Propoxyphene Addiction

Propoxyphene is an analgesic narcotic, and being a narcotic it is not unusual for propoxyphene addiction to be a problem. It is often prescribed by physicians for light to mild pain relief. Propoxyphene is a generic name for drugs more widely known as Darvon and Darvacet. These drugs have become drugs of choice amongst recreational drug users because of their narcotic properties. Even when prescribed by a physician Propoxyphene is still highly habit forming and therefore should be treated with the utmost respect

What is Propoxyphene addiction?

Propoxyphene addiction normally stems from two very distinct scenarios. The first scenario involves a patient’s use of Propoxyphene legitimately with a prescription due to mild pain. Because of Propoxyphene’s narcotic nature, one of the side effects of the medication is euphoria. This state of mental euphoria can become addictive, thus causing the drug to be highly habit forming. As an addiction develops patients may disregard the prescribed dosage, preferring to increase both the dose and the regularity of ingestion as they seek the mental high and physical relief from the beginnings of withdrawal symptoms.

Unlike the first scenario where the euphoric side effect often catches the patient unaware, in the second scenario, recreational drug use, Propoxyphene is taken simply due to its euphoric effects. Recreational drug users abuse Propoxyphene in order to achieve this blissful euphoric state, which is generally followed by a depressing low. Propoxyphene addicts often take the drug orally. However, it is not uncommon for the drug to be crushed and snorted. Propoxyphene is sometimes dissolved in water and taken intravenously like heroin.

Signs of Propoxyphene addiction

Even when taken within prescribed parameters, Propoxyphene is accompanied by some very distinctive side effects. These side effects are likewise present in instances of addiction and abuse.

• Feeling of lightheadedness or dizziness
• Constipation
• Fainting
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Seizure

These are just a few of the side effects that normally accompany the use of Propoxyphene. The occurrence of these side effects in a severe and more frequent pattern could be evidence of a Propoxyphene addiction.

Propoxyphene addiction treatment

Propoxyphene addiction is best treated at residential treatment facilities. That is because the physical dependence on Propoxyphene is often stronger than the mental dependence. Therefore, the body will undergo withdrawal symptoms when not provided with the drug. Nausea, diarrhea, extreme fatigue and stomach discomfort are just a few of the common withdrawal symptoms that can be severe and debilitating.

In a residential care facility setting these symptoms can be treated effectively with different approaches, causing less stress and discomfort to the patient. In the case of ongoing pain, less habit forming alternative drugs may be prescribed for pain relief.

Propoxyphene addiction is a real problem affecting thousands of people and innocent families. Prescription drug abuse is both physically and mentally damaging. The effects may not be visible at the onset, but prolonged abuse will most assuredly bring negative side effects and the possibility of death along for the ride.

Recovering from Propoxyphene addiction takes time. The recovery process works in stages, some will be done and finished with quickly, other stages will continue for years, sometimes for the rest of the addict’s life. But the same basic steps have to be taken before recovery can begin.

• First an addict must accept the fact of their addiction.
• Next comes recognizing that they are going to need help
• Determining the best type of treatment program, in the most suitable environment is an important step
• Following the first steps and a successful rehab program, continued community support along with an initial return to outside life need to be put in place.

So is it time to start looking for the help that is waiting for you out there? If you or someone that you know is suffering from an addiction to Propoxyphene, there is a way out, you just have to go and get it.