Darvocet Addiction
Darvocet is a pain medication that contains a combination of acetaminophen and propoxyphene. Darvocets are taken to relieve pain associated with a wide range of illnesses. Darvocet is a potentially addictive medication and Darvocet addiction has become a problem for many. Darvocets contain two active ingredients, and it is the propoxyphene ingredient that addicts abuse the medication for. Propoxyphene is a narcotic which is abused for its sedative effects. Propoxyphene passes quickly through the blood-brain barrier and produces short term euphoria and relaxation.
Darvocet addiction is potentially very dangerous, and high doses of Darvocets can result in death or other complications. Emergency medical treatment must be provided for overdoses on Darvocets. Darvocets are often taken in combination with other drugs such as alcohol which can cause dangerous interactions. Liver failure is also common in cases of Darvocet addiction due to the toxicity of acetaminophen in high doses. Treatment for Darvocet addiction involves several types of therapy, medications to treat addiction symptoms, and medical treatment for any of the related negative health effects of Darvocet addiction.
Darvocet Addiction Side Effects
Darvocet addiction cases can result in very severe psychological and physical symptoms. The physical side effects of Darvocet addiction are as follows: drowsiness, nausea, sedation, dizziness, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, headache, weight loss, kidney problems, liver problems, skin rashes, and weakness. Psychological symptoms of propoxyphene addiction include: feelings of elation, self-confidence, depression, intense cravings for the medication, mania, mood swings, reduced inhibition, and other uncharacteristic behaviors. Higher doses of Darvocets result in more severe symptoms.
Those who suffer from Darvocet addiction are likely to demonstrate these physical and psychological symptoms in some way. They may noticeable look more physically drained or there may be noticeable rapid decreases in weight. Patients who have overdosed will show a bluish tinge to their skin along with immense drowsiness and stupor. Patients can also be found in convulsions or in a coma from an overdose, and any suspected overdose must be treated as a medical emergency.
In many cases, abusers of Darvocet also abuse other drugs. Some of the other drugs which addicts may take in conjunction with Darvocets include sedatives, antidepressants, or alcohol. These drugs and others may have potentially serious or fatal interactions with Darvocet. Recognition of Darvocet addiction is very important so that addicts can get treatment as quickly as possible to reduce the extent of liver and other organ damage and reduce the extent of long term psychological disorders.
Darvocet Withdrawal Symptoms
The symptoms of withdrawal from propoxyphene can be severe. Patients with long term use of the drug who have developed higher tolerances to propoxyphene are likely to undergo more difficult withdrawals. Withdrawal symptoms of propoxyphene may occur as early as 4 hours after the last dose, and the worst symptoms may be experienced within 2 days after the last dose. Bed rest and treatment may be required for up to a month.
Physical symptoms of Darvocet withdrawal may include: sweating, anxiety, depression, severe muscle and bone aching, sneezing, leg kicking, tears, insomnia, runny nose, shivering or trembling, weakness, dehydration, convulsions, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, and fever. Psychological symptoms can include: irritability, rage, suicidal tendencies, anxiety, intense cravings, depression, and many other symptoms.
Cases of Darvocet addiction require a gradual process of withdrawal that allows the patient to ease his or her addiction without as much pain rather than a “cold turkey” method of withdrawal which is more difficult and painful for the patient. A gradual method of withdrawal allows a patient’s symptoms to be reduced in severity and treated more adequately. Drug rehab centers are equipped to handle cases of Darvocet addiction and have specialized withdrawal and detoxification programs for each type of addiction case.
Darvocet Detox at Drug Rehab Centers
The detox process from propoxyphene because the drug is both physically and psychologically addictive. The detoxification process requires propoxyphene to be substituted with another medication or reduced gradually. Suboxone and buprenorphine may be used during the gradual process of detoxification from propoxyphene. There are optional inpatient and outpatient detoxification therapies available as well.
Drug rehab centers are best equipped to handle cases of Darvocet addiction and detoxification because they are equipped with experienced and professional staff. Detoxification is included as a part of a long term treatment plan that involves several other types of therapy. Detoxification is followed up with group and individual therapy, monitoring and treatment of psychological and physical symptoms, and other outpatient treatments.
The detoxification process of Darvocet addiction should never be performed alone because it is difficult if not impossible for an individual to manage his or her own physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. Detoxification should take place at a drug rehab center because it allows addiction professionals to manage and treat the side effects and symptoms of withdrawal from propoxyphene. This takes a large burden off of the patient and allows the patient to spend more time and energy focusing on other aspects of the recovery process.
Although the initial detoxification process may take up to two weeks for Darvocet addiction, the follow up treatment of psychological and physical symptoms may be necessary for eight weeks or longer. Treatment varies between individuals with some requiring longer stays in an inpatient facility.
Darvocet Addiction Treatment at Drug Rehab Centers
Drug rehab centers provide the best environment for propoxyphene addiction treatment. These centers provide treatment of the individual and not just the illness and involve several types of counseling. Detoxification is the first step in the treatment of Darvocet addiction, and after the detox process the next stages of a long term treatment plan are implemented. The addiction specialists of drug rehab centers customize each plan for each unique case of addiction.
Inpatient programs where patients reside at the rehab center are well-suited for cases of Darvocet addiction, however for those who unable to do this there are also outpatient programs available. Follow-up therapy and participation in a 12-step program is a very important long term component of treatment that helps to ensure the lack of a relapse. Rehabilitation involves patient education of some of the many dangers of Darvocet addiction and empowering the patient with the tools to handle the addiction.
Propoxyphene addiction is a challenge to treat, but drug rehab centers are capable of treating both the physical and psychological addiction to propoxyphene. Any known or suspected underlying psychological factors that may contribute to Darvocet addiction can be treated. Medications provided by professionals can treat the numerous withdrawal symptoms of propoxyphene addiction along with therapeutic care in the form of continual counseling and group support.
Patients experience a very positive and motivating atmosphere at a drug rehab center. Social support for propoxyphene addiction treatment and other types of addictions is shown to be very powerful, and drug rehab centers implement several types of social and medical support for patients to overcome their addictions as quickly, safely, and comfortably as possible.
