Recognizing the signs of painkiller addiction is important to know if you or a loved one is using opioids to treat pain. Opioid pain medication is an excellent way to reduce pain after surgery, a car accident, certain cancer, or a number of other causes. While they are safe to take when following the prescription, they come with a high rate of abuse and addiction. Enrolling in a painkiller addiction rehab center gives individuals a safe way to stop the abuse before they try harder drugs like heroin, meth, or stronger opioids.
At Crestview Recovery, we help men and women who are struggling with an addiction to their prescription pain medication. We are a full-service treatment center with residential and outpatient treatment programs to support every stage of your recovery. You will meet with a therapist in private and group therapy sessions to discuss what led to the addiction and develop coping skills that will support healthy life changes. For more information about our painkiller addiction rehab program, call 866.262.0531 or fill out our online form today, and we will get back to you within 24 hours.
Understanding Painkiller Addiction
Opioids are derived from the poppy plant, Papaver somniferum, and are very effective in reducing pain. It works by binding with the mu-opioid receptors that we all have and signals the body to release a massive amount of dopamine to reduce pain and create an overall sense of well-being and calm. The euphoric sensation can be very addictive, especially to those who experience depression, PTSD, or other mental health disorders.
Painkiller addiction symptoms will vary depending on the person’s unique chemical makeup and whether they take opioids with alcohol or other drugs. In severe cases of opioid abuse, it can lead to constipation, low blood pressure, and disrupt sleeping patterns.
While opioids are safe to take when following the prescription, many people will take more than prescribed or take them with alcohol or drugs to enhance the euphoric response. While the euphoria is short-lived, the harm you cause to your body and mind can become permanent with long-term abuse. If you stop taking opioids suddenly, you will experience withdrawal symptoms and cravings that can cause serious pain and an intense desire to take more drugs.
At Crestview Recovery, we will develop a comprehensive treatment plan to address your painkiller addiction symptoms at our spacious and comfortable facility. You will learn all about the dangers of addiction and what it will take to recover and get back to your healthy self.
What Are the Signs of Painkiller Abuse?
Recognizing the signs of painkiller abuse is imperative to know if you or a loved one is taking opioid pain medication. To prevent addiction, set an alarm for when to take the medication and do not take more than prescribed, even if your pain is more intense. Once you double up the prescription, your body will begin to crave the same amount each time.
If you are concerned that friend or loved one is abusing their pain medication, here are some of the signs of painkiller addiction to look for:
- Running out of the prescription before the refill date
- Taking pain medication with alcohol, cannabis, or other opioids
- You find multiple prescription bottles from different doctors or prescribed to other people
- Erratic mood swings
- Decreasing cognitive function
- Depression
- Paranoia
- Suicide
Recognizing the signs of painkiller abuse can save the life of a friend or loved one who is at risk of serious physical and mental harm. If left untreated, opioid addiction will lead to abusing harder drugs and require extensive therapy and medical support.
Join Crestview Recovery for Our Painkiller Addiction Rehab
At Crestview Recovery, we are well aware of the signs of painkiller addiction and support men and women who need help breaking their addiction to opioid pain medication. We take the time to build trust and open communication with each client, so they feel comfortable opening up about their abuse and what led to it. We offer a wide range of treatment programs that include:
- Residential treatment program
- Partial hospitalization program
- Intensive outpatient program
- Separate men’s and women’s rehab
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Family therapy
For more information about our addiction treatment center and what it can do for you, call 866.262.0531 today to schedule a tour and meet with our friendly team.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
