Dangers of Demerol Abuse
The dangers of abusing Demerol are consistent with the risk associated with abuse of any Opioid, prescription or illicit. Opioids such as Demerol are highly addictive, and an overdose can result in death. When initially taken, Demerol has a euphoric effect, due to the connection of pain receptors in the brain being disrupted.
The body becomes sedated and all muscles begin to relax and a calm or serenity is felt by the abuser. Those who suffer from pain are generally free of pain within minutes. The abuser just lays there in a sedated state lethargic and immobile for hours. Long-term use of Demerol can cause permanent changes to brain receptors, which is why Demerol is not designed to be used for an extended time and only prescribe right after surgeries.
When these permanent changes develop due to Demerol abuse, the abuser often develops a strong craving for this drug on a continuous basis. Therefore, it is very important for those who have become dependent on Demerol to get help before permanent damage is done to the brain and internal organs.
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Street Names for Demerol
Demerol is the U.S. trade name for the prescription drug, Meperidine. Demerol abuse and addiction are known to cause a significant impact on a person’s life, in several different aspects. Demerol is a gravely addictive prescription and is therefore used legally and abused illegally. The most common street names for the prescription drug Demerol that is often sold illicitly are: Demmies, Pethidine, Mapergan, Painkiller, Juice, Dillies, Dust
The number of dosage units of Demerol that were reported lost or stolen in the U.S. increased 16.2% between 2000-2003, from 32, 447 to 37,687.
Demerol Effects
The effects of Demerol abuse depend on the intensity of the abuse or addiction. Most effects begin to occur as the body becomes physically dependent on the drug, which then leads to becoming psychologically addicted. A few of the most common effects surrounding an addiction to Demerol include, but are not limited to; physical ailments, mental, emotional and behavioral changes. More specifically, common physical effects of Demerol abuse include: difficulties breathing, headache, hypotension, constipation, dizziness, irregular body temperature fluctuation, coma, stroke, dry mouth, liver problems, nausea and vomiting, sedation, seizures, heart attack and death. The behavior effects that are most prevalent include heavy depression, impulsiveness, mood swings and rage.
Warning signs of Demerol abuse in a loved one
Being able to understand that a loved one may be abusing Demerol can be hard. Demerol addiction is a life altering disease that centers in an individual’s mind. Once a person is addicted, his or her brain chemistry is altered and reaching a euphoric effect becomes the number one priority in life. Being able to recognize Demerol abuse and addiction in your loved one will be a smoother process provided you are armed with the facts of what to look out for and education on addiction.
Have you noticed your loved one recently experiencing a depression that continues to worsen? Has he or she began to show signs of impulsive behavior or dishonesty? If any of these signs are true in your life, your loved one may be abusing prescription Opioids.
Is your loved one taking prescription Opioids for physical pain purposes? Has he or she started lying about the amount being taken or been seen by multiple doctors for the same purpose? If your loved one is abusing Demerol, he or she may display similar signs.
How often does your loved one seem disoriented, confused, drowsy or fall asleep? Has he or she become isolated from society, lost a job or had a continual decline in physical, emotional and overall mental wellness? These are common effects of Opioid abuse such as Demerol.
Factual Dangers: Demerol
Abuse of prescription Demerol often leads to an addiction to the drug. Addiction is a chronic disease that centers in an individual’s mind, impacted the lives of significant others, children, friends, and parents with the list ever increasing. In the U.S., prescription drug abuse is a major problem. More specifically, Opioid related drug overdose deaths, including prescription Opioids have becomes the number one cause of unintentional deaths.
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True Stories of Addiction: Mercede’s Discovers Heroin Young
Mercedes boyfriend introduced her to a drug like Demerol that ended up taking control of her life. It took some time, but she fought for her life, and fortunately recovered. – View all episodes now
Demerol Rehab Treatment
If you or your loved one is living in the agony and control of an addiction to Demerol or other prescription Opioids, it is important to seek substance abuse treatment. Getting treatment for prescription Opioid abuse, including Demerol usually takes place in a drug rehab facility. Once individual needs are determined in the initial assessment phase, it will be easier to find the exact kind of treatment that will be most effective for the specific individual.
