Flexeril Abuse Treatment

There are many different treatment options a person suffering with Flexeril abuse or addiction may want to consider.

Medically supervised detox is often a first course of treatment for addicted people who are at risk of experiencing troublesome withdrawal symptoms. In some cases, medications may be administered to help make the process more comfortable and decrease the likelihood of immediate relapse.

While not everyone who abuses Flexeril will experience withdrawal symptoms, there are some people who would benefit from supervised detox services—such as those who mix Flexeril and alcohol or other drugs.

Flexeril Addiction Treatment Types

Individual and group counseling are important components of any addiction treatment program because they help people mentally and emotionally cope with the withdrawal effects of Flexeril and uncover the subconscious drives and emotions that contribute to their drug abuse.

Counseling provides people with an opportunity to discover their triggers, as well as to learn and use alternative coping skills.

Support groups and 12-Step programs provide the support of other people in recovery to help a person stay focused on their goal of sobriety. Peers can help remind each other of the negative consequences of drug use, as well as encourage the use of healthy coping skills.

Many inpatient treatment programs are set in residential facilities on a 24-hour basis for a designated period—usually at least 30 days.

By residing in a facility full-time, patients can focus exclusively on their recovery without the added pressures and stressors of the outside world. Inpatient treatment provides a combination of detox services, medical care, counseling, and support groups, so this intensive, round-the-clock care is typically better suited for those with more severe cases of Flexeril addiction—such as polysubstance abusers who mix Flexeril with alcohol or other drugs.

Outpatient treatment also consists of some combination of detox, counseling, and peer support, but care takes place on a part-time basis while the patient continues to reside in their home.

This type of treatment is generally less expensive and more accessible for many people. Those with relatively less severe addiction issues who wish to remain active in their personal and professional lives during treatment typically prefer outpatient rehab programs. Patients can continue to work, go to school, and fulfill other responsibilities while still making a commitment to their recovery.

Aftercare Programs

Aftercare is perhaps one of the most important (and often forgotten) elements of treatment. Many people assume that addiction treatment is over when they complete their initial rehab program, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Addiction is a chronic, relapsing illness, so to help maintain long-term recovery, it is important that patients have a solid aftercare plan in place by the time they discharge from their treatment program.

Addiction is a chronic, relapsing illness, so to help maintain long-term recovery, it is important that patients have a solid aftercare plan in place by the time they discharge from their treatment program.

Aftercare treatment emphasizes relapse prevention to maximize a person’s chances of sustained sobriety. This typically consists of:

  • Continued individual and group counseling.
  • Regularly attending support groups or 12-Step meetings.
  • Having a sponsor or other designated person who can be called upon when a person feels at risk of relapse.

Clients with severe addictions may need more intensive aftercare treatment, such as medication maintenance, routine drug testing, or a period of residence in a sober living community after rehab. Non-pharmacologic pain management approaches may also supplement any solid aftercare strategy for those who began abusing Flexeril in association with injury or chronic pain.

 

It is important to understand that each person’s Flexeril addiction is unique, so no single treatment will work for everyone. Because Flexeril is often abused in combination with other drugs, different courses of treatment may be used to treat co-occurring addictions. For example, those who are addicted to Flexeril as well as alcohol or opiates may be initiated on applicable medication-assisted treatment regimens to help manage these concurrent substance dependencies.

Side Effects of Flexeril Abuse

There are many physical and psychological side effects that may occur when a person abuses Flexeril, some of which may become worse when combining it with alcohol or other drugs. Potential negative effects of Flexeril abuse include:

    • Elevated heart rate.
    • Nausea.
    • Excessive drowsiness.
    • Dizziness.
    • Dry mouth.
    • Headaches.
    • Confusion.
    • Impaired cognitive function.
    • Physiological dependence.

The risks of adverse effects from Flexeril abuse are greatly increased when the drug is combined with alcohol, since the mixture intensifies the effects of both substances. While this may make for a stronger high, it also creates more dangerous side effects, including:

    • Increased drowsiness and dizziness.
    • Poor motor skills and cognitive function.
    • Slowed, labored breathing.
    • Memory loss.
    • Abnormal behavior.
    • Seizures.
    • Increased risk of alcohol poisoning or Flexeril overdose.

Flexeril use can become problematic for some people, and there is some evidence that cyclobenzaprine dependence can develop. However, withdrawal symptoms are not as common during Flexeril detox as they are during detox from other drugs of abuse such as opiates, alcohol, and benzodiazepines. That said, some withdrawal symptoms may occur. They are typically more common and intense when Flexeril is used in combination with alcohol or other drugs. A person who abruptly stops using Flexeril may experience symptoms such as:

    • Headaches.
    • Nausea.
    • General malaise.
    • Drug cravings.