IMAGINE YOURSELF FREE FROM ADDICTION!
Who Answers?

Demerol Addiction and Abuse

855 339 1112

What You Need to Know About Demerol

Demerol is the brand name for an injectable form of meperidine,
which is an opioid painkiller also known as pethidine.

Demerol Overview, Demerol Abuse, Demerol Addiction and Effects, Rehab Is Your Best Chance

Demerol is an opioid with a high addictive potential regardless of whether it is used in prescribed doses or taken recreationally. In fact, more than 2 million people abuse opiate painkillers like Demerol every year. Between 2004 and 2008, the number of emergency room visits caused by Demerol increased by 111 percent.

This opioid is highly potent. And just like other prescription drugs, most people don’t realize that they can get addicted to the substance until it is too late. People who abuse the drug on purpose can quickly develop tolerance, which eventually leads to physical dependence. Here we will take a look at the effects of Demerol abuse and addiction.

 

Demerol Overview

Demerol is the brand name for an injectable form of meperidine, which is an opioid painkiller also known as pethidine. Demerol is classified as a narcotic analgesic, which is why it is used to treat moderate to severe pain. Its effects are similar to morphine and oxycodone.

The problem lies in the fact that Demerol is a short acting substance, meaning it has a high risk of abuse. It is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This means Demerol cannot be legally obtained without a prescription.

Street names for the drug include dillies, dust, and D.

Demerol comes in liquid and tablet forms. The tablets are circular and come in 50 mg or 100 mg strengths. Liquid Demerol comes in a syrup form as well as an injectable solution. The injectable form is only administered by medical professionals.

YOU CAN BEAT ADDICTION. IMAGE OF SOMEONE STRUGGLING WITH THE CHOICE BETWEEN ADDICTION AND SOBRIETY

Demerol Abuse

Some people who developed an addiction to painkillers like Demerol started off with a prescription for the drug. They start taking larger doses because it makes them feel good—not realizing they are abusing the substance. They may start out taking Demerol for pain, but once tolerance sets in, they start increasing their intake for better pain relief. It gradually progresses into physical dependence and addiction. In other words, they get hooked.

Because Demerol is a Schedule II controlled substance, any non-medical or non-prescribed use is substance abuse. This means even if you have a prescription, if you are taking it more frequently or for longer than you are supposed to, that is considered drug abuse.

Recreational users of the drug sometimes chew the tablets, crush them and snort the powder, or dissolve the powder and inject it directly into their bloodstream. They enjoy the drug’s euphoric effect, which is typically followed by prolonged sedation.

 

 

Demerol Addiction and Effects

When a person reaches a state where they can no longer function normally without taking Demerol, it means they have developed dependence. Physical dependence occurs when the body adjusts to the drug’s constant presence. The person will begin to experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms every time they stop taking it.

Addiction is a medical condition that involves the compulsive intake of a certain drug. A person who is addicted to Demerol will keep taking it even when they are already suffering from its physical, psychological, and social effects. They will crave for the drug and spend most of their time trying to obtain or use the drug.

An addicted user may lose their prescriptions on purpose to try to get new ones from their doctor. Some even attempt “doctor shopping” or visiting different doctors to get the same prescription repeatedly.

Addicted individuals may isolate themselves from loved ones to hide their drug use. They will also neglect their responsibilities and relationships in favor of the drug.

Once a Demerol addiction develops, it becomes very difficult for the user to quit, even if they really want to. Proper rehabilitation with medical detox may be necessary.

Demerol abuse is dangerous no matter what stage of addiction the user is in. There is always a risk of drug overdose or severe withdrawal. Symptoms of Demerol overdose include extreme drowsiness, stupor, weakness, hypothermia, and coma.

Combining Demerol with other drugs can be potentially lethal because it is already such a powerful painkiller. Combining Demerol with other depressants such as alcohol or benzodiazepines increases the risk of cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, seizure, and death.

If someone in the family is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, it is important to seek help. A combination of medical detox and behavioral therapy can go a long way in the fight against substance abuse. But because every individual is affected by addiction differently, a comprehensive program tailored to their specific needs is necessary. Look for a nearby addiction treatment facility today and find out how drug treatment programs work.

COUNSELLING FOR DRUG REHAB

 

Rehab is Your Best Chance

Treatment is an addicted individualʼs best option if they want to recover. Beating an addiction not only requires eliminating the physical dependence, but also addressing the behavioral factors that prevent them from wanting to get better. Simply quitting may not change the psychological aspect of addiction. Some people quit for a while, and then take drugs again, only to overdose because they did not detox properly. Recovery involves changing the way the patient feels, thinks, and behaves.

author avatar
Fel Clinical Director of Content
Felisa Laboro has been working with addiction and substance abuse businesses since early 2014. She has authored and published over 1,000 articles in the space. As a result of her work, over 1,500 people have been able to find treatment. She is passionate about helping people break free from alcohol or drug addiction and living a healthy life.

Addiction Treatment Centers For
Drugs, Alcohol and Prescription Drug Abuse

Call Now
×
life-style