Detox for Prescription Drugs in Nashville, TN

When people think about drug addiction, they often picture sordid images of people struggling with heroin, crack, and other so-called street drugs. Many people remain unaware of how widespread prescription drug addiction has become in this country. Because withdrawal symptoms that take place during detox can be uncomfortable, painful, and even dangerous, supervised detox provides people with the safest, least difficult way to complete detoxification. At Nashville Detox we offer detox for prescription drugs near Nashville, Gallatin, and Hendersonville, Tennessee.

Statistics on Prescription Drug Abuse

The number of people who misuse and abuse prescription drugs in the U.S. may surprise some people. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that in 2020, of people aged 12 and older: 

• Approximately 16.1 million people misused prescription psychotherapeutic medications.
• Around 9.3 million people misused prescription pain relievers.
• Nearly 6.2 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives.
• Approximately 5.1 million people misused prescription stimulant medications.
• Around 4.8 million people misused benzodiazepines.

These statistics indicate the depth of the problem many people experience when it comes to drugs that might otherwise feel safe to them. Prescription drug detox becomes necessary when addiction to this type of drug occurs.

Most Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs

People often assume prescription drug use remains safe because the medications are legal and prescribed by medical personnel. The reality is, an addiction may develop even when taken as prescribed. People who don’t have prescriptions for medication often obtain them through nefarious means and end up becoming addicted.

The most commonly abused prescription drugs include:

• Amphetamines: These include drugs like Adderall and Dextroamphetamine, often used to treat ADHD.
• Barbiturates: These help alleviate anxiety, seizures, and difficulty sleeping. 
• Benzodiazepines: These sedatives help ease anxiety, panic attacks, and difficulty sleeping. 
• Dextromethorphan: A cold and cough medicine used in over-the-counter and some prescription medications.
• Painkillers: These include codeine, morphine, Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin, Lortab, and Lorcet.
• Pseudoephedrine: A decongestant drug that can become addictive, particularly when used as an ingredient in methamphetamines.
• Sleep medications: Popular ones include Lunesta, Ambien, and Sonata.

How Long Does it Take to Detox From Prescription Drugs?

Part of the concern some people have about entering a detox program is that they wonder how long does it take to detox from prescription drugs. The average time it takes to detox from prescription drugs ranges from 5 days to 2 weeks. Factors that contribute to how long it takes to complete the detox process include how many substances were used, the length of time of the addiction, and the typical amount of drugs consumed. A person’s current physical and mental health may also factor into the detox time, as well as the number and severity of withdrawal symptoms they experience. 

Prescription Drug Withdrawal Timeline and Symptoms

The answer to how long does it take to detox from prescription drugs is that it varies, depending on which type of prescription drug is involved. 

• Amphetamines: Withdrawal symptoms typically start within a day of the last dosage and last for up to 2 weeks.
• Barbiturates: Withdrawal symptoms can start within 8 to 12 hours after the last dosage. They begin to lessen around day 4 and end after 1 week to 10 days. 
• Benzodiazepines: Withdrawal symptoms from benzos can begin within several hours after the last dosage. Symptoms such as anxiety and depression often increase for up to 2 weeks. Both emotional and physical symptoms should subside after 2 weeks.
• Opioids: Withdrawal symptoms can begin within a few hours after the last dosage. The most intense symptoms are felt during the first 4 days, with most symptoms ending around 8 to 10 days. 
• Stimulants: Withdrawal symptoms may begin within 12 hours of the last dosage. They last between 10 to 14 days.

Detox withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Flu-like symptoms
• Disturbance in sleep patterns
• Muscle cramps
• Body aches
• Sweating
• Increased heart rate
• Seizures
• Hallucinations
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Agitation

What Happens During Prescription Drug Detox In Nashville?

Prescription drug detox involves the process of allowing the toxins accumulated during addiction to leave the body. When a person enters detox, they will be evaluated in order to determine the details of their addiction history and possible risks for withdrawal symptoms. Once detox begins, the staff of a detox program monitors the individual for withdrawal symptoms and provides relief with any appropriate medications. The staff can also offer therapeutic support to address any emotional symptoms that come with the detox process, such as feelings of anxiety or depression. 

Detox programs often employ medication-assisted treatment during the detox process. This involves the use of prescription medications designed to ease withdrawal symptoms and help keep a person from using drugs or drinking again. Once detox has ended, a person will no longer suffer the intense physical cravings that come immediately after giving up drugs or alcohol. Certain physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms may remain but can be addressed during the next steps of addiction treatment.

Once the detox process comes to an end, the treatment team can advise on the next step of treatment. This may include residential treatment, outpatient programs, or going to a sober living home. While detox provides the important first step in addiction recovery, those who do not complete additional treatment often end up relapsing.

What Medications Are Used In Detox for Prescription Drugs In Nashville?    

Medication-assisted detox helps ease the symptoms of withdrawal, allowing people to reduce and even eliminate many uncomfortable reactions and feelings. Medications used for this purpose are FDA-approved and safe when used during medically-monitored drug and alcohol detox. Typically used for withdrawal from alcohol and opioids, some medications also specifically target prescription drug withdrawal. Medical personnel overseeing the detox process can recommend what medications may be useful. These medications include:

• Methadone: People addicted to opioid prescription drugs use methadone to reduce their cravings and block the effects of opioids, if they do use them.
• Naltrexone: This medication blocks the effects of prescription opioid drugs, making a person less likely to engage in using them again after detox. 
• Buprenorphine: Reduces cravings for the prescription drug and also helps reduce withdrawal symptoms. 
• Lofexidine: This medication helps reduce withdrawal symptoms during detox.

Medications used for detox work best when combined with behavioral counseling. When treatment programs combine medications and therapies, this greatly increases the chances that the individual will complete the detox process. The person also tends to stay in long-term recovery for a longer period of time than someone who does not receive the same care. 

Detox for Prescription Drugs in Nashville, TN

Prescription drug abuse takes an enormous toll on a person’s life and requires professional help to get better. We offer medically-monitored prescription drug detox that helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and makes it easier to complete the detox process. Last but not least, we accept UHC insurance as well as Cigna to help cover detox.

Contact Detox Nashville today to find out how to get started detoxing from prescription drugs and start a healthy new life.