Demerol Withdrawal And Detox

What Is Demerol Withdrawal?

Prolonged abuse of Demerol can cause abnormalities and changes in the user’s brain. When these changes occur, it means the user has become reliant on Demerol—they’ve developed a tolerance, dependence, or even an addiction.

Even those who follow a prescription can become dependent on Demerol.

Withdrawal occurs when a physically and/or psychologically dependent Demerol user quits taking the drug or reduces the amount they take. As their body tries to physiologically adjust to no longer having Demerol in its system, the user will experience unpleasant symptoms of withdrawal, such as anxiety and agitation.

Withdrawal symptoms associated with Demerol are not typically life-threatening, but they may feel that way to the user. Symptoms can be quite painful and are best treated in a medical environment.

Symptoms Of Withdrawal

Withdrawal from Demerol is different for each user. The symptoms that present are dependent on how long Demerol was abused, how much of the drug was taken, how often Demerol was taken, whether they also abused any other substances, their mental and physical health, and how they took Demerol.

Demerol withdrawal symptoms are typically moderate to severe and can include the following:

Demerol users may also experience strong cravings when they first quit the drug, prompting some to begin using again. To reduce the likelihood of relapse, those who are addicted to Demerol should seek the help of a medical detox program.

Duration Of Withdrawal

While the duration of withdrawal is different for everyone, most people begin experiencing symptoms within the first 24 hours after their last dose.

There are 2 phases of Demerol withdrawal, acute withdrawal and Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS). Acute withdrawal is especially unpleasant, but usually only lasts for 3 to 10 days. Any symptoms that last longer than 10 days are considered PAWS. PAWS can last as long as 24 months, but usually slowly diminish as time goes by.

Demerol Withdrawal Timeline

First 24 hours	Symptoms typically begin three to 24 hours after the user’s last dose. Anxiety, irritability, physical discomfort, and nausea are usually the first symptoms to present. Cravings and urges to use are strong.
Day 2 to Day 5	Withdrawal tends to peak over the next few days. The former user may feel uneasy, alarmed or even fearful. Physical symptoms often set in, like sweating, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting. Demerol cravings may be strong.
Day 6 to Day 14	Over the next week or two, symptoms begin to fade. Any remaining symptoms should be mild. At this point, acute withdrawal has ended and PAWS has begun.
Days 15+	Cravings for the drug may persist, but most, if not all, other symptoms, including inability to feel pleasure, decreased appetite, restlessness, irritability, agitation, anxiety, depression, poor concentration, mood swings, lack of motivation, and poor sleep patterns should subside.

Demerol Detox

Demerol users are advised to consult a doctor before quitting the drug if they have a prescription. Demerol users who do not have a prescription are advised to get an evaluation of whether or not they should complete withdrawal in a medical detox program.

During medical detox, doctors may taper off the user’s dose of Demerol over a period of weeks. However, it is more common to switch to another, similar substance, such as Buprenorphine, Suboxone, or Subutex. Either method helps to reduce withdrawal symptoms and is safer and more comfortable than quitting “cold turkey.” Sometimes, a physician will prescribe medications to help with the withdrawal process.

Both of these medications help with the painful symptoms of opioid withdrawal and have the same active ingredient, Buprenorphine. Suboxone also has a second active ingredient, an Opioid antagonist called Naloxone. Naloxone makes it next to impossible for the user to feel the euphoric effects of opioids, making relapse less likely. It also makes the user more likely to overdose because they often take more and more Demerol to get the effect they desire.

The theory behind this treatment is that the repeated absence of the desired effects and the perceived futility of abusing opioids will gradually diminish craving and addiction. Naltrexone itself has no subjective effects following detoxification (that is, a person does not perceive any particular drug effect), it has no potential for abuse, and it is not addictive.

Treatment For Demerol Addiction

There are many treatment options available to those struggling with Demerol addiction, including inpatient and outpatient programs. For more rehab-related information, contact a treatment provider today.