Painkiller Addiction Treatment

A COMPLETE GUIDE to understanding painkiller addiction. Learn how to find the best treatment option for you. We’ll help you find your way to a drug-free life…for good!

12
minute read

What Causes Painkiller Addiction?

Are you struggling with a painkiller such as:

  • Hydrocodone
  • Morphine
  • OxyContin
  • Percocet
  • Tramadol
  • Vicodin

…or another opioid?

Please take hope. There is no reason to feel shame or guilt. Today, we know that addiction is a medical condition. It is treated successfully with a combination of medications and psychotherapy.

Help is available!

Read on for more information about how to identify and treat addiction. This guide will walk you through the best practices in treatment so that you know what to expect. Then, we welcome your questions in the comments section at the end of the page. In fact, we try to answer all real life questions personally and promptly. Or, call our helpline to get immediate guidance and talk with a compassionate listener anytime of day or night.

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Call 1-877-894-7935 to break free!
You are NOT alone!
Live the life that you deserve.

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We are all different

Not one case of addiction is the same as another. Everyone arrives at the point of a drug problem through different routes:

  1. Some start off by only taking the medications for pain and as prescribed, but increase doses over time for a more effective management of pain.
  2. Others use painkillers to get high beyond their intended scope.
  3. Sometimes, people feel the need to self-medicate traumatic life experiences such as childhood trauma, physical or sexual abuse, losing a parent, or violence.
  4. Other people use painkillers to relieve psychiatric issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or personality disorder.

But, regardless of your reasons for using painkillers in an addictive manner – if you are reading this you have come to this place for the same reason as many others: You are tired of being sick and tired.

So, continue reading to learn more about painkiller addiction, seeking help, painkiller rehabilitation, and treatment options.

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Get FREE & confidential help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call 1-877-894-7935 TODAY.

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Are Painkillers Addictive?

YES!

Unfortunately, painkiller addiction is more common that you might think. The most recent estimates as reported by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) suggest that there are more than 2.1 million U.S. citizens dependent on prescription painkiller medications. This is about 2% of the overall population in America, and the number continues to increase each year.

If you or a loved one have been acting out of the ordinary, or if you notice more than two (2) signs of painkiller addiction, it may be time to seek professional addiction treatment help. Typical signs of painkiller addiction include:

  1. Developing withdrawal symptoms such as depression or fatigue when you try to quit painkillers.
  2. Getting constant complaints from close family and friends about your mood swings.
  3. Going to multiple doctors in order to obtain multiple prescriptions, or “doctor shopping”.
  4. Missing work or work, or neglecting important obligations because of drug use.
  5. Needing a refill for your painkiller prescription more frequently than planned.
  6. Running out of money quickly because you spend them to obtain painkillers.
  7. Spending more time alone and distancing yourself from family and friends.
  8. Trying to cut back on doses or quit painkillers but never succeeding.

Recognize these signs in yourself or someone close to you? Take hope! When someone is struggling, there are many people who are qualified to help. Call 1-877-894-7935 TODAY to break free from your painkiller addiction with the help of evidence-based medical intervention. Get your life back. 24-7 operators are waiting to take your call.

Safely Breaking Free From Painkillers

The safest way to get off painkillers is with the help of staff who are trained to deal with detox AND the psychological issues that drive use. Why? It is necessary to get professional help to lower risk of complications that may have resulted from or have worsened due to painkiller use. Having the help of a professional treatment staff of doctors, nurses, licensed psychologists, and rehab staff can allow for the best care.

What does “best care” really mean? We’re talking about an individualized treatment plan that is tailor made to meet your unique needs.

Q: What are tailor-made programs and why do I need one?
A: Because YOU are not the same as everyone else.

Individualized treatment programs for painkiller addiction help you combat the disease by treating you as a ‘whole’ individual. They provide the tools for you to heal on a physical, mental, emotional, nutritional, and spiritual level. Selecting a treatment program will be influenced significantly by your current situation and other factors, such as:

Employment status
Home environment
How long/much/often you use your painkiller
Mental and medical health history
Severity of the addiction
Support system
The presence of another substance addiction or mental illness

This is why the first step in any treatment program is assessment. After understanding your unique needs, you can then choose the perfect mix of therapies for you and find a reputable treatment program to help you achieve sobriety. Why not start with a simple phone call? Please call us today at 1-877-894-7935 and learn about your treatment options.

What happens when you call our hotline?

When you CALL 1-877-894-7935 you will talk with a compassionate trained professional who understands addiction as a medical condition. Our drug hotline is a safe place for when you need a listening ear or a FREE, confidential and anonymous advice on how to set out on the road to recovery. When you call, you can talk openly and honestly about:

The painkiller(s) that you use.
How long you’ve been taking it.
How much and how often you use it.
Whether or not you’re drinking or using other drugs.
Other mental health issues you’re battling.

So, if you are looking for guidance on best treatment options for your particular circumstances, we encourage you to pick up the phone TODAY.

