Carisoprodol, commonly known as Soma in the streets, is a muscle relaxant used in the medical industry to relieve pain. It is readily available as a 350-milligram tablet. It can be recognized due to the 37 WALLACE 2001 and SOMA inscriptions on either side.
Soma is available as a combination with other drugs that relieve pain. For example, it is combined with codeine or aspirin to achieve a higher pain-relieving effect. Soma should only be taken under the instructions of your doctor. However, recent studies show that there is a rise in cases of Soma abuse and addiction.
What Kind of People Abuse Soma?
People of all age groups abuse Soma. A report by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows that roughly 2.2 million U.S. residents of age 12 and above used Soma without a medical prescription.
The high number could be because Soma is available as an over-the-counter drug in other countries. Some youths in California and Arizona have gone to the extent of crossing into Mexico to obtain the drugs.
How Is Soma Abused?
Individuals with Soma substance use disorder ingest the tablet orally. To achieve a higher effect, individuals combine it with other drugs. Such drugs include meprobamate, hydrocodone, propoxyphene, codeine, alcohol, and diazepam. Individuals who have been using these combinations claim that they achieve a similar effect to that of heroin.
The Risks of Abusing Soma
Soma is safe when taken under the prescription of your doctor. However, self-prescription can lead to psychological addiction to the drug. The following side effects are common among individuals who abuse Soma:
- Blurred vision
- Loss of coordination
- Depression
- Racing heartbeat
- Drowsiness
- Unusual weakness
- Vomiting
- Chills
- Dizziness
Is It an Offense to Abuse Soma?
Taking Soma without a doctor’s prescription is illegal. Soma has been scheduled as a controlled substance in several states in the U.S. Those locations include Georgia, Hawaii, Georgia, Arizona, New Mexico, and Alabama, among others.
Drug Enforcement Administration is closely monitoring the abuse of Soma. Depending on the results, if it raises the alarm, the agency can list Soma under the Controlled Substances Act.
What Contributes to the Abuse of Soma?
Soma is readily available via the internet. Internet companies offer efficient ways of acquiring medication without visiting a doctor. Some of these companies provide the drugs without proof of prescription from the individual.
The availability of these companies contributes significantly to the abuse of Soma. It provides a convenient way for people with dependence to acquire the drugs. The danger of ordering pills via the internet is the possibility of getting fake and substandard medications.
Substandard medications may contain other harmful drugs like heroin or cocaine. Therefore, you get addicted to both Soma and any other substance in the formula. If there is no other easy and convenient way of acquiring Soma, then Soma abuse would be rare.
Signs of Withdrawal
Use Soma as a short-term medication only, not more than three weeks. If you use Soma persistently, especially with other drugs, you develop dependence. Dependence leads to addiction. Often, you will be unaware of the developing condition until you start experiencing significant side effects. You realize it’s time to stop.
When you suddenly stop using Soma, your body finds it hard to cope without these drugs. You start experiencing withdrawal symptoms. There are both short-term and long-term withdrawal symptoms.
Short-Term Withdrawal Symptoms
They occur only for a short time, but you will have to seek medical assistance. Medical detox is necessary to suppress these symptoms. When you stop using Soma, expects the following signs of withdrawal:
- Anxiety
- Loss of muscle coordination
- Headache
- Delirium
- Muscle twitching
- Insomnia
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramping
- Nausea
- Increased heart rate
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
Long-Term Withdrawal Symptoms
Long-term symptoms of Soma are psychological. Withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, and depression persist for a longer time. Some of them can last for years, depending on how long you have been using Soma.
Long-term withdrawal symptoms require you to have the utmost patience and dedication. Visit your doctor consistently for advice and therapy. Consistent contact with your doctor prevents you from suffering a relapse.
What Do You Do When You Experience Soma Withdrawal Symptoms?
Withdrawal symptoms are common even for people who have been using Soma for a short time. When you experience these symptoms, seek help from your doctor. Often, your physician will recommend a tapering-down schedule for a given duration, depending on how long you have been using Soma.
