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Prescription Drug Detox FAQ

What is a Prescription Drug Detox?

Prescription drug detox is a treatment for the acute physical nature of addiction to opiate based prescription drugs like Vicodin, OxyContin, Percocet, Percodan, Lortab, Lorcet and many more. Because opiate addiction affects the brain and body somewhat differently than other drugs, it is important that if you are addicted to prescription painkillers that you find a prescription drug detox that is designed specifically to meet your needs.

What Medications are Used in Prescription Drug Detox?

Traditionally, methadone has been used to offset the physical effects of prescription drug detox. However, in the past decade, a new medication called buprenorphine was developed solely for the purpose of treating opiate addiction. According to federal law, it is required that methadone be strictly monitored when prescribed for opiate detox or prescription drug detox and dispensed dose by dose at an accredited methadone clinic or drug rehab facility. Buprenorphine, on the other hand, is available for prescription from a doctor’s office but the doctor must be accredited to prescribe the drug, an accreditation rarely found outside of prescription drug rehab programs like Orchid Recovery Center.

How Do Medications Work in Prescription Drug Detox?

Both methadone and buprenorphine in the forms of Suboxone and Subutex serve to block the opiate receptors in the brain that are actively seeking more of the drug of addiction. By blocking these receptors, you avoid the bulk of withdrawal symptoms associated with opiate detox. Then, over time, the dose is slowly lowered until you no longer need the medication.

Are Suboxone or Methadone Always A Part of Prescription Drug Detox?

Not always. It is up to the discretion of you and your doctor whether or not you should incorporate methadone or buprenorphine into your prescription drug detox. Some factors that may contribute to the outcome of your decision include the type of prescription drug you are addicted to, the amount of time you were actively addicted to the drug and the dose at which you will attempt to stop taking it.

Is A Prescription Drug Detox Sufficient to Treat a Prescription Drug Addiction?

While a prescription drug detox is an unavoidable and necessary part of recovery from prescription drug addiction, is far from a complete treatment. Prescription drug rehab, if it is to be efficient as well as medically safe, should begin with prescription drug detox but be immediately followed by prescription drug addiction treatment that continues the physical healing but expands to include mental and emotional treatment as well through therapy, group sessions, educational classes and more.

Prescription Drug Detox at Orchid Recovery Center

Orchid Recovery Center is a drug rehab facility for women only. We provide a prescription drug detox as part of our comprehensive prescription drug rehab programs. Through one on one therapy, group meetings, and a variety of therapeutic options as well as gentle exercise, yoga and meditation and organic meals, we are a holistic drug rehab that treats the whole woman, not just her addiction. If you have any questions about our prescription drug rehab or the specifics of our prescription drug detox, contact us at Orchid Recovery Center today.

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