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.

Since Imodium misuse and dependence are treated similarly to opioids, people can opt for an outpatient or inpatient program. An outpatient Imodium rehab program is often going to include intensive therapy throughout the week. The person participating in outpatient treatment will continue going to school or work as normal, however. If someone has gotten to the point that they’re using Imodium to replace opioids, they are probably very deep in their addiction. Outpatient rehab might not be the best option in this case. Opioid addiction is complex and multi-faceted. Opioid addiction is related to social, environmental and genetic factors. A rehab program needs to address all of these complexities. Outpatient treatment is usually better suited to someone with a mild drug misuse problem or someone who hasn’t tried another form of 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.

The above information focuses primarily on addiction treatment, but there is another concern that is becoming more prevalent. What are the options for Imodium overdose treatment? Between 2010 and 2015 the number of calls that went to poison centers because of intentional loperamide use doubled in the U.S. The FDA has issued an alert to medical professionals as a result. First, if an Imodium overdose is suspected, the person needs emergency care immediately. With an opioid overdose, reversal drugs can be used. If that isn’t an option, supportive care can be provided to reduce the complications of the overdose. With an Imodium overdose, there is an additional complication that can occur. When someone uses too much loperamide, it blocks calcium channels. This prevents the heart from being able to maintain it’s normal rhythm. In this case, there are overdose treatment options like magnesium to stabilize heart rhythm, but it may not always work. Even for people who are able to survive an Imodium overdose, they often have to stay in the ICU for days or more.

To learn more about addiction treatment and the process of recovery, contact The Recovery Village today.