Many people believe that prescription drugs can’t cause addiction or other complications. They may think that they are safe because doctors prescribe them.
However, prescription drugs can be addictive. People who misuse prescription drugs may become physically dependent on them. It can be hard to stop them, even when it causes significant harm.
Prescription painkillers are some of the most addictive drugs available. Most prescription painkillers are opioids. Opioids are a class of highly addictive substances.
Opioid abuse can quickly spiral into a life-threatening addiction. People who become addicted to prescription painkillers must seek treatment and long-term support. Comprehensive opioid addiction treatment programs often begin with a medical detox.
In this article, we will explore painkiller addiction and detox. You will learn what to expect in our San Antonio painkiller detox center and how to find help.
Contact the Flourishing Foundations Recovery specialists now to learn about our substance abuse treatment programs. You may also ask questions, verify your insurance, or find other resources for drug and alcohol addiction.
Opioid Painkillers: An Overview
Opioids are a type of drug that includes both natural and synthetic drugs. Synthetic opioid painkillers are common in the United States.
Many people take them to manage moderate to severe pain. Doctors may prescribe opioid painkillers to help patients relieve pain after surgery or during treatment for another medical condition.
Common types of opioids include:
- Morphine
- Meperidine
- Oxycodone
- Dilaudid
- Codeine
- Tapentadol
- Fentanyl
- Hydrocodone
- Tramadol
- Oxymorphone
People who take opioid painkillers may experience pleasurable side effects, including:
- Slow breathing
- Relaxation
- Sedation
- Euphoria
People may like the way they feel when taking prescription painkillers. They may misuse these drugs.
Prescription drug misuse includes:
- Taking a larger dose of a drug than prescribed
- Taking a drug more often
- Taking a drug differently than prescribed, such as crushing and snorting pills
- Using a prescription drug longer than prescribed
Painkiller misuse can quickly turn into an addiction. Addiction can occur in anyone taking opioids, even if they do not have other risk factors for addiction.
Be aware of the signs of opioid abuse and seek treatment as quickly as possible.
Opioid Addiction and Withdrawal
Opioid painkillers work by binding to receptors throughout the brain. They affect parts of the brain involved in pain management, pleasure, and emotions.
Repeated opioid misuse can cause chemical and physical changes in the body. These changes can make it very difficult for someone to stop using opioids.
When someone who has developed opioid dependence or opiate addiction suddenly stops taking them, they will likely experience withdrawal symptoms.
Common opioid withdrawal symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Excessive sweating
- Chills
- Insomnia
- High blood pressure
- Faster heart rate
- Elevated body temperature
- Sweating
- Intense body aches and bone pain
- Strong cravings
Opioid painkiller withdrawal can make people miserable. Cravings and intense physical discomfort can lead to relapse before detox is complete.
It’s essential to have access to medical care, supervision, and support during opioid detox. Addiction treatment facilities can provide safe, evidence-based treatments that can help you have a complete detox.
What to Expect From a Painkiller Detox Center
Recovering from painkiller addiction can be challenging. However, getting treatment can help you safely and effectively detox from painkillers. Then, you will learn how to avoid relapse and find support to help you stay sober for life.
Medical-assisted treatment at a painkiller detox center includes:
- Medications to reduce cravings, pain, and other withdrawal symptoms. Common medications for opioid detox include Suboxone, methadone, buprenorphine, and clonidine
- Emotional support from medical staff and mental health professionals, including individual and group support
- Holistic therapies to reduce stress and provide comfort, including nutritional support, exercise, mindfulness, and massage
Detoxing from prescription painkillers can take several weeks or months. The length and severity of your withdrawal symptoms depends on several factors, including:
- The amount of opioids you used
- How long you’ve been misusing prescription painkillers
- Your age and gender
- Your physical and mental health
After completing a painkiller detox program, you must continue treatment. Painkiller addiction is a complex condition. Treatment for opioid addiction must address the physical, emotional, and behavioral parts of your substance use.
Painkiller addiction treatment plans may include:
- Individual counseling
- Behavioral counseling, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Relapse prevention education
- Coping skills
- Holistic therapies, such as yoga, art therapy, mindfulness, and nutrition support
- Aftercare planning
People may attend residential painkiller detox and treatment programs or receive outpatient care. Your addiction treatment center may offer several levels of care. This can allow you to transition from one level of care to the next as your needs change.
Find Help at Our Painkiller Detox Center in San Antonio
Opioid painkiller addiction can become life-threatening. If you or someone you love is seeking detox centers in San Antonio, the treatment you need is available at Flourishing Foundations Recovery.
Contact our opiate detox intake specialists with questions or to schedule an intake assessment.
