The decision to go through detox and rehab isn’t an easy one to make. While you likely know that you need professional help, there are often certain factors that stand in your way. You may be wondering if you have to quit your job to go through rehab or if you’ll have to give up all of your activities. You may be wondering how long you will have to stay or if you can leave the facility and still receive help. Going into detox is a huge step, and you should always look for answers before you commit.
One popular question many users ask is what happens if they go into detox because of prescription medication abuse. Let’s read on to learn more about detox and to answer that question.
What can I expect during the intake process?
If you are considering detox and rehab for your prescription medication abuse, you’ll want to know what the steps are before you sign yourself in. Before your detox starts, you’ll first go through the intake process in the facility you have chosen. You’ll talk to a counselor who will ask you many questions about your prescription pill problem. He or she, along with the rehab’s doctors and nurses, will use these answers to develop your treatment plan. They will want to know how long you have been using prescription drugs, your normal dose, if you have tried to detox before, and if you are taking any pills now.
It is important to be 100% honest with the staff right from the start. This allows them to create the best treatment plan geared towards your individual needs.
What if I need medication to ween myself off of prescription drugs?
Many men and women end up relapsing when they don’t have the necessary medication to cope with withdrawal symptoms. This is a concern for many users, so don’t be afraid to talk to your therapist or doctor about it in the beginning. If you are going through the withdrawal process and are experiencing mild to severe symptoms, the rehab may provide medication that can help. The staff will make sure you are medically supervised during your withdrawals. If you choose to stay in a rehab day and night, you will have round-the-clock care. Medication for your withdrawals may also be provided if you are in an outpatient rehab program.
Certain medications are able to mimic the effects of prescription pills, quickly relieving the withdrawal symptoms and cravings you may experience. Your doctor will give you enough of the medication while you are in detox to keep your withdrawal symptoms at bay and to cut back on the physical cravings you may have for the pills. During the course of your treatment, your doctors may adjust the dosage to fit your needs.
What medications will I be given?
The type of medication you will receive will depend on the doctor, the facility, and your individual needs. You may be given the following:
Antidepressants- Your brain may not produce enough “happy” chemicals on its own. That is one reason you may have turned to prescription pills in the first place. Doctors may prescribe antidepressants to help combat the feelings of depression and anxiety you may feel once you stop taking prescription pills. Two common antidepressants are Prozac and Zoloft.
Benzodiazepines– Often called benzos, these drugs have the ability to reduce irritability and anxiety, two common side effects that happen during withdrawal. Benzos provide a calm, sedating effect that is helpful for addicts dealing with alcohol withdrawal. Your doctor will carefully monitor your use of benzos during detox because they are very addictive.
Clonidine– Clonidine is usually prescribed for alcohol and opiate withdrawals. This medication will help ease certain withdrawal symptoms, such as tremors, sweating, anxiety, cramps, and muscle aches.
Your doctor will carefully monitor you to make sure you do not simply replace one pill with another during detox. They will give you just enough medication to relieve the worst of your withdrawal symptoms during detox. From then on, you’ll learn how to deal with a life without prescription pills through therapy and counseling.
Call to learn more about our services today
Don’t let prescription medication keep a tight hold on you. We can help you get through the worst of the withdrawal symptoms with medically supervised detox services at our clinic. Our caring staff will help you every step of the way! Call us today at 844-903-2111 to hear more about our programs and to decide if we are the right fit for you.