|  | Family Health | Substance Abuse

The Best Way to Detox Prescription Drugs

An addiction to prescription drugs can happen to anyone. For those who are prescribed prescription drugs, such as pain killers or tranquilizers, it can be a slippery slope from its prescribed use to abuse. Drug abuse causes accidents and overdoses every day, but there are ways to detox from prescription drugs and get your life back again.

  1. Talking to Your Doctor

    • When you are addicted to prescription drugs, you need the help of a professional to detox from them. Tell your doctor about your addiction. Your doctor can help you find the help you need to detox from the drugs and can counsel you on what side effects to expect from withdrawing from the drugs. You should also list every drug that you are taking before talking to your doctor, so she will know what to tell you about withdrawal symptoms.

    Talking to Your Insurance Company

    • Call your insurance company to see what types, if any, of rehabilitation or detox programs are covered under your insurance. You may be eligible for inpatient or outpatient services that can help you detox from the prescription drug to which you have become addicted. If you don't have any insurance, talk to the nearest social services office to see if there are any low-income programs that may be available to you.

    Decide on Your Course of Action

    • If your doctor agrees, you may be able to detox from the drugs at home. Many people respond better when they are in a familiar setting, surrounded by loved ones. For a more severe addiction, checking into a rehabilitation center can provide the safety and security that many need to detox. An outside service can also help by keeping the addict away from the cravings of the drugs. Deciding which way works the best for your individual needs should first be discussed with family and after doctor's advice.

    Finding Alternatives

    • Typically, most people become addicted to prescription drugs because they were legally prescribed them for an injury or some type of pain. Finding another way to manage and deal with any pain that you may be having is important, as is dealing mentally with not having the drugs. Therapy can help, as can other pain-management techniques, with which your doctor can help you.

Substance Abuse - Related Articles