Category Archives: Detoxification

Prescription Drug Abuse-A National Dilemma

Pathways-- Prescription Drug Abuse National Dilemna -- 08-23-16According to a 2006 National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC) survey nearly 21% of the population in the U.S. reported non-medical use of prescription drugs at some point in their lifetime. The 2009 National Prescription Drug Threat Assessment states that unintentional overdose deaths resulting from prescription drugs has increased 114% from 2001 to 2005. And according to SAMHSA, prescription drug abuse is the second most common form of recreational drug use in America second only to marijuana. Given these statistics, it is clear that abuse of prescription drugs in the United States is a serious subject. For our neighbors to the north in Canada, the story is much the same with accidental deaths from opioid use having doubled from 1991 to 2004.

Is Prescription Drug Abuse More "Socially Acceptable" Than Illicit Drug Use?

For many people, the stigma of prescription drug abuse is negligible when compared to illicit drug abuse. After all, the substance of abuse was prescribed by a doctor and purchased in a pharmacy. It's not like the addict was buying heroin, cocaine, or some other street drug from a dealer. So where's the problem? This type of mentality is contributing to the problem, and it prevents many from seeking the prescription drug abuse treatment that they need.  The results of this attitude can can have drastic results.

An Increase In Prescription Drug Use For Recreational Purposes

The diversion of prescription drugs from their intended use has increased drastically from 2003 to 2007. According to the 2009 threat assessment, the diversion of opioid pain relievers has increased the most during this time period: hydrocodone (vicodin) 118%, morphine 111%, and methadone 109%. Other prescription drugs commonly diverted for abuse include Oxycontin which has a street name "80" or "Hillbilly heroin", Ritalin (Ritz or Vitamin R), and Xanax (zanies).  Prescription drug abuse treatment for many of these substances can be very difficult.

Where Do RX Drug Abusers Get Their Pills?

The diversion of these drugs occurs through various forms. 56.5% of abusers reported that they received the drugs from a friend or relative for free, and 81% of these people reported that the drugs were originally obtained from a doctor through a prescription. Other ways that prescription drugs are obtained for illicit use include theft from a family member or friend (5.2%), Internet purchases (0.5%), and purchase from a dealer (4.1%). Another common practice amongst addicts to obtain prescription drugs is "doctor shopping." This is the practice of visiting several doctors for the same "ailment" to receive multiple valid prescriptions.

Prescription Drug Abuse Among Teens

Among teens, the practice of "pharming" can have drastic results when they grab a handful of prescription pills out of a bowl and ingest some or all of them.

The prescription drug and opiate epidemic is spreading around the country at an alarming rate, and many are being caught up in its wake. It is imperative for those suffering from opiate addictions brought on by prescription painkillers to know that there is a way out; through detox, rehabilitation and determination.

What Is A Social Model Detox?

What Is Social Model DetoxAny time someone is recovering from an addiction, it’s a multi-step process. Since their bodies have become dependent on the presence of a drug, the first course of action is to clear their system of the substance they’ve been abusing. This process is known as detoxification, and the more serious the addiction, the more important this is to recovery.

There are umbrella treatments for many types of addictions, but the process of detoxification will be specific to both the drug and the user. The right process must be chosen to ensure the safety of the patient and offer the greatest chance of long-term success. Among recovery models, social media detox has seen success. Because it treats the user for addiction without an added medication to address symptoms of detoxification, it can be an effective and affordable solution - depending on the length and severity of the addiction.

What Social Model Detox Means

The process of social model detox is carried out in a residential inpatient setting. The individual is carefully monitored and assisted. Caregivers also provide therapy and counseling as treatment. One of the biggest differences is that patients aren’t administered any medication. Instead, the process relies on coaching and therapies such as:

  • Mental and Emotional Health Diagnostics -  Some other issue in a person’s life usually fuels addiction. The cause must be uncovered before it can be treated, whether it’s depression, anxiety, trauma, or something else.
  • Recovery Group Meetings - These classes vary in size, but they were created so that addicts can form a close-knit system. Since they’re going through the same ordeals, the patients can relate to and support one another.
  • Attitude Training - A big part of avoiding drug and alcohol use is to have a more positive  outlook on life. Some of the guidance here focuses on mindset.
  • Education - Education about the way addiction functions. Another good way to conquer dependency is to understand why it is powerful and how it affects us biologically.
  • Relationships - Learning how to evaluate relationships. Spotting healthy and unhealthy relationships and managing them can help prevent relapses. Likewise, patients will discover tactics for forming worthwhile bonds with family and friends.
  • Accountability - Exercises to encourage accountability. When individuals learn the importance of taking responsibility for their actions, they’re less likely to make poor decisions.

The Benefits Of Social Model Detox

There are many positives that come with using social model methods instead of medical detox. Patients often feel more comfortable during the process because the treatment is conducted in a residential facility.

People who undergo social model detox treatment come away with valuable information. The focus on education and therapy doesn’t just allow them to withdraw from the drug, but it also prepares them for the future. In fact, social media detox is known for its lasting results. Patients are able to build healthy coping mechanisms to keep them from turning to drugs again.

The mental health of the patients isn’t the only area that’s improved with this method of recovery. Once the drugs leave their bodies, addicts can experience physical turnaround. Recovery facilities should provide many options for physical exercise, like swimming or guided yoga. This kind of activity is relaxing, clean, and excellent for the body.

Who Shouldn’t Go For Social Model Detox Situations

It’s important that the treatment fit the needs of the individual, however. For those who are struggling with multiple relapses, social model detox can be a wonderful idea. It works to change the fundamentals of their behavior from a non-medical approach.

People who are dealing with long-term and severe dependency can experience dangerous symptoms during withdrawal. These effects range from headaches and nausea to violent hallucinations. In these cases, it’s best to seek medically guided detoxification procedures.

It’s never safe to attempt to detox without some sort of assistance. There can be unexpected symptoms and difficult decisions to face. Without a support network, it’s easy to fall into relapse or fail to stop using in the first place. If you or a family member is fighting addiction, don’t hesitate to ask for help.