Darvon abuse and addiction are not quite as common as they once were, but people still manage to find this drug. Once a person is addicted to it, the best option they have for recovery is professional treatment. Sadly, people tend to believe that this drug is harmless; mostly because they have been taking it for years. The FDA banned this drug for some very good reasons, and it is also highly addictive.
It does not take long for people to become dependent upon Darvon. Once they are, they believe that they need it to get through each day. It can be a challenge to learn how to live life without it, but it can be done.
We want people to know the risks of abusing Darvon. We also want addicts to know that recovery help is available to them. The right treatment can make recovery so much easier, and it boosts a person’s chance for long-term success.
Darvon is an older narcotic pain medication that was once prescribed quite often. Doctors used it to treat multiple types of pain, including migraines and back pain. It worked well for treating mild to moderate pain, and it was not uncommon for people to remain on this medication for years.
But in 2010, the FDA realized that Darvon’s risks outweighed its benefits. Research showed that the drug put people at risk for abnormal or even fatal heart rhythm problems. As many as 2,000 people had died in the United States at the time a ban was announced in the U.K. It took longer for the drug to be banned in the U.S., which resulted in the needless loss of many lives.
As a result of the ban, doctors can no longer prescribe Darvon in the United States. But that does not mean people cannot obtain it. It is available on the street under the names, Yellow Footballs and Pink Footballs. It is also possible to order it online from other countries.
Darvon abuse statistics from the CDC indicate that more than 12 million people have used painkillers like Darvon for non-medical purposes. This statistic is incredible, and it certainly points to a need for better education regarding addictive drugs.
The Darvon abuse definition refers to any use whatsoever of this drug. Because it is a banned drug, even one use out of curiosity can be considered abuse. Abuse does not necessarily lead to addiction, but addiction does begin with abuse. The more often you use Darvon, the more likely you are to develop some of the signs of Darvon addiction.
It’s possible that you’ve been using Darvon, but you have a difficult time believing that you’re actually addicted to it. In your mind, you use it when you want to, and when you don’t want to use it, you don’t. Unfortunately, that does not mean that you’re not addicted to it. Still, even those who demonstrate some of the classic Darvon addiction symptoms believe that they’re in complete control of their Darvon use.
Any of these Darvon addiction signs can indicate that you have an addiction that’s in need of serious professional help as soon as possible. Remember, this drug was banned for a number of different reasons. Because of that, it sets it apart in a way, from the other opiate drugs. The bottom line is that this drug is dangerous to your overall health and well-being, and if you’re addicted to it, it’s so important for you to get help right away.
The short and long term effects of Darvon can be devastating. They can include:
You can also develop kidney disease, liver disease, or go into respiratory failure. Darvon addicts are at such a great risk for serious medical problems, and if you’re addicted to this drug, please consider getting help right away.
Once a person gets addicted to Darvon, recovering can seem nearly impossible. But it can be done with the proper professional help. Please note that this is an opioid drug, and the withdrawal symptoms people experience from it can become quite severe. We will talk about what those are in just a moment, but they are difficult enough to drive people back to using.
In order to recover from a Darvon addiction successfully, it is important to identify and address both sides of the addiction. First, the physical aspect of it is treated during detox. Next, the patient should move on to rehab, which is where staff can help the patient learn the cause of the addiction.
Both types of treatment are equally important and should not be skipped. Skipping either one puts the individual at risk for a relapse in the future.
Detox is one most difficult steps in the recovery process. But, it’s also a necessary step. Anyone who wants to quit taking this drug must detox before they can move forward.
The detox process has two steps. First, the addict stops using the drug. Then, they allow their body to flush the chemicals out of their system.
This process sounds easy. In reality, it’s not always that easy. During the process, addicts experience withdrawal symptoms. Opiate withdrawal symptoms are unpleasant and sometimes painful.
Some people try to detox at home on their own. But, a lot of people who try this end up relapsing before they finish. Withdrawal symptoms are so painful that some people decide to relapse. As one former addict, writing for Tonic wrote, “Quitting opioids cold turkey made me want to die.”
So, any addict who wants to quit opioids should attend a drug detox program instead. These programs allow addicts to withdraw from Darvon in a safe, environment. They’re staffed with doctors and addiction experts. These professionals use medication and physical therapy to make the process easier.
