Prescription medications are the second most common drugs abused in the United States, according to the Office of National Drug Control Policy. This trend is attributed to the incorrect assumption that prescription drugs are safer than street drugs. If you are using medications that aren't yours or taking them for reasons other than the condition for which they were prescribed, you might be addicted. If you wish to recover you need to undergo the detox process.
Step 1
Contact your doctor or an inpatient center that treats prescription drug abuse and offers a detox program. Some centers don't offer detox services and you will have to detox alone and may experience significant withdrawal symptoms. During your detox period you must be monitored 24 hours a day because of the risk of life-threatening complications associated with the process. In some cases you will have to be weaned off the medications to detox safely.
Step 2
Manage your withdrawal symptoms effectively. You may experience mild to severe shakes, chills, nausea, vomiting, sweats and diarrhea. Those are normal when detoxing and can usually be managed easily. The detox staff will aid you. The management options depend on the medication you're addicted to.
Step 3
Ask family and friends for support. You will need people to call upon throughout your detox treatment. Additionally, you need someone to get rid of all the prescription drugs in your home. If you live with someone ask that person to lock away prescription medications.
Step 4
Make the most of mental health counseling. During detox you will talk to a counselor and possibly a psychiatrist. Be open to their suggestions and be honest about all aspects of your life. Prescription drug abuse, much like any other addiction, adversely affects your mental state. If any of your family or friends have been affected by your addiction you may need to include them in counseling sessions.
Step 5
Join a support group. Narcanon and other groups will help you to learn how others have coped with the detox process and life without prescription drugs. Many detox centers will offer these support groups.
References
- Office of National Drug Control Policy
- Recovery Connection
- "Psychology Concepts & Connections;" Spencer A. Rathus; 2009
