Imodium (Loperamide) Treatment & Rehab
For people unfamiliar with the extent of the opioid crisis, the idea of Imodium addiction treatment may seem odd. In reality, Imodium has become a key part of the opioid epidemic in the U.S., even leading to efforts by the FDA to limit its sale and availability. Imodium is a brand-name, over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medication. Imodium is relatively inexpensive, and when used as instructed, has few side effects. If someone does experience side effects, they’re usually minimal. Common Imodium side effects can include drowsiness and fatigue, as an example.
Therapeutic use of Imodium isn’t the problem. At extremely high doses, Imodium has effects similar to opioids. At low, normal doses, Imodium can’t cross the blood-brain barrier. At high doses, it can, and it activates similar parts of the brain as opioids. A normal dose of Imodium is usually no more than 8 to 16 mg a day. To mimic the effects of opioids, people often have to take more than 200 mg a day. There are a few big concerns with this. First, people are using Imodium as a way to get the effects of opioids, such as euphoria, so it becomes a replacement drug. Another issue is using Imodium as a way to prevent withdrawal symptoms from opioids. Both leave people at high risk of an overdose. An Imodium overdose can cause breathing and heart-related side effects and can be deadly.
Imodium Treatment Centers
If someone is searching for Imodium treatment centers, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. First, the treatment center isn’t likely to specialize in treating Imodium addiction. Instead, it’s going to likely treat opioid addiction and dependence. Imodium is an offshoot of opioid addiction. Symptoms, side effects and treatment approaches for Imodium misuse are going to be the same as opioid treatment. Another key consideration when comparing Imodium treatment centers is whether or not there is a medical detox. Medical detox is necessary for both Imodium and opioid dependence, to keep symptoms under control. A successful detox is also necessary to move into addiction treatment.
Imodium Treatment Programs
Most Imodium treatment programs will use medication-assisted treatment. This includes the use of certain medications that can help people as they go through withdrawal. After a person finishes the detox period, Imodium treatment programs will include different types of therapy. Residential treatment programs often include a combination of group and individual therapy. The objective of treatment is not just to help the patient stop using Imodium or opioids. It’s also to help them lead a productive life when complete treatment.
Inpatient Imodium Rehab Facilities
For people who are misusing Imodium and who have been long-term opioid takers, a residential, inpatient rehab program may be best. In a residential, inpatient program, patients live in the facility, and everything focuses on their recovery. The person is removed from the stress and triggers of their daily environment. The length of these programs can vary significantly. An inpatient Imodium rehab program can be as short as 30 days, or as long as six months or more. These programs use cognitive-behavioral and other forms of intensive therapy to address the whole person.
To learn more about addiction treatment and the process of recovery, contact The Recovery Village today.
Medical Disclaimer: The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
Seeking addiction treatment can feel overwhelming. We know the struggle, which is why we're uniquely qualified to help.
Your call is confidential, and there's no pressure to commit to treatment until you're ready. As a voluntary facility, we're here to help you heal -- on your terms. Our sole focus is getting you back to the healthy, sober life you deserve, and we are ready and waiting to answer your questions or concerns 24/7.
Speak to an Intake Coordinator now.352.771.2700