What Are the Stages of Rehab Treatment?

STAGE #1: GET OUT OF DENIAL – The first step towards overcoming a painkiller addiction is recognizing the problem and admitting your need for help. If you are aware of your problem and want painkiller rehab treatment help, CALL 1-877-894-7935 today.

STAGE #2: EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT – Initial assessment takes place at intake and can last for several hours. During this time, medical personnel interview you and evaluate your physical and psychological state. Based on the results of this assessment and your personal treatment goals, they will tailor the program to meet those needs.

“The assessment and treatment planning process should lead to the individualization of treatment, appropriate client-treatment matching, and the monitoring of goal attainment.” (Allen and Mattson 1993)

STAGE #3: DETOX – The next stage in painkiller addiction treatment is detox for those who have developed physical dependence. Even if detox symptoms are not dangerous, having medical supervision in a controlled environment can help your physical and mental state and prevent relapse. Medications such as methadone and Suboxone may also be used to manage uncomfortable detox symptoms.

STAGE #4: THERAPY – Counseling, behavioral therapy and psychotherapy are a crucial part of painkiller addiction treatment, and they should never be overlooked. In therapy you learn to:

  • Identify the underlying reasons that urged you to start taking painkillers in an addictive manner
  • Define the events that trigger drug use
  • Practice skills to help you manage cravings and avoid relapse
  • Learn skills to reduce and cope with stress

STAGE #5: AFTERCARE – Your path to recovery is not over when you complete your last day at the recovery center. This is why treatment facilities for painkiller addiction often continue their help after you leave their facilities by offering an Aftercare and Relapse Prevention plan.

Your Addiction Treatment Options

Here are the basic choices you can generally choose from when seeking a reputable painkiller addiction rehab:

INPATIENT vs. OUTPATIENT

Inpatient (residential) treatment provides 24-hour medical care and supervision. This type of rehab is often recommended for painkiller addicted individuals with high amounts of stressors and triggers in their environment, low or no recovery support, and a chronic substance abuse history with previous unsuccessful treatment attempts.

Outpatient treatment centers provide similar therapeutic services as inpatient rehab facilities. However, they do not offer round-the-clock care and are available on a schedule, usually for a few hours several days weekly. Outpatient programs provide a level of flexibility that allows you to continue with work, school, and home responsibilities while in treatment.

PROGRAM DURATION

Residential treatment centers commonly offer 30, 60 and 90 day programs that include detoxification, medication, and counseling. However, programs can last 120 days or more if needed. Although the required minimum time spent in addiction treatment is 30 days, 60 and 90 day programs have excellent success rates. This is due to the fact that spending more time in rehab allows you more time for physical and psychological stabilization, therapy, and education.

THERAPIES AND AMENITIES

Every good addiction treatment program should offer therapeutic services that include having a trained medical staff, detoxification, and counseling, among others. Addiction programs usually offer a combination of the following therapies:

  • 12-step counseling
  • One-on-one Counseling
  • Group Therapy
  • Educational Sessions
  • Family Therapy

…and other therapies.

In addition to these therapies, the program may offer other amenities and alternative therapies, including:

  • Art therapy
  • Equine therapy
  • Meditation
  • Yoga

DUAL DIAGNOSIS TREATMENT

Having a pre-existing mental illness may be one of the reasons that fuel painkiller abuse. But, addiction to painkillers may also result in co-occurring psychiatric conditions. If you have a mental health condition and suffer from addiction to painkillers, you can receive appropriate dual diagnosis treatment. There are therapies that can allow you to set realistic goals and successfully manage both conditions at the same time. Other disorders that co-occur with painkiller addiction, include:

Anxiety disorder
Bipolar disorder
Depression
Schizophrenia

Fear of Painkiller Withdrawal

If you’ve tried to kick painkillers on your own, you are aware of the harsh and uncomfortable state that follows cessation of regular doses. It can be quite scary…and, if you are like most people, you go straight back to using again to stop these symptoms from progressing. This can be a difficult habit to break, as you may start to believe that “normal” life is not a possibility without your painkiller meds.

Physical withdrawal symptoms occur as a result of your body’s adaptation to the presence of painkillers and can last from 48-72 hours and up to 30-60 days. However, medical detox can address most symptom of withdrawal as they occur. In fact, supervising doctors and nurses are present in a medical detox to provide physical AND emotional support. Why withdraw alone when you can benefit from the help of medical science? Withdrawal symptoms than can be addressed in a medical detox setting include:

  • anxiety
  • depression
  • fatigue
  • fever
  • insomnia
  • irregular heart beat
  • irregular respiration
  • panic attacks
  • paranoia
  • restlessness
  • seizures
  • tremors

The duration and intensity of these painkiller withdrawal symptoms depends on:

  1. The quantity of painkiller medication you have been taking.
  2. Your frequency of use.
  3. The type of painkiller you take.
  4. The amount of time you have been using painkillers.