Tapering involves the gradual reduction of dosage over some time. It helps prevent withdrawal symptoms. Make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions without fail.
Soma Withdrawal Timeline
After you stop taking Soma, you will experience withdrawal symptoms after 12-48 hours since your last dose. The symptoms will persist for another 48 hours after the onset. The duration and severity of withdrawal symptoms depend on your dosage and length of use.
The symptoms tend to be more severe and long-lasting for those who combine Soma with other drugs such as opiates, alcohol, and benzodiazepines. Seek medical assistance when you start experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Self-rehabilitation is challenging, and you may have a relapse. Professional help is the best solution.
The Detox Process
Detox programs vary among rehabilitation centers available. There are no approved ways of treating Soma addiction. However, your doctor will take you through a residential detox program, which helps suppress the withdrawal symptoms.
The detox program involves a systematic reduction in dosage over a stipulated number of days until you shake off the symptoms. You have to follow your doctor’s advice. A typical medical detox program can last for one week or up to two weeks. A medical professional closely monitors your progress and acts accordingly in case of any emergencies like the occurrence of seizures. Granite Recovery Centers provides medical detoxification for people who do not need immediate medical intervention, are not a danger to themselves, and are capable of self-evacuation in the event of an emergency.
There is more to rehabilitation other than the medical detox process. It doesn’t stop there. Since some of the withdrawal symptoms are psychological, you will have to go through therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy and recreational activities help you get accustomed to living a sober life.
Is a Detox Program Necessary?
Like any other prescription drug, it may be difficult for someone to realize he or she has developed a dependence. You will only notice you have a substance use disorder when some symptoms start to appear.
Signs and symptoms of dependence include:
- Social isolation
- Mood swings
- Irritability and illness (withdrawal in between doses)
- Seeking the services of different doctors to acquire multiple prescriptions
- Use of Soma for non-medical reasons such as to relax, to focus, or to get high
- Loss of interest in your hobbies
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Combining with other drugs to get a higher effect
The signs show that you have developed Soma dependence/addiction. Dependence calls for medical intervention. Your doctor will always recommend a detox program to ease off dependence and to curb the withdrawal symptoms.
A detox program is necessary because it helps prevent the long-term consequences of Soma abuse. Some of the symptoms, like seizures, may be fatal. Do the right thing, and start your rehabilitation journey today.
Supervised Rehabilitation
Going through a supervised rehabilitation process in a controlled environment is better than when you are at home. Below are some of the reasons why it is crucial to visit and dwell in the rehabilitation center when experiencing soma withdrawal symptoms:
- Quitting Soma can be very demanding because the withdrawal symptoms can be severe. If you use Soma with other drugs, then it becomes worse. Supervised rehabilitation is safe because you are in a conducive environment that has trained personnel. They will respond accordingly in case of an emergency.
- Abrupt discontinuation of use results in cognitive and physiological changes. Symptoms like depression and anxiety are predominant. When you attend supervised rehabilitation, your doctor can administer additional sedating medications to prevent significant withdrawal symptoms.
- Rehabilitation centers have in-house psychologists and counselors who help address any emotional and mental health issues.
- Supervised rehabilitation ensures your transition from rehabilitation to sobriety with aftercare programs. The program is essential because you can maintain sobriety and consequently prevent relapse.
Granite Recovery Center for Rehab
Are you experiencing Soma withdrawal symptoms or have a loved one struggling with Soma substance use disorder? Granite Recovery Centers is the ideal place to seek rehabilitation services. We have graced the rehabilitation industry for over 10 years, and we strive to best the best at what we do for many more years.
Our ever-growing and active alumni community is proof of our success. Hire our services today, and get the privilege of accessing the following programs:
• Medical detox – This is first step in the recovery process. It deals with both the mind and body, allowing you to cleanse your system from Soma dependence. You get to be strong, clear-minded, and alert as you proceed to primary
