Painkiller Addiction
Painkiller Addiction (Doylestown, PA)
Are you, or someone you know, suffering from a painkiller addiction? Learn more about the signs & symptoms
Pain medicines are intended to alleviate pain that arises from surgical procedures or injuries. They may be issued under a doctor's note (a prescription) depending on the strength of the medication. Prescription painkillers are legal and helpful to use when a doctor orders them to treat a particular medical problem. If used otherwise, painkiller addiction may occur.
Unfortunately, people sometimes take these drugs without a Doctor's prescription and even try use it as unsupervised, personal treatment for themselves or relatives. This has lead to an increased abuse by the population who use these drugs for recreational purposes.
While these drugs are often prescribed as treatment under medical supervision, in reality no one starts such treatment thinking they will fall prey of a painkiller addiction.
Like all commonly abused drugs, these opiate narcotics are known to raise levels of physiological and/or nervous activity in the human body; the raise of these levels is often associated with pleasurable feelings - those caused by the raise of dopamine. When using painkillers, the consumer may experience feelings of analgesia, happiness and relaxation.
Some of the most common abused painkiller medications are: Codeine, Darvocet/Darvon, Demerol, Dilaudid, Fentanyl, Hydrocodone, Methadone, Morphine and Oxycodone.
Often, people who show early signs of painkiller addiction begin by mixing them with other substances to increase the desired high. More often than not, they combine painkillers with other downers - like alcohol or tranquilizers - to increase the pleasurable and carefree sensation.
What most abusers ignore is that the combination of these types of drugs often lead to respiratory depression, which in itself, can cause respiratory arrest and death. Others combine painkillers with other highly potent drugs (cocaine, meth, heroin) in order to reduce the negative side effects of stimulant abuse. Because of this shock of stimuli suffered by the body, painkiller abusers will often suffer cardiovascular collapse and even death.
Painkiller addiction symptoms can go from mild to severe, causing psychical and psychological discomfort.
Some of the physical signs of painkiller addiction are:
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pinpoint pupils
- Sedation
- Slurred speech
- Itchy, flushed skin
- Increased risks for heart attack and other cardiovascular complications
- Respiratory depression
- Tolerance
- Seizures
- Coma
In addition to these, the psychological painkiller addiction symptoms can include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Worsening mood states
- Psychosis
- Suicidal thoughts
Furthermore, signs of painkiller addiction can lead to devastating consequences; prescription drug abuse can affect every single aspect of someone's life.
An abuser is also exposed to a larger number of painkiller addiction symptoms when - or if - intake of the drug stops abruptly. These withdrawal symptoms can include restlessness, tremors, shaking, weight loss, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, involuntary leg movements, cold flashes, etc.
It's important to seek help when the first signs of painkiller addiction are noticed. Because of the dangerous effects of this addiction, it's advised that individuals attempting to detox from prescription painkillers do so under strict medical supervision, and receive proper care at a rehab facility in order to go through the whole process in a safely manner.
Sometimes, these Doctors will use different medications to manage withdrawal symptoms experienced by the patient. The most common medications used for this purpose are .Methadone and Suboxone.
Once detoxification is complete, a proper addiction treatment will begin. A treatment is far more effective when personalized to fit the individual's needs. Sitting down for a screening with a Doctor or a Nurse that's part of the medical team can help create a plan that is appropriate for the patient; this will help in how a patient responds to treatment.
Counseling and therapy are also critical steps of a comprehensive rehabilitation program. Receiving this kind of support will help the patient:
- Identify why they've taken drugs.
- Define the triggers of their drug abuse.
- Learn skills and practices to reduce the likelihood of future drug abuse.
An addiction to painkillers can be debilitating and dangerous, without mentioning the financial implications that it drags with it. While many people are struggling with this type of addiction, there are just as many people who are qualified to help treat it.
Finding a good treatment center will help anyone break free from a painkiller addiction and get their life back. There are many treatment facilities with qualified addiction counselors and therapy programs that have been proven effective.Call us now at (877) 804-1531 to find out more.
Sources:
https://www.addiction.com/11175/12-signs-someone-you-love-has-a-painkiller-problem/
http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/features/painkiller-addiction-warning-signs#1
http://drugabuse.com/library/painkiller-detox/