Prescription drug dependence often starts with a legitimate prescription—for pain, anxiety, sleep, or focus—but can quickly spiral into something that feels impossible to control. When medications that once provided relief begin to dictate your daily life, professional help becomes essential. At Hickory Grove Recovery in Morrilton, Arkansas, our prescription drug detox program offers medically supervised care designed to help you safely manage withdrawal and begin your journey to lasting recovery.
What is prescription drug detox?
Prescription drug detox is a medically supervised process that clears addictive medications from your system while managing the discomfort and risks of withdrawal. The goal is stabilization—physically, emotionally, and mentally—so you can transition into the next stage of treatment. Attempting to quit without support can put your health in jeopardy, while a structured medical detox prioritizes safety and comfort through evidence-based protocols.
Who needs prescription drug detox?
Dependence can develop even when medications are taken as prescribed. Warning signs that detox may be necessary include:
- Taking larger or more frequent doses than prescribed
- Feeling unable to function without the medication
- Experiencing withdrawal when skipping a dose
- Continuing use after the original medical need has passed
- “Doctor shopping” or seeking multiple prescriptions
- Using medications recreationally to cope, sleep, or feel “normal”
You may especially benefit from detox if you’ve experienced repeated relapse, have multiple prescription drug dependencies, or struggle with co-occurring mental health conditions.
Is prescription drug detox safe?
When completed under medical supervision, prescription drug detox is safe and effective. Attempting detox at home, however, carries serious risks.
- Benzodiazepines: Stopping suddenly can cause dangerous seizures or hallucinations.
- Opioids: Severe vomiting and diarrhea can lead to life-threatening dehydration and cardiac stress.
- Stimulants: Withdrawal often includes depression, suicidal thoughts, and fatigue, which are difficult to manage alone.
- Sleep aids and muscle relaxants: Stopping abruptly may cause rebound insomnia, severe anxiety, or confusion.
At Hickory Grove Recovery, 24/7 monitoring and immediate intervention provide the safest environment for navigating these challenges.
Prescription drug withdrawal symptoms by drug class
The withdrawal experience depends on the medication.
Opioids (oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl): Symptoms often include nausea, diarrhea, muscle cramps, sweating, anxiety, and overwhelming cravings. Symptoms typically peak within three days and improve after about a week, though cravings may linger.
Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan): Withdrawal may bring rebound anxiety, tremors, panic attacks, sensory sensitivity, and insomnia. Symptoms can last weeks, and in some cases, months, if not carefully tapered.
Stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta): People often experience extreme fatigue, depression, vivid dreams, mood swings, and intense cravings. Symptoms peak within the first week, but emotional effects may linger longer.
Other medications (sleep aids, gabapentinoids, muscle relaxants): Withdrawal can involve rebound insomnia, anxiety, memory issues, or even seizures if stopped abruptly.
How prescription drug detox works
Detox begins with a comprehensive medical assessment. Our team reviews your prescription history, overall health, and mental health needs before developing a personalized plan.
The process may include:
- Tapering protocols: Gradual reduction in dose, especially for benzodiazepines and sleep aids, to avoid dangerous complications.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): Suboxone, Subutex, or methadone for opioids; cross-tapering strategies for benzos; psychiatric medications to manage depression or anxiety when needed.
- Comfort care: Symptom relief with hydration, nutrition, and non-addictive medications for nausea, blood pressure, or sleep.
- Continuous monitoring: Nurses and physicians track vitals and provide support throughout the process.
Detox settings: Inpatient care for safety and support
While some mild dependencies may be managed in outpatient settings, inpatient detox is strongly recommended for those with more complex needs. Inpatient care at Hickory Grove Recovery includes:
- 24/7 medical monitoring and immediate crisis response
- A drug-free environment that removes relapse risks
- Stabilization for those with co-occurring conditions or a history of seizures, suicidal thoughts, or heart problems
- Emotional and therapeutic support to prepare for the next stage of treatment
This level of care is especially important for seniors, adolescents, and people with chronic pain or mental health conditions.
Aftercare and relapse prevention
Detox is the foundation, but recovery requires ongoing treatment and support. At Hickory Grove Recovery, we begin aftercare planning before you leave detox. Your plan may involve:
- Transition into inpatient addiction treatment or an outpatient program
- Relapse prevention counseling to identify triggers and practice coping skills
- Continued MAT when appropriate
- Dual diagnosis treatment for conditions like depression, anxiety, or PTSD
- Support groups and community connections such as 12-step or SMART Recovery
A strong aftercare plan helps you maintain stability, navigate stress, and reduce the risk of relapse as you move forward in recovery.
Insurance coverage for prescription drug detox
Cost should never prevent someone from accessing care. Hickory Grove Recovery accepts Medicaid and most major commercial insurance plans. Our admissions team will walk you through your benefits so you understand what services are covered and what options are available.
Frequently asked questions about prescription drug detox
Opioid withdrawal often peaks in 72 hours, benzodiazepine withdrawal may last weeks or longer, and stimulant withdrawal is usually most difficult in the first week but can leave lingering emotional effects.
Medications vary by drug class. Suboxone or methadone may be used for opioids, cross-tapering for benzos, and psychiatric support for stimulants.
Home detox is not recommended due to risks such as seizures, relapse, or dehydration. A structured medical detox program is the safest way to begin recovery.
Detox is just the beginning. Most people benefit from residential or outpatient treatment to address the mental and behavioral sides of addiction.
Start prescription drug detox at Hickory Grove Recovery
If prescription medications have taken control of your life, you don’t have to face recovery alone. At Hickory Grove Recovery in Morrilton, Arkansas, our prescription drug detox program provides expert care, round-the-clock support, and a clear pathway into treatment and long-term recovery.
Call our admissions team at 501.509.5143 today to learn more about safe, effective detox and begin your journey toward healing.
Call today to find a medication-assisted treatment program near Little Rock that works with your life
MAT isn’t about replacing one substance with another—it’s about giving people the medical and psychological tools they need to stay grounded in recovery. If you or a loved one is considering medication-assisted treatment in Central Arkansas, Hickory Grove Recovery is ready to help.
Contact us today to learn more, verify your insurance, or schedule a confidential assessment. Call 501.509.5143 or connect with us online.
