No one starts taking doses of prescribed pain relievers thinking they’ll become addicted to the medicine. No one wants to believe that they can develop an addiction that will eventually require them to get admitted into a painkiller detox center. After all, the prescribed painkillers are legal and intended to be used to treat pain, so what’s the risk? The risk is that these potent drugs are very addictive.
It’s common for physicians to prescribe painkillers — whether it’s for post-surgery pain, chronic pain from an old injury, or some other type of discomfort. But even if medical professionals recommend painkillers, the risk of developing an addiction still exists.
It’s not easy to admit that you have a painkiller addiction, and it can be tough to seek professional help. However, getting into an addiction treatment program is often the best way to recover. If you or someone you love is struggling with prescription painkiller addiction, please get in touch with Midwest Detox Center by calling 833.647.0392 or reaching out to us online.
What Are the Side Effects of Painkiller Detox?
Even if someone knows that they need professional help, they might still be cautious of the side effects of prescription painkiller detox and withdrawal.
However, many painkiller detox programs also provide clients with medical detox. A medical team provides 24-hour care and supervision for clients during this step in recovery — if the detox program is residential, at least.
Inpatient treatment is typically the best option because it allows guests to receive immediate care for any life-threatening emergencies through medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT may include buprenorphine or naloxone doses to help wean clients off addictive substances and reduce uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
Once a client’s body has detoxed, they may initially feel better. However, they will usually need more treatment and support. Residential treatment could be a good choice for clients with extreme drug cravings, lingering withdrawal symptoms, or health complications.
What Are the Side Effects of Painkiller Withdrawal?
It’s not usually the act of detoxification itself that causes many side effects to surface. Instead, painkiller withdrawal side effects are more common.
This is why many detox programs give clients access to professional help in dealing with behavioral, psychological, and physical withdrawal symptoms of addiction. The frequency and intensity of these detox effects will also vary.
When a client experiences several withdrawal symptoms together, it can look like they have a case of the common flu. Symptoms of withdrawal include the following:
- Abdominal cramps and diarrhea
- Agitation, anxiety, depression, irritability, and mood swings
- Dilated pupils and overproductive tear ducts
- Fatigue, insomnia, and yawning
- Goosebumps, clammy skin, and sweating
- Headaches and distorted thinking
- High blood pressure
- Restless limbs and muscle aches
- Runny nose
- Substance cravings
- Vomiting
Clients going through painkiller withdrawal may also suffer from physical health problems like dehydration, cardiac distress, aspiration, and extreme discomfort.
What Should Clients Look for in a Painkiller Detox Center?
When clients choose a painkiller addiction treatment program, they must also check if the facility offers the following:
- Medical detox: Look for trained staff that will ensure that your detox process will be supervised and safe.
- Gender-specific or age-specific detox programs: these programs can focus on very particular concerns during detoxification, which can help some clients feel more comfortable.
- Different programs depending on addictive substances: There are specific programs for certain substances, such as alcohol or painkillers.
- Inpatient addiction treatment: If you can get away from your current environment and responsibilities, residential treatment can get you to heal away from your stressors and triggers while getting round-the-clock medical supervision and support.
Ready To Learn More About Midwest Detox Center’s Programs?
If you’re looking for a painkiller detox center for you or someone you care about, contact Midwest Detox Center. Call 833.647.0392 or reach out to our team online.
