Millions of people in the United States take prescription painkillers to manage pain. According to the CDC, in 2015-2018, an estimated 10.7% of adults 20 and older used one or more prescription pain medications in the last month.[1] Doctors may prescribe painkillers to help people reduce pain after surgery, during cancer treatment, or for other chronic conditions.
Many prescription painkillers have the potential for abuse and addiction. Many of the painkillers doctors prescribe contain opioids. Opioids are highly addictive substances, and dependence can develop after a short period of abuse.
This article will explore painkiller addiction and treatment. You will learn:
- How painkiller addiction develops
- The emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms of painkiller addiction
- What happens in a painkiller rehab program
- Where to find effective treatment and support programs
If you or someone you love struggles with painkiller abuse or an addiction to opioids, you are not alone. Reach out to the caring specialists at The Living Room for information about our treatment programs. You can also contact us with questions or to schedule an intake assessment.
Painkiller Abuse and Addiction: An Overview
Physical pain is a normal part of life. However, some conditions or procedures cause pain that disrupts a person’s functioning and negatively impacts their quality of life. In these cases, doctors may choose to prescribe prescription opioid painkillers to help people manage their pain.
Common prescription opioid pain relievers include:[2]
- Oxycodone
- Morphine
- Dilaudid
- Codeine
- Meperidine
- Tramadol
- Fentanyl
- Oxymorphone
- Hydrocodone
Opioid painkillers bind to receptors in areas of the brain related to reward, pleasure, emotional regulation, and pain relief. In addition to relieving pain, these drugs may cause desirable side effects, like euphoria and relaxation.[2]
People may like the way taking opioids makes them feel. People may begin to abuse their prescription painkillers by:
- Taking the drugs more often than prescribed
- Taking higher doses than prescribed
- Using the drugs for longer periods than prescribed
People may also misuse prescription painkillers by taking them recreationally–meaning without a prescription for them.
Heavy or frequent opioid use can change how the brain and body work. These changes make it very hard for someone to stop taking opioids. Prolonged periods of painkiller abuse can lead to physical dependence.
Once someone develops physical dependence on opioids, it is nearly impossible for them to stop using them on their own. Most people with opioid dependence require intensive substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and long-term support.
Painkiller Addiction and Withdrawal
Painkiller addiction affects a person’s mind, body, and relationships. Comprehensive treatment can help people understand and address the underlying roots of their substance abuse and work toward long-term recovery.
Opioid withdrawal symptoms may include:[3]
- Heavy sweating
- Insomnia
- Chills and goosebumps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Intense body aches and bone pain
- High body temperature
- Elevated blood pressure and heart rate
People may also experience intense cravings for opioids that can lead to relapse. Receiving treatment from a drug rehab center can help people manage withdrawal and develop the skills to prevent relapse.
What to Expect From Painkiller Addiction Treatment in New Jersey
For many, treatment for painkiller addiction starts with a medically-supported detox program.[4] One of the first steps of a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program is a medical detox program. During detox, people with painkiller addiction receive evidence-based treatment and therapies to help them manage withdrawal symptoms.
Throughout the detox process, medical and mental health specialists provide supervision and treatment that can include:
- Medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms
- Emotional support
- Treatment for mental health issues, including therapy and medications
- Holistic therapies like yoga, mindfulness, exercise, nutrition support, and more
Many people live in a treatment center while going through detox. This allows them to receive intensive dual diagnosis treatment and round-the-clock supervision.
After detox, people must continue with comprehensive treatment. People may participate in inpatient care or outpatient treatment. Addiction treatment programs typically include:
- Medications
- Screenings and assessments
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- Medical and mental health care
- Relapse prevention education
- Coping skills
- Holistic therapies like art therapy, exercise, nature therapy, acupuncture, mindfulness, and more
- Aftercare planning and support
Addiction is a lifelong condition that requires consistent care and support. After completing a treatment program, people must stay active and engaged in recovery by following an aftercare plan.
Which Level of Care is Right For Me?
Finding the right type and level of painkiller addiction treatment is essential. Before starting treatment, a doctor or addiction professional will perform a substance abuse evaluation. This evaluation may include:
- Information about your past and current substance use
- A complete medical and mental health history
- Family history of substance abuse or addiction
- Information about your environment and existing supports
- Lab testingÂ
- A physical exam
- Information about your health insurance coverage
This assessment will help your treatment team determine if inpatient or outpatient care is right for your needs. It can also shape your course of treatment, including program length, therapies, and more.
Find Painkiller Addiction Treatment Services in New Jersey
If you or someone you love struggle with prescription drug abuse, you are not alone. Reach out to the caring specialists at The Living Room to learn about our holistic drug treatment and recovery support programs.
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Prevalence of Prescription Pain Medication Use Among Adults: United States, 2015–2018
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): What are prescription opioids?
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Opioid Withdrawal
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA): Information about Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)