If you or somebody you care about is struggling with painkiller abuse, the best way to handle it would be to consider professional painkiller addiction treatment. But before that, you need to make sure that you’re actually dealing with painkiller abuse.
Painkillers pose a severe threat to health when someone misuses them. For people struggling with chronic pain, an addiction to these drugs can develop gradually. Some may not even realize that they have an addiction because they’re using prescription medication according to their trusted doctor’s orders. However, it is essential to recognize painkiller abuse because professional help is necessary to overcome it. Contact Baltimore Detox Center today by calling [Direct] or reaching out to our team online if you have any questions about painkiller abuse.
Is Painkiller Abuse the Same as Opiate Abuse?
One of the most frequent reasons people go to the doctor is to get pain relief. While many drugs can ease pain, many people will be prescribed an opiate. Your doctor may also call these drugs opioids or narcotics. Doctors prescribe more opioids in the U.S. compared to any other country in the world. Opioids are a class of drugs that includes both prescription pain medication and illicit substances such as heroin. The most common prescribed painkillers include the following:
- Codeine
- Fentanyl
- Hydrocodone
- Hydromorphone
- Methadone
- Oxycontin
Unfortunately, these prescription medications meant for people with chronic or moderate to severe pain are highly addictive. These prescription pain relievers are made from opium, which comes from the poppy plant. Morphine and codeine are the two natural products of opium.
When a person struggles with painkiller abuse, it can be challenging to stop taking opiates. This dependence on opiates can interfere with daily routines, personal relationships, or even financial and legal issues.
What Are the Signs of Painkiller Abuse?
Depending on the amount of painkillers you take and the length of time you’ve abused your painkiller of choice, the signs of painkiller abuse can vary. However, some behavioral, cognitive, and physical signs are easily observable, such as the following:
- Confusion and disorientation
- Diminished interest in once-enjoyed activities and hobbies
- Irritability, lack of empathy, and drastic changes in mood
- Stealing medication that’s been prescribed for someone else
- Taking painkillers when it’s clearly dangerous to do so
- Trying but being unable to stop taking painkillers
- Visiting multiple doctors to get prescriptions or doctor shopping
When Should You Consider a Painkiller Addiction Treatment Program?
The progression from drug tolerance to physical dependency and eventually addiction can be masked by many things, especially when access to these drugs is due to a prescription from a trusted doctor. However, prescription painkillers are very potent and highly addictive, so it’s worth considering professional help if you notice symptoms of addiction.
People who require a painkiller addiction treatment program typically depend on prescription painkillers to fulfill their emotional, physical, or psychological needs. They may also drink alcohol or take other medications to increase or maintain the high from the prescription painkillers. Engaging in drug-seeking behavior ultimately becomes their new normal, which is dangerous and possibly life-threatening.
When someone abuses painkillers, there is a high potential for overdose. Taking large doses of painkillers can even lead to death. However, when someone tries to quit taking painkillers, especially if they’re opiates, they will also experience painful withdrawal symptoms.
Ready To Learn More About Baltimore Detox’s Painkiller Addiction Treatment Programs?
If you’re struggling with painkiller addiction, you should consider professional help. It not only increases your chances of successful recovery but also increases your lifespan. When you have medical support for your physical and mental health, it’s easier to focus on your addiction recovery path.
If you’re looking for painkiller addiction treatment programs in Baltimore, MD, contact Baltimore Detox Center today. Call [Direct] or reach out to our team online.