An individual’s personal needs should be and often are part of this decision as well. Aside from the inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities, there are many other types of treatment styles in which an individual can partake it. A few of the other treatment styles that are sometimes integrated into the more traditions styles of treatment are faith-based organizations, family inclusive centers, healthful living, exercise and practicing optimal nutrition to add to the healing process in recovery.
Comprehensive and integrated care in rehabilitation centers design treatment platforms to meet everyone specifically based on a few things such as personality, desires, needs and wants. Call ahead to the treatment facility of your choice, and make sure they offer rehab for Demerol. Finding the right facility will be the key factor in helping the individuals abusing the drug to break free from their Demerol addiction.
Demerol Detox Treatment
Withdrawals from Demerol can be excruciating and unsettling for individuals who are addicted to the drug and have been for an extended period.
This is common for any Opioid addiction. Due to the withdrawal symptoms associated with Demerol abuse being known as quite intense, medical doctors in a detox facility will provide supplemental drugs to individuals who are undergoing the detoxification process. Drugs that help lessen the effects of Demerol withdrawal are utilized to help prevent brain damage and self-inflicted pain. Demerol Withdrawal symptoms often include, however are not limited to: bone and muscle pain, self-inflicting harm, anxiety and agitation, insomnia, hallucinations, fever and chills, suicidal tendencies, body tremors, diarrhea and vomiting, restlessness and irritability.
When withdrawing from Demerol and getting help for addiction an inpatient rehabilitation center is the top recommendation. Undergoing withdrawal from Demerol should be monitored to ensure an individual’s overall safety, as well as no permanent damage to the body and brain. Depending on an individual’s depth of Demerol addiction certain tailored treatments may be required throughout the detox stage to ensure a successful recovery back to health and from the disease of addiction.
Social factors might include one’s surrounding environment, living conditions, or early exposure to the drug from friends and family.
Addiction to Demerol
Demerol is a sedative and painkiller. Demerol is typically prescribed by medical doctors for individual who have oral surgeries and for after surgeries that can be considered invasive. Demerol temporarily relieves and treats symptoms of pain much like the prescription Opioids, Oxycodone and Morphine.
Demerol is derived from Opium and synthetically produced. Opioids particularly effect an individual’s central nervous system, which is a key component to pain regulation, perception as well as tolerance. Opioid Painkillers such a Demerol have addictive properties and a commonly abused substance, especially in the United States. Since prescriptions are only obtained by a medical doctor, the regulations and guidelines regarding the quality and frequency in which the drug is meant to be taken is strict. Even is a medical doctor limits the quantity and frequency of the Demerol dosage to once a day or as needed only, Demerol abuse and addiction can take hold on a person’s life.
Some Individuals who are prescribed Demerol have found that they developed a craving for the drug, even after their first dose ever taken. In addition to Demerol having power analgesic properties, this prescription Opioid is known to produce feelings of giddiness and pleasure. The chances of developing an addicted brain, especially to Demerol increases significantly.
Demerol Dependency
Although Demerol is medically prescribed to lessen the pain experience by many individuals, it is commonly used outside of treatment or medical parameters. Severe pain can be debilitating and cause a great deal of suffering, which makes it quite easy for individuals to become both physically and psychologically dependent on Demerol. People who have pills classified as Opioids or Painkillers prescribed to them by a medical doctor have a higher chance of becoming addicted.
If an individual does not have access to such life-altering medication, such a Demerol in the first place, the risk of Opioid dependency decreases significantly. When an individual is prescribed Demerol he or she is presented the option of a month supply which can enable an individual to take more, if he or she sees fit or desires to do so.
Individuals who use Demerol excessively will eventually build a tolerance. After the first dose an individual’s body will begin to develop a tolerance to Demerol which increases overtime, the long he or she takes the medication. When developing a tolerance, an individual will need to increase their dosage amount to experience the same level of euphoria. They could begin what is referred to as, chase the high looking for the experience that was initially felt by taking Demerol by mixing it with other drugs and taking more than prescribed.
Intervention for Demerol Abuse
If you are contemplating whether to confront a loved one’s addiction to Demerol, consider staging and intervention. Interventions are a great way to help your loved one get the help he or she needs. Through communication and planning with a professional interventionist, you can take part in your loved one getting help for his or her addiction and finding success in recovery.
