Prescription Drug Withdrawal Discharge Instructions

About this topic

Sometimes when you take certain drugs for a long time, your body becomes dependent on the effects of the drug. This can happen with drugs your doctor has ordered. Drug withdrawal happens if you all of a sudden stop taking these drugs. ‚
It is important to work with your doctor to slowly stop taking these drugs. If you stop taking the drugs too fast, your body tries to adjust. It becomes overstimulated and shows signs of withdrawal. The signs you have will depend on the drug you have been taking. Most common are upset stomach, throwing up, sweating, belly pain, low mood, and worry or fears. ‚

What care is needed at home?

Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
Make family and friends aware of your condition. Talk to them about how to help. Try to reach out to other people. It is important to have someone who will support your recovery.
Deal with your feelings in an effective way.
Learn to handle pain, anxiety, and other feelings in healthier ways. Your doctor, support group, and sponsor can help with this.
Learn how to cope with stress without the use of drugs. Some people enjoy exercise and meditation. Others like to play with pets. Try listening to music or having a massage. Go for a walk or a drive. Find out what works best for you.
Be honest with yourself. Admit to yourself that you have a problem. Do not be ashamed that you are doing something to recover from long term drug dependency. Being honest may help you do well and feel much better.
Talk with family or friends. This often helps to ease and relieve the stress. They may also help you do things to distract your attention.
Distract yourself with some activities. Get yourself interested in something to make your urges go away. Read a book, watch a movie, ride a bike, or take a walk.
Challenge yourself to change the way you think. When cravings happen, you may remember the good feelings only and tend to forget the bad effects.
Take time to relax. When you are relaxed, you feel much better and are able to think positive things.

What follow-up care is needed?

Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
Join a support group. Spend time with people who understand the things you are going through. They may help you know what to do. Share ideas and thoughts with them. You will also learn what others may have done to deal with certain situations.

What drugs may be needed?

The doctor may order medicines to: ‚

Ease signs of withdrawal
Help block urges of drug use

Will physical activity be limited?

Physical activity may not be limited. Doing certain activities may greatly help you ease pain and stress.
Take good care of your health. Get regular exercise, enough sleep, and keep your energy up.

When do I need to call the doctor?

Upset stomach or throwing up
Too much sweating
Belly pain
Low mood, worry, or fears
You have any concerns about your condition

Teach Back: Helping You Understand

The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚

I can tell you about my condition.
I can tell you how I will deal with my pain and stress.
I can tell you what I will do if I have an upset stomach, throwing up, sweating, belly pain, low mood, worry, or fears.

Where can I learn more?

Kids Health ‚
http://kidshealth.org/teen/drug_alcohol/drugs/prescription_drug_abuse.html ‚
National Institute on Drug Abuse ‚
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/science-addiction/treatment-recovery ‚

Last Reviewed Date

2015-09-10 ‚

List_set bdysylist

Endocrine and Metabolic

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚

Home

Erectile Dysfunction

Doctor123.org