Written by:

Lee Spinks

Medically Reviewed by:

Dr Mateen Durrani – MBBS, DPM, MSc, BCPsych

Last Updated:

August 27th, 2024

Prescription drug withdrawal and detox

Detox for prescription drugs is the first step towards overcoming emotional reliance on medication and reclaiming control of your life. Prescription drug addiction is a silent crisis that affects millions of individuals worldwide each year but with the help of a professional prescription drug detox centre like Banbury Lodge, it is possible to defeat the condition.

Prescription drug detox will help you safely and effectively remove all traces of the drugs from your body, laying the foundations for a successful journey to sobriety.

What is prescription drug detox?

Prescription drug detox is a process of withdrawal from prescription medications that you have become dependent on in order to break that physical dependence. The goal of detox is to safely and effectively remove all traces of the addictive substance from your body, allowing you to heal and begin the recovery process. Prescription drug detox is a complex process that requires a customised approach, as everyone is unique and may experience different withdrawal symptoms.

At Banbury Lodge, we provide a range of prescription drug detox programmes including:

Why does physical dependence develop?

Prescription drugs can have a profound impact on the brain and body, both in the short term and long term. When prescription drugs are taken as prescribed, they can provide relief from a variety of conditions but when these drugs are abused or taken in higher doses than recommended, they can have incredibly damaging effects.

Prescription drugs work by altering the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine, serotonin, and GABA. After prolonged use, the brain because reliant on the heightened levels of these chemicals just for you to feel “normal” which is the telltale sign of dependence. When you try to stop taking the drugs, it is the resulting chemical imbalances that lead to unpleasant prescription drug withdrawal symptoms.

What are the most common prescription drug withdrawal symptoms?

Withdrawal symptoms are a common experience for individuals who are going through prescription drug detox. Prescription drugs withdrawal can range in severity and duration, depending on the type of drug, your unique physiology and the duration of use. Prescription drug withdrawal symptoms also vary between medications but some of the most common include:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle aches and pains
• Headaches
• Sweating
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Tremors
• Agitation
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Diarrhoea
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Seizures
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations

It is important to note that withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous and even life-threatening so detox from prescription drugs should only be done under the supervision of medical professionals. Attempting to detox at home is never advisable because if you do experience severe prescription drugs withdrawal symptoms there will be nobody with the skills or knowledge to help you.

Prescription drug detox at Banbury Lodge

Undergoing detox for prescription drugs at Banbury Lodge can provide you with the support, care and medical oversight needed to ensure a safe and successful detox experience. Here are some of the benefits:

We also provide ongoing aftercare support to help you stay on track and deal with difficult moments that arise on your journey. This involves one year’s free outpatient group therapy sessions so that you are never left to struggle alone.

Overcoming prescription drug detox fears

It is natural to feel some level of apprehension or uncertainty when considering prescription drug detox. However, it is important to understand that these fears are often based on misunderstandings or misconceptions and that the reality is usually far less scary than you think it will be. Here are some common fears about prescription drug detox and the reality behind them:

Prescription drugs withdrawal will be too much to handle

Many people are afraid of prescription drug withdrawal symptoms but the reality is that these symptoms can be managed and treated effectively by medical professionals at a detox centre like Banbury Lodge. While you may experience some discomfort and unpleasantness, we will help make it as easy as possible for you.

I won’t be able to get through prescription detox

You may also fear that you won’t be able to successfully complete the prescription drug detox process, but at Banbury Lodge, we understand that recovery is a journey, not a destination. Our goal is to provide you with a supportive and therapeutic environment where you can build the skills and confidence you need to succeed in recovery. If you experience setbacks or challenges during prescription drug detox, our staff will be there to provide encouragement, support and guidance to help you stay on track and overcome any obstacles.

I will just relapse after I finish detox

Another common fear is that you will relapse after prescription detox, but at Banbury Lodge, detox is just one step in the recovery journey. We will also provide comprehensive support and care to help you address the mental and emotional causes of prescription drug dependency, build a strong foundation for long-term recovery and reduce the risk of relapse.

Prescription drug detox is expensive

You may also be concerned about the cost of prescription drug detox but it is important to understand the long-term benefits of investing in your health and well-being. At Banbury Lodge, we will work with you to determine the best approach for your individual circumstances and advise you on whether any private health insurance you have can help with the costs.

I will be judged for undergoing detox

Many people are worried about the stigma associated with prescription drug detox, but it is important to remember that dependency is a medical condition, not a moral failing. At Banbury Lodge, we understand the complexities of the condition and will work with you in a confidential, non-judgmental and supportive environment. Our goal is to help you achieve and maintain lasting recovery, with everyone in the same boat, working together as one recovery community.

Get started with prescription drug detox

If you or a loved one is struggling with prescription drug dependency, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. At Banbury Lodge, we are dedicated to providing you with the highest level of care and support during the prescription drug detox process. Take the first step towards lasting recovery and contact Banbury Lodge today. We are here to help, and we will support you every step of the way.

Frequently asked questions