Demerol Abuse Symptoms & Treatment

 What is Demerol? Learn about Demerol abuse symptoms and treatment options.

Demerol is the brand name for the prescription drug meperidine. Demerol is a synthetic opioid pain medication, typically used in the treatment of moderate to severe pain. The drug has been used by medical professionals for a variety of reasons including treating pain associated with heart attacks, cancer, labor and delivery, and more. The drug is typically administered orally as a syrup or tablet, or by injection (intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intravenous). Similar to other opioid painkillers, Demerol has high abuse potential due to its ability to produce pleasurable mood-changing effects. Demerol users tend to experience a strong sense of euphoria upon using the drug.  When the drug is used for non-medical related reasons, users tend to develop a dependency on the drug and begin abusing it. The euphoric effect that Demerol produces on the brain causes users to attempt to recreate that euphoric feeling by taking larger quantities of the drug. As a result, Demerol abuse symptoms begin when users begin to develop a tolerance for the drug, therefore requiring larger doses and more frequent use of the drug to produce the same “high” – and unwanted side effects.

The Long-Term Effects of Demerol Abuse

Demerol abuse can result in a myriad of consequences both short term and long term, that can affect you physically, mentally, financially, socially, and more. Long-term recreational use can cause physical damage to your body and health. In addition, using Demerol recreationally long term can lead to disturbances in your mental and emotional well being. Psychological long-term effects of Demerol abuse can include increased anxiety, depression, and mood swings. The long-term effect of Demerol abuse can also present themselves non-physically, via disturbances in your social life. Demerol abusers tend to become consumed by Demerol, ultimately leading to broken relationships with friends and family, and social isolation. Demerol abuse has the power to ruin your life if it is not treated appropriately and in a timely manner. However, you can change your life by making the brave choice to get started with your recovery from Demerol abuse or addiction.

Withdrawal from Demerol

Withdrawing from Demerol can produce unpleasant symptoms. Opiate drugs such as Demerol cause users to develop a physical dependence. Therefore, once you stop take Demerol once you’ve already become addicted to it, a reduction in use can cause the body to violently react due to the body withdrawing from the drug. Symptoms will vary from person to person, and will generally be contingent upon several factors such as the severity of the addiction, frequency of use, length of use, age and physical health. Demerol withdrawal symptoms general onset within 24 hours after the last use of the drug. Symptoms typically peak after several days and can last up to 14 days. Demerol withdrawal symptoms include, but are not limited to:

• Headache
• Nausea and Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Muscle Pains
• Tremors or Seizure
• Fever
• Mood Swings
• Fluctuating Heart Rate and Breathing
• Sweating
• Paranoia and Hallucinations

If you or a loved one have been using Demerol and are looking to stop using the drug, it is important to seek medical attention. The withdrawal symptoms associated with Demerol can be unpredictable, therefore it is important to be under medical supervision when withdrawing from the drug. Although withdrawing from Demerol can be unpleasant, it will be worth it on your road to recovery.

Treating Demerol Abuse and Addiction

Demerol abuse symptoms or addiction can affect anyone who uses the drug, no matter their gender, age, or race. An addiction to Demerol can be very powerful, however, there are multiple treatment options available to those who are looking to recover from Demerol addiction. A Demerol addiction can be treated in an inpatient or outpatient setting. It is important that individuals recovering from Demerol addiction or abuse seek treatment based on the severity of their Demerol use problem. It is even more important to develop effective coping mechanisms to manage cravings, stress and other factors which contribute to relapse. If you are concerned that you or a loved one may be struggling with Demerol abuse or addiction, seek help now. By receiving the help and medical attention you need, you will be more than capable of overcoming Demerol abuse or addiction. It starts with making the brave decision to seek help.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.