Rehab For Painkiller Addiction and Dependence

It seems each day there is a news story related to the opioid addiction crisis in America.  Unwinding the cause of this epidemic has led to research and eye-opening study results.  While recreational misuse or abuse of painkillers is one part of the problem, increasing insights on the role of big pharma and doctors, as well as Medicare or Medicaid fraud, have garnered the spotlight as significant culprits.

Whether caused by recreational drug abuse or as the result of pain management by over-prescribing doctors, the bottom line is that these medications are powerfully addictive, leading quickly to dependence.  A slew of recent studies out of the University of Michigan shed new light on the various causal factors for opioid misuse focused on post-surgical and chronic pain patient populations.  The study results offer important warnings for doctors and patients that can hopefully curb the problem moving forward.  But for individuals who find themselves already dependent on opioids, a rehab for painkiller addiction is the appropriate source for help.

Signs Of Opioid Addiction

Synthetic opioids were developed to help block the pain receptors in the brain, providing comfort to patients following an injury, surgery, or chronic pain conditions.  These drugs, including such brands as OxyContin, Vicodin, Percocet, and Demerol, were initially marketed to the medical profession as having a low probability of addiction, as astounding as that seems in retrospect.  In fact, patients unwittingly were systematically changing their brain chemistry and becoming dependent on these painkillers in as little as two weeks.  Slowly creeping up on them, the addictive features of this class of drugs eventually held patients captive.

Although there are signs of the body becoming dependent of the opioid, the powerful addictive nature of the drugs can cause someone to overlook them.  Patients begin to look forward to their next dose, almost obsessed about anticipating the drug’s effects.  The brain is wired to remember a rewarding or pleasant experience, branding this memory and prompting continued use of the painkillers.

Tolerance to the drug will begin early on, meaning that the dose once taken becomes less effective over time.  The patient may innocently believe that doubling the dose or dosing more frequently will not harm them, when in fact it is leading the body to become dependent on higher levels of the opioid.  Increased use of the drug, seeking repeated refills, bumming opioids off of friends or family members, or seeking the drugs in illicit ways are all signs of addiction.

Rehab for Painkiller Addiction and Dependence

When addiction to synthetic opioids has developed it is impossible to just quit the drug without help and support of a treatment program.  A rehab for painkiller addiction can guide the individual through the steps of detox and rehabilitation, helping them to once again live life without these harmful drugs.

Detox and withdrawal

The detox and withdrawal phase of recovery is the starting point of getting into recovery.

Detox is a highly unpleasant but necessary step that must be completed before active treatment can be initiated.  An inpatient rehab program will assist the individual through a medical detox where symptoms will be managed throughout the process.  Detoxing from pain pills usually takes about 5 days but ultimately varies from case to case.

Treatment for opioid dependence

Rehabilitation is the extended phase of treatment where multiple therapies will be engaged in throughout the days of the program.  Programs can last a month up to six months or longer, depending on the acuity of the opioid addiction.  Therapies include a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, contingency management, and family therapy as appropriate for the individual’s treatment needs.  In addition to the one-on-one talk therapy and group therapy, 12-step programs, ongoing education about addiction and preventing relapse, and other augmented therapies will be included.  

Solutions 4 Recovery Rehab for Painkiller Addiction

Solutions 4 Recovery is at the forefront of treating individuals with an addiction to prescription painkillers.  Located in South Orange County, California, Solutions 4 Recovery specializes in crafting a totally customized treatment plan consisting of various proven therapeutic interventions to help you or your loved one recover from a prescription opioid dependency.  In addition, Solutions 4 Recovery offers dual diagnosis treatment for a co-occurring mental health disorder, and outpatient treatment for continuing care.  Solutions 4 Recovery helps individual from throughout the United States and international. For more information about the program, please contact Solutions 4 Recovery today at (888) 417-1874