Withdrawing from Darvon can be uncomfortable. Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms include:
Doctors can’t end these symptoms entirely. But, they can reduce their severity. By checking into a detox program, addicts are able to receive ongoing treatment for their withdrawal side effects.
When a Darvon addict first checks into drug detox, they meet with a doctor. This doctor asks questions to understand the nature of the addict’s habit.
They may inquire about how long the addict has been using drugs, how much they use, and whether or not they mix the drug with alcohol. The addict’s responses help the doctor to develop a personalized detox plan.
Once the doctor has decided on the best course of action, the addict checks into detox. Typically, they live on-site at the treatment center during the duration of their withdrawals. This prevents them from having access to drugs. That way, they can’t relapse.
Detox looks different for everyone. Some people cease using at once. Others are required to wean off the drug slowly. A long-term opioid addict, for example, may have to take smaller doses over the course of a week. It’s rare, but some people have died from opiate withdrawal by quitting cold turkey. So, it’s important that these folks detox slowly.
Sometimes, the treatment process involves medication. Doctors prescribe a range of different medications and supplements to treat addiction withdrawal. Some other addicts are able to detox comfortably without the use of medication.
How long does it take to detox from propoxyphene? How long does Darvon stay in your system?
Well, drug detox isn’t a “one size fits all” process. The withdrawal timeline varies greatly depending on the user’s body and the nature of their habit.
Under normal circumstances, the withdrawal timeline looks something like this:
Days 1-2: During the first few days, the addict experiences the first withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include sweating, muscle pain, and nausea. The addict may experience vomiting or diarrhea as their body tries to get the drug out of its system.
Days 2-4: Withdrawal symptoms grow worse after the first 48 hours of detox. The addict experiences strong cravings. They typically vomit and may have diarrhea. They may also be unable to sleep due to physical discomfort and anxiety.
Days 5+: Typically withdrawal symptoms peak by the fifth day. At that point, physical symptoms begin to subside. Anxiety and depression may persist for a few months after detox. It takes time (and possibly therapy) for the addict’s anxiety and depression to go away.
There are several factors that impact the length of withdrawal:
Liver Health: If an addict has an unhealthy liver it’ll take longer for them to detox. The liver plays an important role in the detoxification process. So, people with severe liver damage have a harder time getting Darvon out of their system.
Age: Over the course of a human’s life, their liver tends to deteriorate. Therefore, it becomes harder for them to detox from opiates and other drugs. While this isn’t always the case, older folks generally have a harder time detoxing.
Length of addiction: The longer a person has been using drugs, the harder it is to get clean. This is particularly true in people who’ve used large amounts of drugs. When someone takes too much Darvon consistently for years, the drug starts to accumulate in their liver. Thus, it takes longer for them to flush out all of that buildup.
Other addictions: Alcoholism and drug abuse are a dangerous pair. If someone drinks heavily while abusing Darvon, they do some serious damage to their liver. Therefore, the liver may not be healthy enough to metabolize drugs. In this case, withdrawals tend to last longer.
If you’re considering drug addiction treatment, you probably have some questions. Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about drug detox.
The length of detox varies (see “Withdrawal Timeline” section above). Addicts usually stay in detox until they’ve flushed all of the drugs out of their systems. If an addict is well enough to begin rehabilitation, they may transfer to a rehab program during the tail end of detox.
Yes. Detox is not prison. In most cases, addicts are free to leave drug detox whenever they want.
There are a few exceptions. If a patient someone is charged with a DUI and sentenced to court-appointed detox, they may not be able to leave. If they do leave, the detox facility may be required to notify the court system.
There are dietary changes that support sobriety. These methods work best in combination with professional treatment. The people who take a natural approach to opiate detox often relapse before they get clean.
Northpoint Washington does not recommend using detox drinks, pills, or products. There are many placebo products out there that claim to cure addiction but are actually ineffective.
Pregnant women should never try to detox from drugs on their own. There are many risks in doing so. Pregnant women who try to detox at home may experience miscarriage, premature birth, and a range of other side effects.
Expectant mothers should seek out a treatment center that specializes in addiction and pregnancy. These facilities are staffed with doctors who will help the mother to detox safely.
