Painkiller addiction can happen even to people who have prescriptions for certain medications. Many prescription opiate pain medications are highly addictive due to the way their chemistry interacts with the brain. Most people find that once they are addicted, ending their painkiller use is nearly impossible without help from professionals. In fact, getting treatment for an addiction to painkillers is often a lifesaving choice. At Baltimore Detox Center, our substance abuse treatment programs give people the tools for long-lasting recovery.
What Are the Signs of Painkiller Addiction?
Opiate painkillers are some of the most powerful ways to ease the pain that doctors can prescribe. Unfortunately, these
drugs can cause physical dependency for many people. Common painkillers include:
- OxyContin
- Vicodin
- Demerol
- Percocet
Painkiller addiction happens when the brain and body do not function normally without the drug in the blood. Tolerance often happens with dependency and is when the body needs higher doses of the medication for the same effect.
Signs of Painkiller Addiction
Opiate painkillers have a high likelihood of causing dependency, which explains why so many people seek drug addiction treatment programs, even for prescribed medications. Common signs that someone needs an addiction recovery program include:
- Not being able to stop or reduce the use of the painkillers
- Misusing painkillers to get high
- Taking more painkillers than prescribed
- Seeking extra prescriptions to fulfill the need for more of the drugs
- Avoiding hobbies, friends, or family to continue taking the painkillers or to recover from the drugs’ effects
There is no shame in seeking professional prescription drug detox help or substance use treatment. In fact, many people cannot quit using painkillers on their own.
Why Quitting Painkillers Alone May Not Work
Quitting painkillers presents several problems that make the process almost impossible alone. Trying to quit without support from medical personnel could lead to relapse once withdrawal symptoms start. Common withdrawal symptoms from quitting prescription painkillers may include any of the following:
- Irritability or anxiety
- Nausea or vomiting
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Cravings for painkillers
- Reduced appetite
- Confusion
To help detox successfully, those at a medical detox center offer support and substances to reduce the severity of these withdrawal effects. With their help, clients can complete detox without quitting or relapsing partially through the process.
The Importance of Getting Professional Treatment
Receiving painkiller addiction treatment in a rehab center is vital for several reasons. First, most people require medication to ease the pain of withdrawal. Second, many people need behavioral therapy to understand how and why they became addicted to painkillers. Finally, those in rehab can receive support from others who are struggling with the same or similar addictions.
Through a professional treatment program, individuals can learn how to live without painkillers and manage any underlying issues that led to addiction. Painkiller addiction treatment is a life-saving step for many people. Our therapeutic programs include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- Individual counseling
- Holistic therapies, such as yoga and meditation
If you or a loved one is addicted to painkillers, do not hesitate to reach out for help. Painkiller addiction is a serious problem that requires professional care to overcome. For more information on our addiction treatment programs and how we can help you or your loved one, please call us today.
How Does Painkiller Addiction Treatment Work at Baltimore Detox Center?
At our Maryland painkiller rehab center, the first stage is detox. During this medically supervised stage, staff watch clients and support them with medication, nutrition, and help during the portion of recovery when the body cleanses itself of the painkillers.
Following detox, therapy through extended residential recovery treatment helps clients make the mental changes to stay away from painkillers and other addictions for life. These therapies include group programs, individual talk therapy, family therapy, and many others. Such treatment is important for uncovering emotional and mental contributors to addiction, even after leaving the recovery center.
The physical dependency of painkiller addiction is overcome through detox. However, the psychological desire to continue to take the drugs will continue unless the client finds coping methods. Addiction recovery programs help with these coping methods. Plus, therapy provides clients with ways to learn their places in family and social dynamics after leaving the program. Recognizing their roles in these groups can help clients understand how important their recovery from addiction is to themselves and their loved ones.
Reach Out Today for Painkiller Addiction Help from Baltimore Detox Center
Painkiller addiction takes time to develop. Therefore, recovery also takes time, such as through long-term rehab. However, with support through detox and help with recovery, overcoming an addiction to painkillers can be successful.
Baltimore Detox Center has the expertise and experience to help people begin their recovery from painkiller addiction. If you or someone you care about is battling painkiller addiction, we can help. Reach out to our Baltimore Detox Center team by calling [Direct] or completing our online contact page. Let our team become part of your recovery today.