Imodium, known as Loperamide, is a medication that is available over the counter to treat stomach concerns and diarrhoea. When taken at the recommended dosage, it has low risks and is tolerated well by the body. However, it can be abused as an opioid, resulting in dependence and addiction.

Here, we highlight the signs and symptoms of an Imodium addiction and discuss what you can do if you’re worried about your usage or a loved one.

What is Imodium?

Available in tablet, capsule or liquid form, Imodium is a type of medication that is used to treat inflammatory bowel disease and diarrhoea. It’s available over the counter or by prescription, and many people assume it must be safe and that it is highly unlikely you will become addicted. However, while Imodium is safe in moderation, it can potentially be abused.

Imodium works by slowing down the digestive processes in the intestine. Imodium doesn’t cross the blood-brain barrier or affect brain receptors when taken at the recommended dosage. However, at higher doses, it does.

These receptors can create euphoric sensations, which is where the addictive nature comes into play. High doses of Imodium can cause constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, and in some severe cases, damage to vital organs.

There is also the risk that you could cause an Imodium overdose, which can result in serious health complications and even death. That’s why it’s crucial to contact us and get the help you need.

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Signs of Imodium Abuse

It’s important to know that when Imodium is taken as intended, with the recommended dosage, it is safe. However, when it’s taken at high doses, it can have a similar effect to opioids.

The signs of Imodium abuse and symptoms of Loperamide (Imodium) addiction will vary between individuals; however, some common ones include:

  • Using Imodium even though symptoms have disappeared
  • Going above and beyond to get more Imodium (such as visiting different pharmacies)
  • Taking Imodium even though it’s harming your health and other areas of your life
  • Self-medicating with Imodium to treat opioid withdrawal
  • Wanting to stop but not being able to
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms and side effects and not being able to function without Imodium

Imodium, like other over the counter and prescription drugs, can result in dependence. This is because your body, and brain receptors, become used to the drug and require more to function. If you are addicted and try to reduce your dosage or even stop taking Imodium, you are at risk of withdrawal symptoms and side effects.

Identifying that you have an Imodium addiction is the first and crucial step in your recovery. This is because you’ve got to want to recover to do so. At Ocean Recovery, our phone line is always open, and we will listen to your concerns and open your eyes to what your future could look like – without Imodium addiction.

Drug Addiction Rehab Treatment

Anyone can experience addiction – whether or not you have a history of addictive behaviour. Imodium addiction requires medical assistance and private drug and alcohol rehab treatment like other addictions. This is because addiction is a serious health condition. To effectively treat any addiction, including Imodium addiction, the physical dependence must be mitigated as well as the psychological triggers.

Before you start any treatment, drug detox is required. This is when the Imodium and any other substances leave your body. Many people try this at home, but challenging side effects and withdrawal symptoms, which are completely normal, can make it very difficult to complete.

A medically assisted detox is completely different and one of the biggest reasons for choosing rehabilitation treatment. You’ll be monitored and supported during the process, which takes up to 10 days.

Our medical professionals can also prescribe medication to help ease any side effects. Once you’ve completed this stage, you’re ready to start treatment.

At Ocean Recovery, our leading rehabilitation centre is situated on Blackpool’s shores. Here, we combine evidence-based therapy and treatment, including behavioural therapy, counselling, psychological therapy and holistic activities.

You’ll be guided to understand your addiction and create new, healthier strategies. Focusing on resilience and motivation, you’ll also work with specialist teams on aftercare and relapse prevention to ensure you can maintain your recovery on the outside.

Get in Touch Today

Thousands of people have come to us not knowing what the future holds. Individuals gripped by Imodium addiction, families fed up with watching their loved ones go through pain, and employers concerned about a colleague and looking for some advice. We’ve helped all of them at Ocean Recovery, and you could be next.

As a CQC-registered alcohol and drug rehab and one of the UK’s leading addiction recovery treatment centres, Ocean Recovery is the perfect place to heal your body and mind – away from distraction, temptation and influence.

What’s more, as an inpatient, you’ll have access to high-quality accommodation, state-of-the-art facilities and an intensive yet supportive therapy programme that keeps you at the heart of your recovery.

There’s nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to addiction, and you don’t need to fear rehab. Just know that you are making the best decision for yourself and your family by going to rehab. Contact us today on 0800 880 7596, and together, we can start planning for the life you’ve always wanted.

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John Gillen - Director at Ocean Recovery

John Gillen - Author - Last updated: September 2, 2022

John is one UK’s leading professionals in the addiction recovery industry. Pioneering new treatment techniques such as NAD+ and ongoing research into new therapy techniques such as systematic laser therapy, John is committed to providing the very best treatment for people throughout the UK and Europe. During his extremely busy schedule, John likes to regularly update our blog section with the latest news and trends in the industry to keep visitors to our site as well informed as possible on everything related to addiction treatment.