Prescription Drug Detox in Laguna Beach, CA

There are three main categories of prescription drugs that are most commonly abused:

Stimulants

These drugs stimulate the central nervous system, causing increased activity in the brain and body. People generally feel like they can accomplish more tasks when taking this drug. It provides a degree of mental clarity and energy. Examples of stimulants include the following:

• Amphetamines.
• Methylphenidate (Ritalin).

Depressants

This class of drugs lowers neurotransmission levels, reducing arousal or stimulation in different areas of the brain. These types of drugs make you feel relaxed and comfortable. Some examples of these prescriptions include the following:

• Barbiturates.
• Benzodiazepines.
• Sleep medications (Ambien).

Opioids

Prescription opioids are substances that act on receptors in the brain to produce euphoria and relieve pain. Examples of opioids include the following:

• Codeine.
• Morphine.
• Methadone.
• Fentanyl.
• Other opioid pain relievers include oxycodone hydrochloride, hydrocodone bitartrate, hydromorphone, oxymorphone, meperidine, and propoxyphene.

Do You Need a Prescription Drug Detox Program?

You may wonder if you need a prescription drug detox program like the one California Detox offers. Detoxing from prescription drugs is very challenging due to the addictive nature of these substances. Your brain function changes over time when taking prescription drugs, making it extremely uncomfortable when these substances are removed.

In some cases, ceasing your prescription drug intake without the aid of professional medical supervision can be dangerous.

Additionally, going through detox alone can lead to an immediate relapse since you won’t have the therapeutic support to help you through the next phase of your recovery journey.

These are some of the reasons it’s imperative to seek a prescription drug detox program when you decide to take the step to recover.

Why Are Drugs So Addictive?

Certain prescription drugs, such as those described above, are addictive because of the way they interact with the brain and change its circuitry. The part of your brain that provides you with pleasure and rewards is affected by repeated use of these substances.

Although every chemical has slightly different effects, all addictive drugs produce a euphoric or pleasurable experience due to a surge of dopamine in a region of the brain called the basal ganglia.

The brain becomes trained to receive this pleasurable reward. So, when the reward is suddenly removed, withdrawal symptoms begin, causing distress.

Signs of Addiction

The symptoms of addiction can vary from person to person and can be affected by other factors, such as how long you’ve been taking the prescription drugs. However, some of the common signs that you’re addicted to a prescription drug include the following:

• • You continue taking the prescription even if you don’t need it for a health problem.
  • You need more medicine to get the same effects that you had before. This is called tolerance, and it’s your body building up resistance to the drug.
  • You have some physical and psychological symptoms when the drug wears off. For example, you may feel depressed, nauseous, or sweaty, or have headaches.
  • You’ve tried to stop using the drug, but you can’t seem to do it. You say you’re going to quit, and it never happens.
  • You keep using the substance even though you’re seeing consequences happening in your life, such as interpersonal relationship trouble, difficulties at work, or legal issues.
  • You spend a lot of time thinking about the drug — how you can get more, when you’ll take it next, how you feel about it, or how good it’ll make you feel.
  • You struggle to control your usage amount, even though you try to stay within reasonable limits.
  • You don’t have the same happiness in everyday life or the things you used to enjoy doing. You only feel happy when doing drugs.
  • You can’t keep up with your regular chores due to drug use.
  • You don’t take precautions and act recklessly by driving under the influence of drugs.
  • You obtain the drug illegally, such as by getting someone else’s prescription, stealing it, or buying it off the streets.
  • You go to multiple doctors for prescriptions for the same drug or problem.
  • You must borrow money to pay for drugs.
  • You hide the fact that you’re using drugs.
  • Your sleeping and eating habits have changed.

Prescription Drug Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal occurs approximately eight to 24 hours after the last substance use. The symptoms and what you’ll experience can range in intensity, depending on the prescription drug you’re taking and for how long. However, some common drug withdrawal symptoms you may experience include the following:

• Muscle pain.
• Fatigue and lethargy.
• Loss of appetite.
• Night sweats or chills.
• Insomnia and restlessness.
• Shakiness.
• Clammy skin.
• Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, or stomach cramps.
• Agitation or moodiness.
• Depression.
• Severe anxiety.
• Hallucinations.
• Paranoia.
• Racing heart.
• Depersonalization or feeling detached from self.
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities.
• Nasal symptoms, such as a runny nose.
• Watery eyes.
• Seizures.

How California Detox Can Help

When you’re ready to move forward and seek a prescription drug detox program, we’re here to help. We offer treatments at every level on the American Society of Addictive Medicine’s continuum of care, including the following:

• Medical detoxification.
• Inpatient rehab.
• Outpatient rehab.
• Intensive outpatient programs.
• Partial hospitalization programs.
• Dual diagnosis (mental health and substance use disorders occurring together).
• Virtual rehab.

During any of the above treatment programs, you’ll have access to other services, such as medical-assisted therapy, counseling, family therapy, psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy, and holistic therapies. Contact us by calling 949-390-5377 today for immediate assistance.