If you think someone you love is abusing Demerol, please contact a professional to inquire about an intervention. Demerol, as a prescription Opioid has high potential for abuse. In addition to its great abuse potential, Demerol is gravely addictive and will destroy every aspect of an individual’s life, meanwhile impacting and hurting the individual’s family and friends beyond a comprehensible measure. Abusing Demerol can cause changes in behavior. Most often Demerol causes an increase in irritation and aggression. Due to this occurrence, it is advised and responsible to contact a trained professional to arrange, structure and hold the intervention for your loved one’s family and friends.
Professional interventionists are helpful in the way that they make sure the intervention being held is non-judgmental and conducted with love as well as respect. Signs of intolerance, accusation and even shaming your loved one for his or her behaviors in active addiction has never proven to be helpful, only harmful. Staging an intervention is also best done when individuals who are the most influential to the addicted individual attend the sit down and show their support. – Learn More
Recovery from Demerol Abuse
If you or your loved one has recent found recovery from Demerol abuse, it is suggested to strongly consider furthering treatment in a program called aftercare. Committing to aftercare following treatment in rehab, often time offers continuing care such as various therapeutic methods, group or family counseling. The individuals who complete a stay in rehabilitation for Demerol abuse are known to have a greater success rate at recovery. Moreover, those who participate in an aftercare program once finished with their treatment in rehab have an even higher success rate than the initial rate.
Aftercare transitions patients back to the real world while avoiding the temptation to relapse. Aftercare programs can be halfway houses, residential living, group homes and even outpatient programs. As part of your Aftercare plan, consider participating in group meetings and 12-step programs. Both are helpful tools in maintaining your ongoing sobriety. The 12-steps were created by the founders of A.A. and the core tenets are making amends for past harms caused by addiction, having accountability for one’s actions, and admitting that we are powerless against addiction, and we need the help of a higher power to overcome our addictions.
The skills and tools developed in treatment for Demerol addition will serve as an important part in a life-long rand successful recovery. Additionally, many rehabilitation centers provide references to community resources, including but not limited to 12-step meetings in your local area and various recovery support groups.
Dangers of Demerol Overdose
Prescription Opioids and Painkillers like Demerol are extremely potent. Many people each day accidentally take too much of a prescription Painkiller which often results in overdose. Overdose to heavy Narcotics such as Demerol can happen to anyone whether addicted to the drug or not. It is important to identify Demerol overdose symptoms as they can be life threatening: slow or irregular breathing, extreme drowsiness, limp muscles, slow heart rate, cardiac arrest, blue skin, coma, cold/clammy skin, low blood pressure and death.
When an individual started to consume Demerol, a physical tolerance begins to form and the individual becomes dependence. Once the individual is dependent on Demerol he or she needs more of the drug to get the same effect or high. This occurrence is an addiction to Demerol which ultimately increases the potential of an overdose greatly. Many people mix prescription medications with other substances to increase the effect produced. When an individual’s drinks Alcohol while taking Demerol, overdose is devastatingly common and the result usually fatal.
If someone you know is overdosing on Demerol, get help immediately. It is important that you do not leave the individuals overdosing on Demerol alone. A Demerol overdose or overdose of other Opioids can become more severe in a matter of minutes. Recovery from a Demerol overdose depends on the amount that was taken and get fast he or she can receive treatment. The quicker medical attention is given for Demerol overdose the greater chance for a successful recovery. – Learn More
Demerol Use, Abuse and Dependency
When a person begins to use Demerol, a prescription Opioid analgesic, whatever the purpose being, he or she is at risk for developing an addiction. An addiction to Demerol can happen to anyone and does form in people of many different ages as well as backgrounds. While Demerol can be used in a safe manner and taken as prescribed, if a person takes the drug safely or not he or she is at risk for dependence and addiction. Demerol is classified as a controlled Narcotic substances and is otherwise known as a prescription Opioid. Over the last 20 years prescription Opioid overdoses including overdoses on Demerol have increase greatly, more than quadrupling.
Demerol can have a euphoric effect on the brain, and men and women may attempt to recreate this feeling by taking quantities greater than what is prescribed.
