At first, being prescribed a painkiller for a surgery or injury doesn’t seem like a cause for great concern. It helps ease patients’ pain. But for many, the need for the prescription doesn’t stop once the situation has been remedied. From there, substance abuse becomes a serious concern, leading to a variety of issues, including accidental overdoses. According to the American Society of Addiction Medication, the leading cause of accidental death in the United States in 2015 was drug overdose.  With so many risks surrounding this problem, it’s important to seek painkiller addiction help as soon as possible.

How Do Painkillers Work?

Opioids can be prescribed for chronic or severe pain. They work with receptors in the brain, reducing the messages that the body sends to the brain regarding pain. Medications like fentanyl, hydrocodone, and morphine are all designed to help patients manage their pain until healing takes place. Most doctors are cautious when they write this type of prescription, monitoring how much is given to a patient, including the number of refills available. After some time, the body can become accustomed to the pain pills, causing people to seek out more in order to get the same type of pain relief. When this happens, it’s time to find pain pill addiction help.

What Are the Symptoms of Painkiller Addiction?

Users often begin to seek out multiple ways to get their medication of choice. Some will visit multiple doctors, a behavior known as doctor shopping, in order to have consistent access to pain medications. Others may begin stealing pills from friends and family members in order to get their next fix. This is one of the first signs that a person is in need of pain pill addiction treatment. Lying to friends and family, becoming irresponsible or unreliable, and getting upset when someone tries to confront the problem are all signs that an individual is in desperate need of painkiller addiction help.

Is Detox from Pain Pills Necessary?

One of the first steps of rehab for painkiller addiction is detox. Because the pain pills actually affect the brain, it can be tough to try and manage the situation at home. In these situations, medically-assisted detox is the best option to consider. It allows a patient to remain safe throughout the withdrawal process. Our board certified medical staff has experience working with individuals that are trying to get pain pill addiction help. They know what to expect and how to make the process easier for an individual looking to get clean. Fill out the contact form to connect with us about our individualized detox options.

Where Can You Get Help for Prescription Medication Addiction?

For those struggling with painkiller addiction, help can be found at Tampa Drug Treatment Center. Our accredited facility understands your predicament and has several programs that are customized for those dealing with painkiller addiction. We offer private counseling, giving you an opportunity to learn more about your situation and understand what skills will help you pursue and attain recovery. At the same time, group therapy places you with others in a similar position. In addition to being able to share with people that understand, you can hear more about how others are successfully on the road to getting clean and moving on with their lives.

There is no one method of rehab for painkiller addiction that works for everyone. Instead, we learn more about you and put together the top services we offer, creating a personalized plan for you. We also focus on dual-diagnosis, investigating what may have led to the addiction and what treatment options are ideal. It is possible to live without the constant need for pain medication. If you’re ready to begin pain pill addiction treatment, call to set up an appointment for a free clinical assessment.