Yes. Detox flushes propoxyphene out of the system. After detox, a drug test will show no signs of Darvon in the blood or urine.
Hair is the one exception. Drugs stay in the hair follicles a lot longer than they stay in the blood or urine. After detox is completed, Darvon stays in the hair for at least 90 days.
Drug rehab is the second step in recovery. Once an addict detoxes, they must rehabilitate.
Oftentimes, the transition from addiction to sobriety is difficult. Some Darvon addicts have a rough time with this transition. After all, life is stressful and stress is closely linked to relapse. Unfortunately, many addicts use Darvon as a coping mechanism and are unable to manage their stressors without it.
In a rehab program, addicts learn how to overcome their tendency to use drugs as a coping mechanism. The programs help to prevent relapse by providing therapy and counseling. The best programs use a mixture of therapy, education, and medical treatments to help the addict live a happier, healthier life.
Opioid addicts have a range of different rehab options to choose from. Here are a few of the most common types of Darvon rehab:
Inpatient: Inpatient rehab programs are residential programs. Patients live on-campus at the facility during the duration of their treatment. They sleep in a bedroom on-site and eat meals in a dining room with other patients. During the day, they attend therapy meetings and counseling sessions. Depending on the treatment center, patients may also have access to a gym or other amenities.
Outpatient: Outpatient rehab programs are non-residential. Patients don’t live at the actual treatment center. Instead, they live at home and attend treatment a few times per week. Outpatient programs offer many of the same benefits as inpatient programs. But, addicts are responsible for abstaining from drug use while off-campus. Thus, outpatient programs don’t always work for people with a high risk of relapse.
Intensive outpatient programs (IOP): IOPs blend the benefits of inpatient rehab and outpatient rehab. Although they are non-residential, they require the addict to report to the treatment center almost every day. Some intensive outpatient addiction programs involve 40+ hours of treatment each week. This helps the addict to hold themselves accountable for staying clean. But, it also enables them to work, attend school, and see their family while they get clean.
Every drug rehab program is unique. They all have different amenities and offer a different combination of services. Each program has its own philosophy and takes a customized approach to addiction treatment.
But, most Darvon rehab programs involve a mixture of the following treatments:
Every program emphasizes different aspects of the treatment process. Some focus more on therapy and counseling. Others focus more on exercise, diet, and holistic healing. The best rehab centers are the ones that offer a wide variety of services to accommodate every type of patient.
When someone is addicted to two or more things at the same time, doctors refer to their condition as a “cross addiction”.
Some people abuse Darvon while maintaining an alcohol addiction at the same time, for example. Others abuse the drug while struggling with a gambling addiction, sex addiction, or food addiction.
These folks usually require special treatment. After all, they must overcome two addictions instead of just one.
Oftentimes, the two addictions drive each other, too. A gambling addict might snort Darvon to cope with the stress of losing all of their money. Once the drug lifts their spirits, it might drive them to go back to the poker table.
Cross addictions are complex disorders that demand professional help. Addicts who suffer from two or more addictions should seek out a rehab center that is capable of treating both conditions.
Co-occurring disorders happen when someone suffers from addiction and another mental illness simultaneously. For example, if someone struggles with PTSD and addiction at the same time, they are said to have co-occurring disorders. Other common co-occurring disorders involve drug or alcohol addiction in combination with:
If someone suffers from co-occurring disorders, their doctor gives them a dual diagnosis. Those who receive this diagnosis require special care and attention.
Typically, the two disorders complement one another. Someone might self-medicate with Darvon to mask their anxiety, for example. But, the drug might actually make them more anxious which leads to more drug use, and so on.
Therefore, it’s important for addicts with mental health problems to reach out for help. They should attend a good dual diagnosis treatment center. These facilities will help them overcome their mental conditions.
Darvon addiction is a common problem among people working in executive positions.
The amount of drug use among lawyers, surgeons, CEOs and other high-level employees is astounding.
Typically, these jobs are very stressful. And, as high-salary workers, these individuals can usually afford to support a Darvon habit. So, it’s not hard to see why so many of them become addicts.
Many executive professionals avoid rehab because they’re embarrassed about their condition. They may abstain from treatment for a long time because they’re afraid of losing their job. But, it’s just as crucial for executives to seek addiction treatment as it is for anyone else.