You are probably thinking that withdrawing from painkillers is ‘pure hell’…BUT it doesn’t have to be. Medical therapies and treatments have been tested and shown to help people through the withdrawal stage. Some of these therapies include the medical management of withdrawal as well as Medication Assisted Treatment. Depending on the program and your needs, your treatment plan may help you manage withdrawal and cravings with a short-term use of medications, such as:

  • Methadone
  • Buprenorphine
  • Naltrexone
  • Naloxone

These techniques can be applied to assist you during the process of withdrawal from painkillers. Don’t let the fear of painkiller withdrawal ruin your life. Find out how turn it all around today. Call 1-877-894-7935 NOW.

Looking for a Luxury or Executive Treatment Center?

Luxury and executive rehab centers offer professional and compassionate first-class treatment. These facilities provide the highest level of comfort during the course of treatment, but have a minimal impact on your professional and personal life. Luxury and executive treatment facilities usually  resort-like offer, and feature a number of exclusive amenities.

Most of these recovery centers include the following features:

Business amenities – These programs expect to have clients who will need to continue to operate businessess and take care of work responsibilities while in treatment. That’s why luxury and executive treatment centers have made available workspaces, meeting rooms, and access to both the internet and phones.

Confidentiality – Confidentiality is a top priority for these treatment programs. Luxury and executive rehab centers usually have private driveways, are located in secluded locations, offer private rooms, and won’t disclose any information about clients other than to those you approve of and allow access to.

Fewer patients – You can expect to find only a few other people at the treatment center in the same time as you. This lower staff-to-patient ratio offers the most personalized care and means that you get the devoted attention of doctors and counselors.

High-end services – Executive and luxury programs come with first-class suites, gourmet meals prepared by professional chefs, exercise and recreational facilities with private trainers, spa treatments, yoga and meditation classes.

Does this sound like the type of treatment you are looking for? We are available at 1-877-894-7935 for a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to talk about treatment options that are right for you.

How to Help a Loved One With Painkiller Addiction

If you suspect a loved one is battling painkiller addiction, the most important decision you can make is to face it head on. The sooner your addicted loved one receives the help they desperately need – the better chances they have at achieving long-term sobriety. When you are seeking professional help, CALL 1-877-894-7935 to assess and evaluate a loved one’s problem. Questions we typically ask include:

  1. How long have they been taking painkiller(s)?
  2. Are they taking any other drugs or drink alcohol ?
  3. What are their drug-taking and drinking habits and patterns?
  4. Have they made previous attempts at treatment before?
  5. Do they have other physical health problems or mental, behavioral, or co-occurring disorders?
  6. Are they taking any other medications for any other conditions?
  7. How much can they afford to pay for treatment?
  8. Is insurance an option?
  9. Could you (and/or other close family members) help them out financially?

You can also try to stage an intervention with the help of a licensed interventionist, close family members, and concerned friends. An intervention can be your chance to surround the person with care and support while offering recovery opportunities and a chance to work towards a better life. In the meantime, you can look into the CRAFT Model of family training in order to influence their willingness and motivation to accept treatment. You can emphasize personal choice and control. Some examples of what you can say include:

“It really is up to you to decide to make this change.”
“No one can make you go to rehab.”
“No one else can do it for you.”

Additionally, you can encourage peer support for a loved one. Look into 12 Step groups like Al-Anon, A.A. or N.A. or into peer support groups like SMART Recovery. And, remember you cannot force or persuade someone to get better. It has to be their own decision to change…for themselves.

Relapse Prevention

After finishing a formal addiction treatment program,the work continues. Additional care may come in the form of:

  • Support groups
  • Touchup counseling
  • Relapse prevention coaching
  • Alumni events or activities

If you don’t have the needed support at home and in your community, you can choose to spend time in a halfway house or a sober living community, in order to bolster your strength against addiction in a drug-free environment that promotes accountability.

We can’t emphasize this enough: Relapse prevention is an important part of aftercare programs. You need to learn and practice techniques to avoid addiction relapse and maintain sobriety, which may involve:

  1. Learning about the relapse process.
  2. Training in identifying warning signs and high-risk situations.
  3. Developing coping skills and stress-management skills.
  4. Addressing pleasant memories of stimulant use.
  5. Avoiding testing the limits of your sobriety.
  6. Developing a lifestyle that’s protective.
  7. Coaching in addressing painkiller use slips.

This is a long task list, which is why aftercare help extends into the weeks and months that follow formal treatment.

Are you up for the challenge?

If you are ready to find your way to recovery and start building a painkiller-free life today, don’t wait! Call 1-877-894-7935 for addiction treatment.

You deserve a drug-free life.

Reference Sources: NCBI: Effective Treatments for Opioid Addiction
SurgeonGeneral: Opioids
NCBI: Successful Pain Management for the Recovering Addicted Patient
NIH: Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction
NIH: Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide
SAMHSA: Treatments for Substance Use Disorders
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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