Demerol Addiction

Demerol is a brand name for meperidine, a narcotic analgesic that’s also referred to as pethidine. The opiate-based drug acts on the central nervous system to relieve pain. Demerol is short-acting and produces effects similar to morphine. Although Demerol is sometimes used legitimately to treat moderate to severe pain, it also has a high risk of abuse.

The drug is often abused for recreational purposes, and its use can lead to negative consequences. In 2015, an estimated 1.4 million people ages 12 and older used Demerol, and 106,000 people misused the drug, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. An estimated 6,000 people between the ages of 12 and 17 also misused Demerol that year.

Frequent or long-term Demerol use can lead to mental and physical dependence. Those who become addicted to Demerol experience intense withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop using it, causing many to return to abusing the drug. As a result, overdose and death are common among those addicted to Demerol.

Treatment programs designed to expel the drug from the body and treat prescription drug addiction are available. Rehab facilities provide a structured and safe environment for recovery, offering individuals a realistic chance of overcoming addiction.

Signs and Symptoms of Demerol Abuse

Meperidine medications come in pill and liquid form. Demerol is highly sought by drug abusers because it produces intense and pleasurable effects. Individuals with meperidine use disorders may also swallow or snort other forms of the drug to get high.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of Demerol abuse can save you or a loved one from a life of addiction and harm.

People who use Demerol chronically may develop an addiction. As a result, their behavior can become even more desperate or erratic.

Quitting Demerol can be extremely difficult once a tolerance develops. Because quitting cold turkey can lead to severe symptoms, it is safest to quit at a medical detox facility that offers medications to ease the withdrawal process.

Constipation, Muscle Twitching and Other Side Effects of Demerol Abuse

Many individuals abuse Demerol to experience the euphoric effects, which include extreme calm and lightheadedness.

People overdosing on Demerol require immediate medical attention. The effects of a Demerol overdose can be reversed with naloxone, an opioid antidote that can revive someone who has stopped breathing.

Rehab facilities offer treatment for physical dependence on Demerol, and therapy sessions set the foundation for long-term sobriety. Medications, such as methadone or buprenorphine, can ease withdrawal symptoms during detox and decrease chances of relapse during therapy.

Demerol withdrawal symptoms include muscle ache, anxiety, diarrhea, dilated pupils and vomiting.

After treatment, support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous can provide a community of like-minded individuals who are there to assist one another throughout recovery.

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