Painkiller abuse is a significant public health crisis that devastates individuals, families, and communities. While prescription painkillers serve an essential role in healthcare, their downfall is their potential for abuse and addiction. In fact, for many, a prescription for painkillers unwittingly becomes a gateway to opioid use disorder (OUD). Typically, taking prescription painkillers precisely as prescribed and only short-term does not pose any significant risks. However, deviating from prescribed use or taking them long-term opens the door to a host of potential problems, particularly for people who are predisposed to substance abuse.
Understanding the potential risks of painkillers can help prevent misuse. However, if you find yourself already struggling, the painkiller rehab program at Recovery Ranch PA can provide the help you need. Call 717.969.9126 or contact us online to discuss your treatment options.
The Most Commonly Abused Painkillers
Opioids include prescription medications, illicit drugs, and, ironically, some drugs designed to help treat addiction. Opioids naturally derived from the opium poppy are also called opiates. Other opioids are semi-synthetic or synthetic. Following is a list of the most commonly abused opioids:
- Codeine
- Hydrocodone
- OxyContin®
- Percocet®
- Fentanyl
- Morphine
- Oxycodone
- Vicodin®
- Tramadol
- Heroin
- Dilaudid
- Methadone
Individuals struggling with OUD frequently engage in polysubstance abuse, which involves mixing multiple substances to enhance their effects. Additionally, they often have co-occurring mental health issues. The combined symptoms of co-occurring disorders usually exacerbate one another.
Warning Signs of Opiate Abuse
The opioid epidemic is a direct result of the overprescription of painkillers, which pharmaceutical companies promoted as safe and non-addictive. We know this is untrue today, but many doctors still overprescribe them.
Recognizing the signs of opiate and opioid abuse can be challenging because it’s easy to hide, especially before it becomes severe. The following are common signs to watch for:
- Not taking medications as prescribed
- Needing refills earlier than you should
- Inability to control how much you’re taking
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
- Drug-seeking behavior, like getting prescriptions from multiple doctors
- Buying or stealing prescription or other illicit drugs
- Significant changes in physical appearance, like weight loss and poor hygiene
- Failing to maintain daily obligations to home, work, or school
- Scabs, sores, or puncture wounds typical of IV drug use
Other signs to be aware of include a sudden change in friends, significant changes in appearance, isolation, problems at work or school, legal issues, and persistent relationship conflicts.
Physical Dangers of Painkiller Abuse
Taking painkillers longer than you should prevents your body from being able to relieve pain naturally. Painkiller abuse profoundly impacts the central nervous system and causes changes in brain structure. Physical dangers of painkiller abuse can include:
- Constipation, bloating, stomach distension, and ulcers
- Bowel obstructions and hemorrhoids
- Liver damage and liver disease
- Cardiovascular issues, heart attacks, and heart disease
- Collapsed veins and blood-borne infections
- HIV and Hepatitis
- Seizures
- Overdose and death
Additionally, risk-taking behaviors like driving recklessly or under the influence, unprotected sex, or putting yourself in dangerous situations can lead to other bodily harm.
What to Expect in Painkiller Rehab
The fear of painful withdrawal symptoms and the inability to imagine life without reliance on opioids frequently prevent people from seeking treatment. Knowing what to expect in rehab can reduce fear and help you mentally prepare for rehab.
At Recovery Ranch PA, we provide compassionate, individualized care tailored to your unique needs. Our experienced addiction and mental health professionals utilize evidence-based and experiential therapies to provide comprehensive healing of the mind, body, and spirit. Individualized treatment plans may include the following:
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy and counseling
- Group therapy
- Trauma-informed care
- Nutritional education and counseling
- Life skills training
- Mindfulness modalities
- Adventure counseling
- 12-step programs
- Relapse prevention therapy
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is typical in treating opioid addiction but is determined by individual needs. At Recovery Ranch PA, clients and their families discover support that forms the foundation of a sober support network they can rely on in treatment and beyond.
Connect with Recovery Ranch PA and Start Painkiller Abuse Treatment Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with painkiller abuse or opioid addiction, don’t wait any longer to get the help you need and deserve. Call Recovery Ranch PA at 717.969.9126 or contact us online to enroll in treatment today.
