Pain Pill Detox: What You Need to Know
Written by SolutionPoint Behavioral Health
Every day, more than 130 people die of opioid overdose. However, many people susceptible to becoming part of that statistic do not realize how close they are to potential tragedy. Our country is facing a crisis of epic proportions when it comes to opioids, and it affects men, women, and children of all ages and income brackets. In fact, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism, up to 17% of adults over the age of 60 are affected by alcohol and drug abuse. If your pain pill use is beginning to affect your life, it might be time to wean off through detox. Here’s what you need to know.
It’s clear by now that although they are often prescribed, opioids like OxyContin are a seriously dangerous—and often deadly—class of drugs. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 21 to 29% of people who are prescribed opioids misuse them, and up to 12% develop a use disorder that may require further treatment. It’s not these people’s fault. In the 1990s, the drug industry loudly insisted that opioids had little risk of abuse. We know today that that is not the case.
Seniors (above 65) are particularly susceptible to the effects of pain pill misuse.
Older bodies are less able to metabolize the effects of drugs and alcohol, so the substances take a harder toll. In addition, the symptoms of misuse are similar to depression or dementia, and so are often overlooked or misidentified by family, friends, and caretakers.
The Office of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Services classifies seniors with substance use disorders as “hardy survivors”—people with a long history of use who make it to 65 or above—and a “late onset” group who formed their addiction issues later. Those in the latter group are often hesitant to get help, because they see themselves as being entirely different than the “hardy survivors” group. The truth is, however, that both are equally susceptible to the negative effects of pain pill misuse, including overdose.
You can clean your body of medications and get a clear head to take stock of your situation in as little as ten days.
At SolutionPoint Behavioral Health, a team of highly trained professionals will guide you through the detox process, and work with you to develop an aftercare plan that will help you further explore your recovery, and keep you healthy.
Detoxing from pain pills does not mean that you have to spend the rest of your life in pain. There have been several significant advances in pain management that can address chronic or acute pain as well as opioids, without any of the negative side effects.
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