Just because some drugs are prescribed by a doctor, doesn’t mean they are safe to take recreationally. Many of these prescription medications still have serious mind-altering effects and can be very addictive. Misuse of these drugs can easily lead to physical dependence and prescription drug addiction.

Maybe you or someone you care about started taking prescription drugs on a medical basis, but things just got out of hand. We know what you’re going through. Making the decision to start a detox program is an incredibly courageous choice that will open the door to lifelong recovery.

Do I Need Prescription Drug Detox?

If you are addicted to prescription drugs, you will most likely need medically assisted detox to help manage any uncomfortable withdrawal side effects you experience. Quitting cold turkey may cause severe withdrawal symptoms. If you have only been misusing the drugs for a few days you may not need a full detox program, but you may still need medical observation to safely complete the detox process.

Why Choose Medically Assisted Detox?

Abstaining from the abuse of prescription drugs is typically very difficult and uncomfortable to do on your own. We recommend that you choose a high-quality medical detox program to help rid your body of toxins. A facility like Briarwood Detox Center will also be able to provide the therapeutic support needed to overcome emotional resistance to detox.

Depending on the person, the level of abuse, drug use history, and mental health history, the withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to very severe. This makes it all the more important to undergo prescription drug detox in a facility with medical professionals that will make sure you are safe and comfortable.

In addition, medically assisted detox doesn’t have to take place in a cold, hospital environment. Briarwood Detox Center is at convenient locations that are designed to make you feel at home while you are here completing your program. You’ll have a furnished, semi-private room in which to rest, modern living areas with plenty of seating for relaxing, and chef-prepared meals throughout your stay.

How Does Briarwood Manage Prescription Drug Withdrawal Symptoms?

Depending on the prescription drug(s) being abused, the period of time it was consumed, and how much is being consumed, withdrawal symptoms may vary. Some of the most common ones may include:

• Sweating
• Agitation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Depression
• Seizures
• Bone and muscle pain
• Shakiness
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Overactive reflexes
• Increased heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Hallucinations 
• Fatigue

Our medical staff will monitor you regularly throughout your detox program to adjust your personalized plan as needed. We will also administer medications to comfortably taper down and manage your withdrawal symptoms.

What Happens During Prescription Drug Detox?

Comprehensive Assessment

Upon your arrival, a resident advocate and detox counselor will welcome you into our facility. You’ll be treated to a full tour of the property before sitting down to fill out your onboarding paperwork. We will be there with you as you fill it out, so we’re happy to answer any questions you have as you work through it.

Once your paperwork is complete, a nurse will perform a medical evaluation to determine your current health and needs. Detox protocol will begin based on these findings. Within your first 24 hours here at Briarwood, our medical team will perform another more in-depth need-finding assessment to gather all the information we need to build your personalized detox program.

Supervised Detox

Our medically assisted detox is extremely safe and comfortable. This is because we take the time to consistently monitor your progress and adjust your program as needed. Our individualized process allows us to meet each and every one of your physical and medical needs throughout your treatment, resulting in an extremely comfortable and safe detox experience.

Individual and Group Counseling

Throughout your detox program, you’ll also meet with your detox counselor regularly to discuss your progress and identify emotional responses to detox. Addressing those feelings and responses is a core piece of your recovery, as it allows you to shed those old, damaging lifestyle choices and adopt healthy, hopeful ones that will lead to long-term recovery.

How Long Does Prescription Drug Detox Take?

Our detox programs typically take 5-7 days but it’s impossible to tell you how long you will spend in detox without gathering more information first. After we perform a medical evaluation, we can tell you how long you can expect to be in detox.

Where to Detox From Prescription Drugs?

Our medical prescription drug detox facilities in Austin and Houston are safe and supportive places to begin your addiction recovery. The experienced and friendly staff at Briarwood will ensure that your prescription drug detox experience is as comfortable as possible and that you are treated with the utmost care and respect. From the moment you enter either of our facilities, you’ll receive nothing less than the highest quality medical and therapeutic care available.

What is the Recommended Treatment Plan After Prescription Drug Detox?

During detox, our treatment staff will treat uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and help you manage cravings with one-on-one counseling, support, and a positive sober environment.

After detox, relapse is always a risk, so it’s very important to continue your addiction treatment. 

Many people do this by enrolling in a rehab or sober living program after detox. 

• Prescription drugs inpatient rehab: During inpatient rehab, you will learn essential skills and make positive behavioral changes that will empower you to stay sober.
• Prescription drug outpatient rehab: outpatient rehab offers flexible structured treatment in an outpatient setting that you’ll attend several times a week. Whether you enroll in in-person or online rehab, you’ll receive comprehensive, individualized treatment for prescription drug addiction. We offer outpatient programs in Austin, Houston and Dallas.
• Sober living: After rehab, a sober living program can provide ongoing long-term support and peer recovery services. This will help you gradually assimilate back into society as a sober person and establish a stable support system.

Getting professional treatment after detox is an important part of maintaining your sobriety and our treatment team will provide professional recommendations for ongoing care after you complete detox.

Prescription drug addiction will always be a part of your history, but it doesn’t have to define who you are and how you live now. If you’re ready to get your life back, the compassionate staff at Briarwood can help. Call today to get started.

Learn more about what comes after detox.