Prescription drug withdrawal and detox
Medically-supervised detoxes can significantly reduce the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms and relapse.
For people wanting to withdraw from prescription drugs, such as opiates, benzodiazepines or stimulants, the detox process can feel overwhelming. You might experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when you’re detoxing from prescription drugs, which can vary in severity and duration, depending on the drug you’re addicted to, how long you’ve been using it for, and how much you’ve been taking.
However, safe, effective treatment options are available to make the withdrawal and detox process as comfortable as possible, avoiding the risks of stopping without medical supervision.
Common withdrawal symptoms
Although everyone experiences withdrawal differently, if you’re withdrawing from any type of prescription drug, you might experience some or all of the following symptoms:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches including migraines
- Insomnia or disturbed sleep patterns
- Sweating, including night sweats
- Shaking or tremors
- Muscle aches and cramps
- Heart palpitations
- Fatigue and low energy
- Changes in appetite (increase or decrease)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Irritability or restlessness
- Depression or feelings of hopelessness
- Mood swings and emotional instability
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
- Intense cravings for the substance
- Agitation and feelings of unease
- Feelings of detachment or dissociation
Withdrawal from prescription drugs doesn’t always end when the these symptoms subside. Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) is a collection of related symptoms, including mood swings, sleep disturbances and intense cravings that can persist for weeks or even months.
PAWS can put you at risk of relapse because sufferers may return to substance use in order to stop symptoms. Consistent aftercare (such as therapy or support groups) is recommended to minimise this risk, even if withdrawal and detox have been successful.
Opiate withdrawal
Prescription opiates include codeine, morphine and oxycodone, typically prescribed to manage pain. Opiate withdrawal is rarely life-threatening but it can be extremely uncomfortable.
Medical support can help with symptom management and reduce the risk of relapse. Long-term care is essential to manage PAWS and prevent relapse.
Benzodiazepine withdrawal
Benzodiazepines include diazepam, lorazepam and temazepam, and are designed to alleviate anxiety, insomnia and other conditions.
Withdrawal from this type of prescription drug can be severe and even life-threatening, so a medically supervised drug detox is essential to prevent dangerous complications. PAWS is common when withdrawing from benzodiazepines, underlining the need for continued support and monitoring.
Stimulant withdrawal
Stimulants include Ritalin and Adderall, often prescribed to manage symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
While stimulant withdrawal is typically not life-threatening, it can be psychologically distressing. For example, some people may experience depression and suicidal thoughts. It’s important that a professional monitors these symptoms.
Learn more:
Prescription drug detox
Detoxing safely and effectively from prescription drugs usually needs professional support as trying to detox without medical supervision can be difficult and dangerous.
Where to get a detox
There are several ways to access help from addiction experts who are best placed to support you during detox.
Private treatment providers such as Priory offer detox plans that are tailored to meet your needs and our experts are highly experienced in supporting people to recover from prescription drug addiction.
Free addiction treatment services are available. For advice on local support, call the Frank helpline at 0300 123 6600. Your GP can also guide you on NHS treatment options, though waiting times may vary depending on your location and the severity of your addiction. Seeking help can be challenging, especially if you're feeling distressed or unlike yourself.
The detox process
Prescription drug detox typically begins with an assessment so professionals can gain an understanding of your level of physical and psychological dependence on the drug. At this stage, medications and therapies can be used to ease your withdrawal symptoms.
The detox itself will happen with high levels of medical support and round-the-clock monitoring to ensure safety and comfort. This type of professional supervised medical detox can significantly reduce the risk of you having severe withdrawal symptoms (such as seizures) and relapse. It’s also helpful to have psychological support to manage cravings and PAWS.
After detox
After your detox, you can continue onto addiction treatment for long-term recovery. At Priory, we provide personalised, holistic treatment plans that offer the best chance of a positive detox experience as well as long-term recovery success.
If you or a loved one are struggling with prescription drug dependence, getting help early can make all the difference. For expert support, contact Priory for a free addiction assessment, where you'll speak with an addiction specialist who can guide you towards the best treatment plan for your recovery.