Northpoint at Washington specializes in supporting high-level executives through the recovery process. We understand this these folks require flexibility in their rehab schedule and may even want upscale amenities. So, we work hard to make the recovery process easy and comfortable for those with overly demanding careers.
Darvon addiction is particularly prevalent among the folks who’ve served our country. It’s important for them to seek help.
For a long time, the United States military used Darvon as its go-to painkiller medication. Soldiers who experienced pain were given a few milligrams of propoxyphene. This practice began in the Vietnam War, during which every soldier was given 12 tablets of Darvon before they left for battle.
Over time, doctors began to recognize the addictive power and side effects of this drug. Experts realized that propoxyphene carries a high risk of abuse. They also found that it causes health problems like heart disease. These discoveries led to the FDA pulling Darvon from the market in 2010. The drug has been illegal since then.
90% of veterans who use propoxyphene regularly switch to a stronger opioid at some point.
Unfortunately, the damage had already been done. For years, veterans abused this drug. In some cases, Darvon addicts transitioned to heavier opioids like heroin afterward.
A recent study showed that 90% of veterans who used propoxyphene (Darvon or Darvocet) eventually switched to a stronger opioid. This is quite a terrifying statistic!
Any veteran and active military member who is addicted to propoxyphene should seek help immediately. If left untreated, this condition can lead to more severe addictions and health problems.
Northpoint Washington understands that addiction in the military is a huge problem. We’re committed to helping servicemen and servicewomen overcome their habits. If you or a loved one is in the military and struggling with opioid addiction, reach out as soon as possible.
For more information, check out our Veterans Addiction Guide.
Some people are skeptical of detox and rehab. They may be convinced that they can quit Darvon on their own. Or, they might think that professional treatment costs too much money (although it doesn’t…see “How Much Do Drug Detox and Rehab Cost?” section below).
But, a lot of addicts abstain from treatment because they think that drug rehab doesn’t work. They doubt that professional treatment programs can actually help them overcome their habit.
In reality, rehab is shown to be very effective. Drug rehab success rates are actually relatively high. According to a study published in the Open Journal of Psychiatry, roughly 33% of addicts who attend rehab stay clean for at least one year afterward.
This number may seem low at first. But, more than 2.5 million addicts go to addiction rehab every year. This means that roughly 750,000 of them are able to stay sober for at least twelve months.
That’s a lot of people who’ve improved their lives by seeking professional treatment!
Thinking about checking into rehab for your drug problem? We expect that you might have some questions.
Here’s a Q+A section that features answers to some of the most common inquiries we get about rehab:
Rehab is different for everyone. Some people require a longer stay than others. In most cases, the addict will start with a 4-6 week recovery program. If they need further treatment afterward, then they can re-enroll. Or, they can look into outside aftercare options.
If you enroll in an outpatient program or IOP, you probably don’t have to bring anything. If your doctor or therapist wants you to bring something in for session or activity, they’ll let you know.
However, if you attend an inpatient rehab program for Darvon, you should plan on packing a bag. These programs last several weeks. So, you’ll want to make sure that you have everything you need.
Our staff recommends that you bring the following items:
We highly recommend that you leave valuables (jewelry, electronics, etc.) at home. They have no real value in a rehab program. And, you don’t want to lose them.
No! Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, employees are protected from being fired for seeking rehabilitation treatment. Drug addiction is considered a disability and a disease. So, addicts who seek treatment for a Darvon abuse habit are entitled to time off from work.
This only applies if the addict proactively seeks treatment. If they fail a drug test or allow their habit to affect their work performance, the employer has the right to terminate them.
Unfortunately, relapses happen. Some people relapse even after seeking treatment. That’s okay.
It’s best to think of relapses as part of the recovery process. They should not deter you from continuing to try and get clean. You are always welcome to check back into a detox program. Don’t give up the fight just because you slipped up once.
When it comes to addiction treatment, money is one of the biggest concerns. Many addicts might avoid going to detox or rehab for Darvon addiction because they’re afraid that they can’t afford it.
This is a valid concern. Sometimes, drug rehab costs a lot of money.
