Painkillers are often the first step on the path to an opioid addiction. Even though a doctor prescribes these medications, they can be dangerous and lead to substance use disorders. If you or a loved one is struggling with painkiller addiction, contact Seasons in Malibu by calling 424.235.2009 to learn about our comprehensive painkiller addiction treatment options.
Commonly Abused Pain Pills
The most commonly abused painkillers belong to the class of drugs known as opioids. Opioids are central nervous system depressants and can cause a feeling of euphoria, relaxation, and pain relief. Opioids work by affecting opioid receptors throughout the brain and body and can quickly lead to dependence and addiction.
The most commonly abused painkillers include medications such as:
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Norco, Lortab):
Hydrocodone is a widely prescribed opioid painkiller used for managing pain. It is often combined with acetaminophen in medications such as Vicodin and Norco. Like oxycodone, hydrocodone has a high potential for addiction, particularly when misused.People who misuse hydrocodone may take larger doses than what is prescribed or use it for reasons other than pain relief, such as seeking a euphoric effect. The risks increase significantly when hydrocodone is mixed with other substances like alcohol, as this can lead to severe respiratory depression and a higher chance of overdose. - Oxycodone (OxyContin, Roxicodone, Percocet):
One of the most widely abused prescription painkillers is oxycodone because it is a powerful opioid. It is usually prescribed for moderate to severe pains in patients, and is widely found in the medications like OxyContin and Percocet. It can be very effective when taken exactly as prescribed but is also associated with high risks of dependence and addiction.Abusers often crush or chew the pills to release the drug all at once, increasing their possibility of overdose. Oxycodone binds to receptors in the brain and spinal cord to produce intense feelings of euphoria; that make it very addictive. - Morphine:
Morphine is one of the oldest and most powerful opioids, commonly prescribed for severe pain following surgery or for chronic conditions such as cancer. Like other opioids, it alleviates pain by blocking signals in the brain and can also induce feelings of euphoria, making it highly prone to misuse.While morphine is usually given in a hospital environment, it is also available in oral forms that can be abused. Individuals who misuse morphine often crush or dissolve the pills to inject or snort the substance, which can rapidly lead to dependence and overdose. - Codeine:
Codeine is a relatively mild opioid that is commonly used for pain relief and is often combined with other medications to suppress coughs. While it is less potent than many other opioids, codeine is still frequently abused. Cough syrups containing codeine, often referred to as “purple drank” or “lean,” are misused recreationally, particularly among teenagers and young adults.Abusing codeine can lead to symptoms like drowsiness, nausea, and constipation. There is also a risk of overdose, especially when it is taken with other substances such as alcohol or benzodiazepines. - Methadone:
Methadone is a synthetic opioid commonly used to treat opioid addiction, particularly for those detoxing from heroin or other opioids. While it has legitimate medical uses, methadone is frequently misused because it can produce effects akin to other opioids, including feelings of euphoria.Many individuals who use methadone tend to abuse it, often taking larger doses than prescribed or mixing it with other substances. Overdosing on methadone poses significant risks, as it can result in respiratory depression and potentially lead to death if not addressed promptly.
All of these painkillers affect the same opioid receptors, but they differ in how powerful the effects are and the dosage required to achieve them. However, all of them are highly addictive, and many people who develop a painkiller addiction will need the help of professional treatment services in order to recover.
Signs of Painkiller Addiction
When a person develops a painkiller addiction, they lose the ability to stop using painkillers on their own. They may experience substantial negative outcomes as a result of their painkiller use but refuse to stop or cut down on their use despite these harmful consequences.
Some of the most common signs of a painkiller addiction include:
- Multiple failed attempts to cut down or stop using commonly abused pain pills
- Craving pain pills
- Growing tolerance for pain pills
- Continued pain pill use despite mounting consequences
- Worsening physical or mental health due to painkiller use
- Using painkillers when it is dangerous to do so, such as while driving
- Giving up on important hobbies or activities because of painkiller use
- Spending a great deal of time under the influence of painkillers, seeking them out, or recovering from their effects
- Withdrawal symptoms when painkiller use suddenly stops
While most of these symptoms are internal, there are external signs as well. People with a painkiller addiction often begin to ask their doctors for higher doses or a greater number of pills, start seeking out painkillers illegally, or may start showing unexpected mood changes and mental health symptoms.
Often, people will transition from a prescription painkiller addiction to a heroin or fentanyl addiction, either due to their prescription running out or a perceived need for a higher dose. When left untreated, a painkiller addiction can cause a wide range of problems in your everyday life. However, it is possible to break free from this addiction.
How to Break Free From Opioid Addiction
Opioid addiction can seem impossible to overcome, but several evidence-based strategies have proven themselves to be effective in helping people achieve sobriety. Some of the most effective treatments for opioid addiction include:
- Medication management
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Motivational interviewing
- Relapse prevention programs
- Dual diagnosis treatment
Each of these therapies focuses on helping people with a different aspect of their recovery. Medication management can help reduce or eliminate withdrawal symptoms, whereas cognitive-behavioral therapy can help people change how they think about substance use in their everyday lives.
Together, these treatments form a holistic approach to helping anyone achieve recovery—and they can work for you as well.
Start Treatment at Seasons in Malibu Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with a painkiller addiction, reach out to the addiction professionals at Seasons in Malibu today by calling 424.235.2009 or online. Our luxury drug rehab center has everything you need to start your new life in recovery, from medical detox to residential treatment through aftercare and beyond.