In the U.S. today, according to the centers of disease control and prevention, approximately 78 or more individuals die from Opioid abuse and overdose on drugs like Demerol. Additional statements reported by the CDC indicate that prescription Painkillers like Demerol are among the fastest growing trends in drug abuse within the Nation. Demerol is part of the Nation epidemic going on today which has resulted from prescription Painkiller prescriptions to abusing the medication and ultimately turning to heavily street drugs such as Heroin.
The prescription Painkiller, Demerol helps to subside debilitating pain in individuals who receive such medications from their doctors. However, a relief in pain does not come without consequences when relating to Demerol. Demerol is known to create feelings of ease, euphoria and pleasurable sensations, as Opioids interrupt the brains communication ability by blocking the pain receptor signals. With continue use of Demerol or other prescription Painkillers, the effects are eventually dulled due to a developed tolerance to the drug. As a tolerance is built, dependence and addiction fall next in line. Building a tolerance to prescription drugs such as Demerol is not by any means a chore. Tolerance to heavily addictive Narcotics like Demerol can happen after the second or even the first time taking the drug. Demerol addiction may be initiated due to a numerous number of factors present in an individual’s life.
The potential but not definite causes of a possible influence to the progression of addiction to Demerol include external and even internal triggers. The external triggers focus on environment factors and social surroundings. While the internal triggers are on more of a psychological and biological scale, ultimately making the individual more vulnerable to developing an addiction. Some factors from the social aspect may be an individual’s environment, such as living conditions, exposure from friends, peer pressure of even early exposure from members in the immediate family. Internal facts that cause an individual to be vulnerable to the disease are often psychological. The most common psychological causes are neglect, abuse and trauma which happened in childhood, teenage years or even adulthood. The biological aspect that factors in to potential development of Demerol addiction is genetic predisposition.
It is not recommended to use Demerol for long-term or on-going pain treatment. According to U.S. health authority’s prescription Opioids are not a solution to chronic pain and that there is insufficient evidence that Painkillers provide genuine relief in individuals who take the drugs for more than three months at a time. It is estimated that over 24 percent of people who use prescription Painkillers like Demerol long-term develop the disease of addiction. Demerol is mainly manufactured in a tablet and syrup form. It is most common for individuals abusing Demerol to crush and snort the tablets, as well as intravenously abuse the drug. Demerol abuse will overall change the way that a person brain chemicals are wired and result in damage that may take several years to recover from. When the brain re-wires itself from Demerol use or abuse a person is left with an addicted brain.
Aside from the chemistry changes that take place, Demerol and other prescription Opioids can lead to a lasting depression, lethargy, aggression and much more. The abuse of Demerol can also cause negative neurological impacts past the extent of chemical rewiring. Demerol abuse can result in difficulty with memory, coordination, learning ability, holding attention, decision making and can even cause a person to experience seizures or stroke. The prescription Painkiller, Demerol is not a medication to be taken without regard. Taking any kind of mind alerting substances or drugs that fall under the controlled substance act in the U.S. put you and or your loved one a great risk for developing an addiction. Demerol Addiction take a huge toll of the health and wellness of many individuals as well as their families. However, that is not all Demerol and prescription Opioid addiction damages the security and stability of finances as well. Because of this many individuals and their loved one are not getting the proper care to deal with Demerol abuse and addiction. If you or someone you love is impacted by an addiction to Demerol reach out today and get help finding the treatment you deserve. – Learn More
Group Therapy
If you have a loved one that is abusing Demerol and you believe it is time for rehab, going to a treatment center that offers group therapy as part of the therapeutic regime is recommended. Group therapy is a well-known and effective form of behavior therapy, that assists individuals in their quest to regain their standing and effectiveness in society.
During group therapy, individuals interact with other peers within the group who are afflicted with similar addictions, in addition to addiction professionals. Group therapy is used to create safe space for getting educated on addiction as well as sharing experiences in a group setting. Some people respond to group therapy better than individual therapy, which can lead to growth and healing of the individual. It is also beneficial to relate to other people addicted to Demerol or other Opioids. When you finish rehab, your group therapy will be a natural transition to group meetings, which are highly recommended to maintain your sobriety.
