Addiction to prescription painkillers has become an epidemic in the United States. Today, many are prescribed painkillers after elective surgery, oral surgery, or to ease chronic pain. Various drugs in the opioid class block pain receptors in the brain. This can cause pain relief, emotional numbing, and make them highly addictive. When a person regularly takes painkillers, their body builds up a tolerance. This means they need a higher dose to experience the same effect. People around the country struggle with prescription painkiller dependency, often leading to other drug abuse and self-destructive habits. Painkiller addiction treatment programs are the most successful way to overcome a painkiller addiction.
If you or someone you know is experiencing painkiller dependency, reach out to Atlanta Detox Center for help. Our Georgia-based center treats painkiller addiction and other drugs with medically assisted detox and therapy. Call 470.450.2355 today to speak to an intake specialist or fill out our online contact form to learn more about painkiller addiction treatment.
Risks of Painkiller Use
Because doctors prescribe them, painkillers may seem relatively harmless. However, for many years painkillers have been overprescribed, leading to larger populations suffering from painkiller addiction. Because painkillers alter brain chemistry, they are highly addictive. Many people enjoy the emotional numbing effects of painkillers and either take more pills than prescribed or take them more frequently to maintain lower levels of physical and emotional pain. The more frequently and longer someone takes opioids and other prescription painkillers, the more they will need to experience the same effects. Use of painkillers can cause:
- Hostility or aggression
- Increased alcohol consumption
- Drug-seeking behavior
- Loss of appetite or sudden weight loss
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
- Paranoia
- Nausea or vomiting
Painkillers can also cause changes in a person’s behavior. They may seem erratic and have difficulty engaging and following conversation. They may seem and act as if they’re in another world. Painkillers slow down the brain’s processing speed and reflexes. This can cause accidents of people to drive or operate machinery while on painkillers.
Painkiller Addiction
Painkiller addiction can happen quickly. After taking a low dose of Vicodin or other opioids for several days, a user may find they need a higher dose for the same effect. Because painkillers are relatively easy to get, one can quickly develop dependency. When a person becomes addicted to painkillers, they experience intense withdrawal symptoms when the drugs leave their system. These symptoms include a worsening of the original pain they were treating, as well as other physical and psychological effects.
If you or someone in your life is taking painkillers, withdrawal signs can show addiction. Any of the symptoms listed above may indicate addiction. If you feel flu-like symptoms, paranoia, difficulty concentrating, slurred speech, and feel sick without painkillers, seek medical attention for prescription drug detox.
Detoxing from Painkillers
Professional detox centers offer safe and effective painkiller detox. Addiction treatment centers pair psychological support and medically assisted detox to help people navigate early recovery. Attempting to quit painkiller use at home is usually unsuccessful and dangerous. Those taking prescription opioids can experience withdrawal symptoms called “dope sick.” During withdrawal, the brain tricks the body into believing it will die without more painkillers. This can lead to relapse, other drug use, and overdose.
Detox centers limit access to painkillers and use other prescription medications to wean a person off of painkillers. This can lessen withdrawal symptoms and mitigate other drug-related health problems.
Begin Your Recovery with Painkiller Addiction Treatment at Atlanta Detox Center
If you or someone you love regularly engages in painkiller use, Atlanta Detox Center can help. Our detox and rehab facilities offer compassionate addiction treatment for both men and women. We focus on identifying life stressors and addiction triggers to help people gain an understanding of their addiction. Our medically assisted programs can help you recover today. Get started by calling us at 470.450.2355 to speak with a member of our staff or reach out online.
