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)
- Oxycodone (OxyContin, Roxicodone, Percocet)
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Methadone
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.