You can also find a sponsor at weekly group meetings who will help you achieve your sobriety goals on an individual level. If an individual’s friends and family members are active in his or her recovery and attending family therapy, it is common for family to attend different group therapies as well. When the family in invited to participate in group meetings, talks and other functions it is usually for healing the hurt relationships, building communication skills and educating the members on the disease of addiction and how it works.
Family Rehab
Individuals who suffer with Demerol addiction often experience depression and emotional trauma, which can adversely impact their relationships with friends and family members. Similar with many addictions, family relationships become strained or severed. Many rehab facilities offer family therapy for just this reason. If your relationships in your family have been strained by addiction to Demerol, contact a specialist or a treatment center directly to find out if family therapy is offered in the program.
In family therapy, you can learn coping skills and communication techniques to better interact with your friends and family members. Family therapy is also helpful because it is educational on the disease of addiction itself as well as Demerol and abuse of Demerol. Many family members may not be aware that addiction is a disease and that it changes the brain’s chemistry to promote even more Demerol abuse.
Many friends and family who are struggling with a loved one addicted to Demerol, as well as other substances do not know what to do or where to turn. It is common for individuals to have difficulty asking for help or support because his or her friends and family do not understand why he or she is afflicted with addiction, as well as why the individual does the things that she or he does. For this very reason, family therapy and rehabilitation services are offered. Family therapy and rehab help friends and family of addicted individuals mend ties and come to a common ground and understanding.
Demerol Takes Over
Gary grew up around addiction. He didn’t see a problem with experimenting with drugs, because he just thought it was a normal part of life. Everything in his life seemed to be going fine until he tried a drug like Demerol, and when he did, his whole life took a turn for the worst. He was stealing from his girlfriend to support his habit and asking his mom for money. He wanted to stop using, but didn’t know there was a way out. He tried quitting many times but was never successful until he was introduced to a 12-step program. Watch how Gray saved his life from addiction.
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Inpatient Demerol Rehab
Inpatient treatment is always recommended for individuals with a Demerol addiction. Inpatient is the top recommendation for prescription Opioids, like Demerol since the drug is physically addictive and the withdrawals stage is often too intense and unsafe to handle independently. Inpatient treatment involves a live-in facility where an individual will have around-the-clock care and medical attention.
When living with the disease of addiction, relapse poses a high risk. To avoid the risk of relapse, individuals receive a safe, structured and supportive environment in an inpatient facility as they are given the time and dedication needed for a full recovery. During treatment, an individual will learn coping mechanisms that will help with the cravings and urges to use Demerol that he or she experiences in the now and potentially in the future.
The duration of inpatient treatment for Demerol addiction will vary depending on many aspects. Some of the aspects include how long an individual has been abusing the drug, how much is taken measured in dosage and quantity. Another aspect that is considered upon the initial assessment for treatment is whether poly-substance use is taking place, which means abusing more than one drug or substance. The aim of inpatient rehab for Demerol is to help support an individual into recovery by meeting him or her exactly where he or she is in the process. Depending on the treatment centers selected, the program may last weeks to even a year or longer. Finding the right inpatient rehab will be the key to helping your loved one break free from Demerol addiction. – Learn More
Outpatient Rehab
An outpatient program for Demerol treatment is where the clients travel to a clinic several times a week to take part in treatment sessions. Outpatient rehab for Demerol addiction and abuse allows individuals to receive treatment and therapeutic care while maintaining a normal life involving work, school, and family.
The only downfall about outpatient is that an individual is still exposed to the environment that contributed to their addiction to begin with and only comes to get treatment related services. As addiction is a chronic relapsing disease, relapse is a common occurrence, which is often a result of being triggered. Triggers may cause a relapse if the cravings are too intense to handle for an individual newly introduced to a life in recovery. While this form of treatment isn’t for everyone it is often successful and has done wonders for thousands of people living with an addiction to prescription Opioids like Demerol.
If you or someone you love is lost in the endless cycle of misery caused by addiction, there is help and a way out of the pain. Making changes in your life and getting back the control over your day to day circumstances is possible. Demerol addiction does not have to ruin your life, reach out and get help stepping into a life in recovery from drug addiction. Whether you are looking for treatment that will walk you through every step of the recovery process or one that will allow you freedom to go about handling everyday responsibilities, there is a treatment program and rehab center right for you. – Learn More
