Painkillers help treat people recovering from an injury or surgery and those with chronic pain. When appropriately used, opiate painkillers can help people continue to live functional lives. Unfortunately, opiates are highly addictive substances. When people develop tolerance, they are also likely to experience withdrawal symptoms. Tolerance can lead to a cycle of abuse where a person continues to take more and more painkillers to avoid the unpleasantness of withdrawal and to feed their ever-growing habit.
At DetoxLA, we are committed to helping those who have developed problems with painkiller abuse and addiction break the cycle of abuse. Our opiate detox center in California offers luxury amenities that help patients recover comfortably. Reach out to us today at 818.616.7341 to learn more about our programs and services to recover from opiate abuse.
Risk Factors for Developing a Painkiller Addiction
Many factors contribute to the propensity for developing a painkiller addiction. A person may initially abuse painkillers or other opiates occasionally, but this can quickly develop into dependence. It’s very easy to create a tolerance to opiates. People too easily fall into the trap of increasing dosages to avoid withdrawal symptoms that feed into the cycle of abuse.
There can be a genetic predisposition to developing an opiate abuse disorder. Not unlike those who have a family history of alcoholism, those with a family history of addiction need to be especially careful when taking prescription medications that have the potential to become habit-forming.
Commonly Abused Painkillers
Painkillers are among the most commonly abused prescription drugs. They are often considered gateway drugs that can lead to the abuse of street drugs or other narcotics. Commonly abused painkillers include:
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
- Oxycodone (Percocet)
- Hydromorphone (Opana)
- Fentanyl
Painkillers can be especially dangerous when combined with other drugs and alcohol. Mixing opiates with anti-anxiety medications like benzodiazepines (benzos) or stimulants like cocaine is extremely risky. It can lead to negative consequences, including the increased likelihood of overdose.
The Effects of Painkiller Addiction
A person who has developed a problem with painkiller abuse or an addiction to opiates is likely to have a wide array of physical and mental health problems. Drug abuse and addiction can act as band-aids that mask mental health issues for a short time but cause issues like anxiety and depression to worsen over time.
Examples of life issues that can result from painkiller addiction may include:
- Increased isolation
- Loss of interest in activities and hobbies
- Relationship issues
- Employment problems
- Financial issues
- Legal issues
- Homelessness
How to Recognize Signs of Painkiller Abuse
A person who has developed a problem with painkiller abuse is likely to show signs that their life is not going well. Early intervention is always best, but it’s important to remember that recovery is always possible.
Because detecting issues surrounding drug abuse can make such an enormous difference in a person’s life trajectory, it’s good to be aware of signs and symptoms that someone has developed an issue with drug abuse. Often, there are physical, psychological, and emotional signs that a person is not doing as well as they once were.
Common problems associated with painkiller abuse may include:
- Relationship issues
- Increased isolation
- Work performance is suffering
- Telling lies or being vague about activities
- Angry outbursts
- Excessive fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Confusion
- Memory issues
- Restlessness
- Agitation
- Mood instability
Common Painkiller Withdrawal Symptoms
Recognizing signs of painkiller withdrawal can help determine if a loved one is struggling with a substance abuse disorder or addiction.
Common painkiller withdrawal symptoms include:
- Decreased appetite
- Excessive sweating
- Tremors
- Sleep problems
- Prolonged periods spent in the bathroom
- Restlessness
- Agitation
- Mood fluctuation
Contact DetoxLA Today for Painkiller Abuse Treatment Options
If you or someone you care about is struggling with painkiller abuse or addiction, getting them the help they need and deserve is essential. At DetoxLA, we treat all of our patients with respect and dignity. Blaming someone for their decisions does not help them get better.
Our peaceful and serene environment can benefit patients on their path to developing healthy routines and habits. Learning how to create a positive lifestyle in recovery is essential to remain sober. Reach out to us today at 818.616.7341 to speak with a trained representative about how DetoxLA can help you on your path to lasting recovery.