How do you know if someone needs to get admitted into a painkiller addiction treatment program? When people take their prescribed painkiller medications at dosages and frequencies different from their prescribing doctor’s recommendations, they may benefit from going through detox and then appropriate substance abuse treatment programs.
Misusing prescribed painkillers can lead to an increased risk of fatal overdose, among other negative consequences. Taking the first step to recovery may be life-changing and life-saving for some people with this type of substance use disorder. Being aware that remaining a prescription painkiller misuser could be life-threatening is not enough. Dependency can set in, and dosing can become compulsive.
Even if people want to stop taking prescription painkillers, they may find it difficult to stop their drug use. If you’re looking for a prescription drug addiction treatment program, reach out to Midwest Detox Center. Contact us online or call 833.647.0392.
Which Prescription Painkillers Are Addictive?
In the United States, opioids are one of the most misused and abused prescription drugs. However, opioids are often prescribed for managing physical discomfort — especially mild to severe chronic pain. Even if they’re taken exactly as directed, the risks of prescription painkillers can still lead to dependency and eventually an addiction.
Common prescription opioids include:
- Codeine
- Hydrocodone
- Oxycodone
- Fentanyl
Some opioid pills are formulated with other drugs in them. For example, Vicodin has both acetaminophen and hydrocodone.
Opioids are usually taken by mouth, in pill form. Many opioid painkillers, such as OxyContin — its formulation includes oxycodone — are intended to be time-released drugs. But when the pills are crushed, the resulting powder can be snorted or injected. These actions can cause a rapid release of the drug in the body, resulting in a “high.”
What Are the Dangers of Prescription Painkiller Addiction?
The risks of prescription painkiller addiction include the following:
- Confusion
- Depression
- Extreme sweating
- Lower blood pressure
- Problems with coordination
- Slower breathing
Taking too many painkillers can cause low blood pressure and a very slow breathing rate to occur simultaneously. A person’s breathing can even stop. Overdosing can result in a coma or death. And while prescription painkillers are dangerous by themselves, they’re even more likely to lead to death when they’re taken with other drugs or with alcohol.
How Can You Avoid the Risks of Prescription Painkiller Addiction?
Early identification of this type of substance use disorder may help prevent addiction from developing, preventing someone from experiencing the dangers of prescription painkiller abuse. Problematic prescription drug use can be as simple as taking a friend’s prescription painkillers for a sudden backache. It can be as complicated as snorting a family member’s ground-up stimulant pills — and hoping they don’t notice the missing medication — to use as a weight loss solution or a study aid. If you see any misuse of painkillers at all, in yourself or someone you care about, deal with it right away.
Clients struggling with prescription painkiller addiction typically need help from professionals. They often need to undergo medical detox to get into prescription painkiller addiction treatment programs. Quitting opioids can have adverse medical consequences — however, some types of discomfort can be prevented or reduced by medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
After detox, opioid addiction treatment programs will require clients to maintain their sobriety while attending behavioral therapy sessions and receiving other forms of care. Once treatment is done, they’re given addiction aftercare plans and are tasked to rebuild their lives.
Learn More About Midwest Detox Center’s Programs and Services
Are you or a loved one struggling with prescription drug addiction? If so, reach out to Midwest Detox Center by contacting us at 833.647.0392 and asking about our painkiller addiction treatment program.
