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Painkiller Addiction

Information on Painkiller Abuse and Addiction

If you are currently suffering from painkiller addiction or painkiller abuse, then you need help now. Call 1-866-99-DETOX (1-866-993-3869), and get help now for painkiller addiction.

Painkillers are also called "analgesics" or "analgesia." There are many different types and strengths of painkillers suitable for different types of pain. The strongest painkillers, used for controlling cancer pain, are called opiates. You may also be given non-opiate drugs such as anti-inflammatory painkillers. Painkiller addiction or abuse is the inability to stop using one or more painkillers regardless of the negative consequences associated with its misuse. When you develop a painkiller addiction or abuse problem, you will develop a tolerance and a physical dependence on the drug.

Painkiller Addiction: Commonly Abused Painkillers

The painkillers that most commonly lead to abuse or addiction include:

  • Vicodin™ - Painkiller addiction is very common with Vicodin because it is one of the most frequently prescribed medications for pain. Comprised partially of the semi-synthetic opiate, hydrocodone, Vicodin is a powerful painkiller that can easily lead to abuse or addiction.
  • Oxycontin™ - Oxycontin is a prescription drug that may result in painkiller abuse or addiction if not used properly.
  • Fentanyl™ - Fentanyl is most often used for anesthesia and as a painkiller. Abuse of Fentanyl may occur without your knowledge. It is important to follow the dosing instructions carefully to avoid your risk of painkiller addiction.
  • Ultram™ and Ultracet™ - Ultram and Ultracet are habit-forming drugs that, if used improperly or for extended periods of time, may lead to the development of a painkiller abuse problem or even addiction.

The Consequences of Painkiller Addiction

Most prescription medications are physically addictive. The abrupt discontinuation of the use of prescription medications once a painkiller addiction has developed could lead to seizures or convulsions. It is for this reason that withdrawal from painkiller addiction should be gradual and under medical supervision. This is best accomplished in a residential painkiller addiction treatment program or drug rehab with a medical detox program. The discomfort associated with withdrawal from painkiller addiction is contingent upon the dose you are taking and the length of time you have been taking it.

Withdrawal symptoms you may experience after painkiller addiction include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Chills
  • Shaking
  • Cold, clammy skin
  • Headaches
  • Insomnia
  • Runny nose
  • Diarrhea
  • Sweating
  • Stomach pain
  • Depression

In addition to the physical addiction created by painkiller abuse, people can also experience a deterioration in personal relationships, employment difficulties due to a lack of concentration and motivation, financial difficulties, legal problems, and psychological challenges.

Treatment for Painkiller Addiction and Abuse

One of the most difficult drug addictions to "kick" is prescription painkiller addiction. A painkiller detox program has to deal with issues that pertain specifically to those who are suffering from painkiller addiction, which may include chronic pain. Painkiller addiction is a serious matter, and a prescription drug detox program must deal with people who do not feel that what they had been doing was wrong or perhaps people who had not even known that they were addicted. People often become addicted to painkillers unknowingly. They may realize the addiction has developed only when they begin to experience withdrawal symptoms after missing a dose or when they feel anxiety about not being able to obtain their medication.

Another issue facing those who enter a medical detox program for painkiller addiction is the fear of what life will be like without the drug that had relieved their pain for so long. They may worry that the alternative medication prescribed by their doctor will not be strong enough. Therefore drug rehab and addiction therapy are essential parts of a medical detox program to give those suffering from painkiller addiction the confidence that they can live without the drug.

A medical detox program for painkiller addiction should be a medically based detox program. The medical detox program should be located within a drug rehab or an addiction treatment program in case there is a need for continued painkiller addiction treatment. In addition to its location, a medical detox program should offer 24-hour nursing, the ability to dispense detox medication as needed, a physician trained in painkiller addiction medicine, and an addiction treatment staff capable of walking you through the detox process. The primary reason people discontinue a detox program prematurely is an inability to cope with the withdrawal symptoms. In a medical detox program, additional detox medications and medical treatment is always available to help minimize any of the withdrawal symptoms.

Lastly, the main reason a medical detox program should be located in a drug rehab facility is the fact that most people who enter a painkiller detox program are in need of continued painkiller addiction treatment. Research shows us that those people who enter a detox program, but DO NOT go on to drug rehab or addiction treatment, have a much higher incidence of relapse than those who transition into an inpatient drug rehab or painkiller addiction treatment program. Remember, a medical detox program is not a drug rehab. Medical detox is medical stabilization, while a drug rehab is designed to maintain the gains made while in the detox program.

If you're suffering from painkiller addiction or abuse, call our toll-free helpline at 1-866-99-DETOX (1-866-993-3869). Our painkiller addiction treatment professionals are available to help you find the best course of treatment for your individual needs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call now.