Meperidine (Demerol) Addiction Rehab in Pennsylvania

There are so many people living in Pennsylvania who are struggling with a meperidine (Demerol) addiction. Rehab offers them the support they need to get clean, but many do not see that as a viable option for them. They may think that it will not work, or that they would be wasting their time.

But the truth is that for people who are addicted to meperidine, getting treatment offers them the best chance of being successful. It can be really difficult to stop using this drug, but with the right support, it can be done. We want to help people understand more about Demerol addiction and where they can find a quality rehab program in Philadelphia.

What is Meperidine (Demerol)?

Meperidine is the generic name for Demerol, which is an opioid pain reliever. This medication is a bit stronger than others in its classification, such as Vicodin. Doctors prescribe it to help people who are struggling with moderate to severe pain.

Meperidine is typically only given to patients in a hospital setting because of the risk of abuse. But occasionally, it may be prescribed for people to use at home. It is also sold on the streets for recreational purposes. People may buy it under the street names, Pain Killer and Demmies.

How do People Get Addicted to Meperidine?

People typically get addicted to Meperidine in one of two ways. They either do so accidentally or because they have been abusing this drug for recreational purposes.

Many people start taking Meperidine not realizing how addictive it really is. Their doctors may warn them, but because the medication was recommended by a professional, those warnings often go unheeded. Taking this medication for an extended period of time of even just a few weeks can result in an addiction.

There are also those who abuse Meperidine recreationally. These individuals take this drug for the purpose of getting high. Over time, their bodies get used to it, and it can be extremely difficult to stop. At that point, they are addicted and in need of treatment.

Opioid Abuse and Addiction Statistics in Pennsylvania

Opioid abuse is widespread in Pennsylvania, and the statistics demonstrate this fact quite well. According to the state’s Opioid Data Dashboard:

• Between January 2018 and October 2020, there have been close to 29,000 emergency room visits because of opioid overdoses.
• During that same timeframe, there were almost 43,000 calls to the Get Help Now Hotline.
• There have been more than 5,000 cases of neonatal abstinence syndrome.
• Almost 46,000 doses of Naloxone have been administered by EMS in PA.
• In 2018, more than 287,000 people were diagnosed with drug use disorder in the state.
• In 2019, there were more than 4,300 drug overdoses in the state.

Types of Treatment Available in PA for Meperidine Addiction

It is important for people to understand the treatment options that are available to them in Pennsylvania for meperidine addiction. Not all of these will work for everyone, and getting a professional recommendation is highly encouraged.

Drug Detox

Drug detox addresses withdrawal symptoms, which are likely to occur when stopping the use of meperidine. This medication can cause significant symptoms that are very difficult to manage without some type of treatment.

For people who are addicted to meperidine, medication assisted treatment is likely to be recommended. It allows people to take FDA-approved medications that can help with their symptoms. Some of these drugs include Suboxone and Methadone. Also, behavioral therapy is a critical component of MAT because it can help people learn how to change their destructive behaviors.

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment is residential care that involves a 28-day stay in a facility during rehab. Many of these programs include detox services, which will take place during the beginning of the patient’s stay. Afterward, people are ready to move on to therapy.

Therapy can include individual, group and family sessions. Inpatient rehab offers the higher level of support that most people need when they are new to recovery.

Long-Term Rehab Programs

Long-term rehab is a great option for people who need a longer period of time to recover. Sometimes inpatient care is not enough, which can be evidenced by repeated relapses or other issues. But this level of care allows people to remain in treatment for several months, if necessary.

Outpatient Rehab and Therapy

Outpatient rehab programs can be beneficial for people who are new to recovery in some cases. Not every level of care will work for everyone, and some are best utilized as a form of aftercare. Here are the three main types of outpatient treatment.

• Partial hospitalization programs – PHPs offer day treatment to people while they continue to live at home. They come to the program during the day and stay for several hours as much as 5-7 days per week.
• Intensive outpatient programs – IOPs are similar to PHPs, and the main difference is that they are held during the evenings. Clients come to treatment 3-5 times per week and receive therapy.
• Outpatient rehab – A more traditional outpatient rehab program typically only involves individual therapy sessions. Clients may come to appointments as much as three times per week.

Sober Living Homes

Sober living homes offer safe places to stay for people who are in recovery. They are residential houses that require residents to pay rent, attend outpatient rehab appointments and contribute to the home in some way.