Millions of people struggle with chronic pain in the U.S. for a variety of reasons spanning everything from age-related conditions to disease and injury due to accidents or military service. In many cases, doctors prescribe painkillers to help their patients cope. Sadly, these well-intentioned medications can sometimes lead to dependence and even serve as gateways to more dangerous illegal substances.
The good news is that, with accountability and resources, it’s absolutely possible to make a lasting recovery. Call the experienced substance abuse treatment staff at Apex Recovery at (877) 881-2689 or contact us online for more information.
Do I Need Painkiller Addiction Treatment?
Most of the commonly abused prescription painkillers are opioids, aka narcotics, including:
- Oxycodone (OxyContin)
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab)
- Tramadol
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
- Meperidine (Demerol)
- Fentanyl (Actiq)
Although it’s completely illegal and thus not prescribed by doctors, heroin is also a commonly abused opioid. In all cases, using narcotic substances can lead to physical dependence, meaning the brain craves more and more to achieve the same pain-fighting and pleasure-inducing effects. In cases of addiction, the person using may need the drug to even maintain a baseline sense of well-being.
If you or someone you care about is using prescription painkillers and you’re concerned an addiction may have developed, consider the following warning signs:
- Deception or lying, especially when related to drug use
- Less success at school or work
- Lack of impulse control or good decision-making ability
- Isolation from loved ones or friction in relationships
- “Doctor shopping”
- Financial issues
- Reduced appetite
- Constricted pupils
- GI problems, especially constipation
- Flushed or itchy skin
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Changes in energy levels
- Memory disturbance or confusion
- Mood disturbances such as euphoria, anxiety, irritability, agitation, or depression
- Withdrawal symptoms like aching, trembling, restlessness, cravings, or nausea if too much time passes between uses
What Services Would I Receive in a Painkiller Rehab Program?
During detox, which is the first stage of treatment, a team of providers will monitor your vitals, keep you hydrated, and potentially administer non-addictive medication to manage your symptoms. Perhaps most importantly, you’ll be carefully supervised. This means the high likelihood of relapse due to the discomfort of withdrawal is substantially reduced.
After detox, you’ll engage with a one-on-one counselor who can help you discover how your addiction got started in the first place. Beyond obvious pain-management needs, many people wind up with a substance use disorder in part because of life stressors or even an underlying mental illness. A licensed psychologist or counselor can help explore these possibilities and provide mental health care to support your physiological recovery.
Holistic and self-expressive offerings such as massage, music therapy, and nutrition counseling can also make a huge difference in recovery. These activities involve both your body and mind in the healing journey. This is key since the two aspects are profoundly linked and, especially for people coping with pain, movement and creativity can be remarkably helpful in building a happier and healthier life.
Group therapy offerings can likewise greatly support the recovery journey. Forming relationships with a community of peers helps you not only practice healthier relating skills but also develop accountability for your ongoing recovery journey. Family therapy too can foster positive change since it gets the primary support network involved. Relationships damaged by substance abuse can get needed attention and repair. Moreover, family members can receive education about the physical process of addiction as well as coping skills to use for self-advocacy.
Learn More About Treatment for Painkiller Addiction in Tennessee
Learn more about painkiller addiction treatment programs at Apex Recovery in Tennessee by contacting us at (877) 881-2689 or reaching out online. Our caring staff is waiting to answer your questions and give you information about enrollment. With quality support and personal commitment, your recovery will be well in hand.