A painkiller isn’t just a pill. It is a dangerous substance that is highly addictive. There are millions of people who struggle with chronic pain and need some sort of pain relief. When going to the doctor, they may get a prescription for painkillers. However, due to the addictive nature of this type of drug, it doesn’t take long for most people to develop a dependence on painkillers. Then, if they keep using them, they will likely develop an addiction to them, as well.
It is vital that everyone knows they don’t have to keep struggling with an addiction to painkillers. You can get into a drug addiction treatment program to help you get clean and to work on building a life of recovery.
Reasons for the Addictive Nature of Painkillers
Before talking about how to handle addiction to painkillers, it is important to talk about why they are so addictive in the first place. Some of the reasons for the addictive nature of painkillers is that that cause:
- Pain relief
- Pleasure
- Euphoria
- Tranquility
- Relaxation
- Energy (for some people)
When someone is struggling with pain, it can be easy to see why they would become addicted to these drugs. However, the addiction is dangerous in itself and does destroy lives. You can get free from these drugs and find other ways to manage your pain. A drug addiction treatment program can help you to do this.
Symptoms and Signs of an Addiction to Painkillers
Each person will have their own set of symptoms when they develop an addiction to painkillers. However, there are some common symptoms you may have or signs you may see in someone who has a painkiller addiction such as:
- Going to different doctors to get prescription painkillers
- Buying prescriptions online or from drug dealers
- Borrowing or stealing pain medications from their family members and/or friends
- Using painkillers even after they have no more pain
- Spending a lot of time getting, using, and recovering from painkiller effects
- Can’t stop using painkillers even when they try
- Severe mood swings
- Feeling guilty about using painkillers
- Feelings of hopelessness and shame
- Driving under the influence of painkillers
- Lying to family members and friends so they can get or use these drugs
- Isolating from loved ones and friends
- Withdrawal symptoms when it has been awhile since last use
These are just some symptoms and signs of a painkiller addiction. If you relate to them, please don’t hesitate to get into a treatment program, so you can get clean and into recovery.
Overcoming an Addiction to Painkillers
With so many people struggling with addiction, it is crucial that each person knows they aren’t alone. There are other people who have similar struggles as you. For instance, some other people may have started using pain medications after a car accident, but they just couldn’t seem to stop using them, even when their prescription was up. The good news is that you can get help to stop using pain medications and find new ways to cope and handle pain.
As noted above, it is possible to overcome an addiction to painkillers. Some of the ways you can do this include:
- Admit you have a problem and need help to stop
- Be patient and kind with yourself (recovery is a process and it will take some time)
- Getting into a detox program, so you can get the drugs out of your system
- Attending an addiction treatment program to work on addictive behaviors and developing healthier life skills and coping mechanisms
- Get medications that help to wean off painkillers (medication-assisted treatment)
- Attend Narcotics Anonymous meetings
- Find a sponsor that can guide you through the 12 steps and hold you accountable in your recovery
- Attend individual and group therapy to get support in overcoming the addiction
- Taking part in alternative pain therapies such as meditation and yoga
There are so many different tools and resources you can utilize to help overcome an addiction to these drugs. There are also various treatment programs such as outpatient, partial-hospitalization, inpatient and more. If you want to know more about various treatment options, don’t hesitate to reach out to a treatment program such as the one here at Harmony Health Group.
Get Help to Handle Addiction to Painkillers Today
Are you struggling with an addiction to painkillers? If so, it is crucial that you know there are other people and professionals who can help you to stop using these drugs and to begin a recovering lifestyle. It all starts with admitting you need help and reaching out for the support you need.
Contact us today here at Harmony Health Group, so we can help you to stop using the painkiller you are on, so you can create a better life for yourself.