Do You Need Detox?
By Patti Pearce, Solace Counseling, Collin County LIVING WELL Magazine
Detox is typically required when the body becomes physically dependent on certain medications and other substances that can be addictive. Physical dependence happens when the body has adapted to a particular drug. If an individual has become physically dependent and tries to stop or reduce their dose of medication too quickly, they will likely experience withdrawal symptoms. Opioid pain killers such as Hydrocodone and Oxycontin are examples of drugs prone to cause physical dependence and withdrawal. A number of other drugs not associated with addiction can also result in physical dependence; some antidepressants, beta blockers, and corticosteroids are a few types of medicines that can trigger unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly.
Physical dependence can occur with numerous substances such as pain medications, sedatives, stimulants or alcohol.
The following are signs of a potential dependence to pain medication (or other substance):
- Taking more than the prescribed dose
- Physical withdrawal symptoms such as muscle aches, night sweats, nausea, vomiting, and fever
- Secretive behavior to hide abuse of the substance, such as hoarding pill bottles
- Mood swings and irritability
- Increased tolerance (needing more for same result) for substance
Hydrocodone is a powerful painkiller frequently prescribed to treat patients who suffer from chronic pain. Using hydrocodone as prescribed by a doctor is helpful to manage pain, but thousands of people find themselves addicted to the drug, allowing it to consume their lives. A physical and/or psychological addiction can lead to overdose and subsequent death. According to a CBS news report, there were 14,800 deaths in the U.S. caused by prescription opiates in 2008.
The Solace Counseling Outpatient Detox Program specializes in personalized detoxification treatment for opiates, alcohol, and benzodiazepines. Our program offers affordable medical treatment that has been carefully developed to safely detoxify individuals from addictive substances without the need for a hospital admission. Program participants are under the care of a physician, as well as a clinical team of nurses and therapists, who work to ensure that the most appropriate individualized care is delivered to each person.
Physicians and staff at Solace Counseling understand that our patients lead busy lives, trying to achieve their goals in the workplace and balance life at home. Solace Outpatient Detox offers the most comfortable and convenient programs available. Our physicians work with patients to help maintain their day-to-day lives with minimal disruption and maximal physical comfort during their detox experience.
If an individual’s risk of harmful withdrawal symptoms is low and they have a family member or friend that can help oversee their care, outpatient detox is a viable option in place of a hospital admission. Outpatient detox is less expensive than a hospital stay and gives patients a sense of freedom, since detoxing in the comfort of their own home is not as disturbing to daily life as an inpatient detox program might be.
After the patient completes their detox treatment, they may continue medications to help subdue withdrawal symptoms and curb drug cravings. Outpatient detox is safer than trying to detox on one’s own or stopping the use of drugs or alcohol completely without any medications to help one through the withdrawal process. Outpatient detox offers hope for patients who are afraid to seek help from standard treatment programs. A medical professional at Solace Counseling will help you decide if an outpatient detox program is best for you.
If you or someone you know is demonstrating physical or psychological signs of either dependence to medication or other substances, there may be a need to be safely detoxed from the substance so one can recover.
Author Patti Pearce is the clinical director of Solace Counseling and is a licensed psychotherapist.
Major insurance plans accepted.
