Seeking Demerol addiction treatment at drug rehab centers can be an effective way for a person to break free from this powerful drug.
About Demerol
Demerol is a narcotic painkiller that is similar to morphine. It may be legally prescribed to relieve moderate-to-severe pain. Like other narcotics, it is addictive. Over time, a person using the drug builds up a tolerance to it, which means it takes a higher dose to get the same effect.
Physical and Mental Addiction to Demerol
Demerol users develop both a physical and mental addiction to the drug. Physical addiction means that if the user doesn't continue to take the medication, he or she will begin to go through withdrawal symptoms, such as the following:
- Anxiety (may be severe)
- Chills
- Insomnia
- Muscle spasms
- Shivering
- Sweating
- Tremors
If the addict takes another dose of the drug, the withdrawal symptoms cease, and he or she feels better. Some people continue to use drugs to avoid the prospect of going through withdrawal.
Mental addiction to a drug refers to a psychological dependence that develops with use. The individual feels better after taking the drug, and begins to associate feeling good or confident with the drug use. Narcotics work by affecting the pleasure centers in the brain and over time, Demerol users may find that their moods are flat unless they are ingesting the drug.
Once a user begins to associate feeling good with using Demerol, it can be difficult to break away from that behavior. Getting professional help from a drug rehab center with staff who have experience treating Demerol addicts increases the likelihood of the individual moving from addiction to recovery mode.
Demerol Addiction Treatment at Drug Rehab Centers
Treatment for Demerol addiction should be conducted by experienced professionals. The first stage of treatment for a Demerol addict is for the individual to go through detoxification. Once he or she is free of the physical effects of the drug, the rehabilitation part of the treatment can start.
This program includes working with trained addiction counselors to help the addict understand why he or she became addicted to Demerol in the first place. When the addict started using the drug, he or she enjoyed the rush that comes with narcotic use. Through working with professional staff, the addict learns more positive ways to get a good feeling rather than using drugs.
Another one of the goals of drug rehab is to identify the circumstances that will trigger an urge to use for the addict. To stay clean, the user needs to have strategies in place that he or she can use when the temptation to turn to drugs happens again. The rehabilitation process addresses these issues as well.
Investigate Treatment Approaches
It's a good idea to investigate Demerol addiction treatment at drug rehab centers before making a decision. There are a number of treatment approaches that centers can use. Some treatment centers offer faith-based therapy, while others include a program that includes instruction in healthy living, including exercise, good nutrition and using vitamins.
A program that includes individual therapy, which gives the addict personalized attention, and group therapy that allows addicts to connect with and understand each other, will help the Demerol addict deal with his or her addiction. It forms the foundation for the next step in the treatment process, which may be moving to a sober house, an outpatient program or individual therapy.
How to Find Treatment for Demerol Addiction
The Internet offers information about a number of Demerol rehabilitation centers that are staffed by trained professionals. Going online can reveal information about individual treatment centers, as well as sites offering referrals to treatment centers nationwide. The following are some examples:
- Royal Life Centers
- Sunset Malibu
- Gulf Coast Treatment Center
- Recovery Connection
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
If you believe that you or someone you care about has an addiction to Demerol, don't hesitate to seek help. The road to recovery begins with a single step.
