out to Our Support Team
If you, or somebody you know is struggling with prescription drug addiction, get help before it gets any worse. We are here to help anybody in need, so let’s work together to find a suitable prescription drug detox centre.
Why Choose Action Rehab?
At Action Rehab, we are here to help for free, we can help those suffering from prescription drug addiction find a place that they find suitable to recover from.
Whether it is specific treatments, particular locations or homely environments – we can find the place for you.
With our network of partnering rehabs, detox and psychological rehabilitation is just a call away.
Contact Us Now
For those living with a prescription drug addiction, reach out to our team for an appropriate referral.
We will assess the present addiction(s), followed by a recommendation of the most suitable first steps, beginning with a prescription drug detox programme to kick-start your rehabilitation process to a sober future.
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