However, it doesn’t always cost a lot of money. In many cases, addicts can go to Darvon rehab for free or very little.
Northpoint Washington works with hundreds of insurance providers. These partnerships allow us to provide free and low-cost addiction treatment. So, if your insurance plan is in our network, you may be able to go to rehab for no money.
If you don’t have insurance, don’t worry! We offer payment plans that allow you to pay over time. That way, you can get the treatment you need right now.
Don’t let the price of rehab prevent you from improving your life. There are plenty of options for people who can’t afford the costs.
Insurance and payment plans make it easy for addicts to receive free rehab treatment. But there are also some addiction treatment programs that charge no money at all.
Typically, these facilities are run by community groups. They’re funded by churches, community centers, and other non-profit organizations. They usually provide sliding-scale treatment, allowing patients to pay whatever they can afford. Addicts who can’t afford treatment are not required to pay.
These programs are valuable to the community. But, they don’t always provide the best addiction treatment. They may have long waiting lists or offer very few services. Sometimes, they offer detox help but not rehabilitative services.
We recommend that Darvon addicts think twice before going to free detox or rehab programs. These programs may not be able to provide the same intensive care that other facilities do. If an addict can afford anything, they should seek treatment somewhere else.
Remember, the cost of rehab is an investment in your health and future. It’s usually worth it for you to pay money for professional services.
Propoxyphene is a dangerous drug. It’s linked to various health problems including hypertension and diabetes. If used outside of a medical facility, this drug carries a high risk of out-of-hospital death.
And, it’s known to be a gateway to more severe opioid addictions. Once a user builds a tolerance for Darvon, they may begin to seek out stronger opiates. This can have even more detrimental effects on the addicts’ life.
So, if you’re worried that a family member is addicted to Darvon, you should try to get them help. Convincing them to detox and check into rehab could save their life.
Even if a family member has (or had) a Darvon prescription, they can still become addicted. If they use the drug irresponsibly, they can develop a dependency. Over time, that dependency can take a toll on their physical and mental health.
Here are a few signs that a family member has a Darvon abuse habit:
If your family member shows several signs of Darvon abuse, you might have to ask them about the problem. If they become angry or defensive, you may want to hold an addiction intervention.
Getting a loved one into rehab is difficult. It’s particularly tough if they refuse to admit that they have a problem. If you’d like to talk to a specialist about how to get your family member into treatment, contact us immediately.
You can find more information on our Family Member Addiction Guide page.
While there are many types of rehab programs, inpatient treatment remains the best option for someone who is addicted to Darvon. This is because they are addicted to an opioid drug, and people really should be supervised when they come off it.
Inpatient drug rehab offers so many benefits to people with this type of addiction. They often find that:
Most inpatient programs are only 28 days long. But there is so much that is accomplished during this time, and not a second of it is wasted. Those who have made the decision to go to an inpatient treatment center are usually happy they did.
At Northpoint Washington, we know how serious Darvon addictions are. That is why we have carefully put together a program that goes above and beyond in addressing them. Our drug detox and rehab program offers hope to people who thought that they would be stuck using for the rest of their lives.
We are located in Edmonds, Washington and our program runs for 28 days. Patients who are addicted to Darvon will typically go through detox first, and then they will transition to rehab. But both types of treatment can be found under the same roof, which is very convenient for our patients.
After our patients go through medical detox, they are transitioned into rehab when they are ready. Rehab offers patients the ability to learn more about their addictive behaviors. Many of them have no idea why they started using Darvon, other than for pain. But as we discussed earlier, a lot of people use these types of drugs to self-medicate symptoms of co-occurring disorders.
At Northpoint Washington, we offer dual diagnosis treatment for patients with co-occurring disorders. We also offer help for those who suffer from cross addictions. Our patients participate in many types of therapy, including individual sessions with a therapist, family counseling and group therapy.
At Northpoint Washington, we know how devastating it is to find out that you have become addicted to Darvon. Many people started taking this drug with the best of intentions. But now that they are addicted, they do not know what to do or where to turn for help. We want you to know that we can provide the support you need to be successful in recovery.
Our admissions coordinators are here to help you get started with treatment the right way. They'll verify your health insurance, help set up travel arrangements, and make sure your transition into treatment is smooth and hassle-free.
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