Quick Facts About Painkiller Addiction

Quick Facts About Painkiller Addiction
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Are you concerned that painkiller addiction is a problem for you or someone you love? Read on to learn some facts about painkiller addiction that may help you determine whether or not painkiller rehab is necessary for you or your family member.

  • Painkiller addiction does not happen to everyone who has a prescription for painkillers. Most patients who are prescribed painkillers will not end up with a painkiller addiction that requires a stay in painkiller rehab. Those who do develop a painkiller addiction, however, will need assistance at a medical detox and addiction treatment center.
  • Physical dependence does not necessarily mean that painkiller rehab is necessary. Some chronic pain patients fear painkiller prescriptions out of concern that it will mean an automatic addiction. Though many patients will develop a physical dependence upon their medication, most will not develop a psychological dependence upon the drug defined by cravings for painkillers in between doses or at higher doses than prescribed.
  • Painkiller addiction is defined by physical and psychological dependence. Patients who need more and more of their prescription painkiller in order to feel its effects and also crave the drug are living with both psychological and physical dependences. These two characteristics are the primary defining factors in painkiller addiction, according to the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V).
  • Painkillers are not necessarily safe just because they are prescribed by doctors. Many patients have a false sense of security concerning their painkiller prescription. They believe that because they were prescribed the drugs by a doctor and dispensed their medication from a pharmacist that they are protected. Unfortunately, doing anything to take the drug not as prescribed (e.g., crushing pills and snorting them, taking more than prescribed or changing the dosing schedule) can completely alter their effect and render them harmful. It’s important to follow your prescription exactly and consult with your doctor before making any changes.
  • Painkiller addiction is exacerbated by the use of other drugs including alcohol. Patients may still be abusing their prescriptions, even if they are taking them exactly as prescribed, if they are using other drugs, including alcohol, to augment the effects. In fact, combining painkillers with alcohol is one of the most common scenarios that can lead to painkiller overdose.
  • Painkiller addiction is not a phase. Do not assume that painkiller addiction will pass on its own. Do not think that it can be managed without the help and guidance of medical professionals trained in the treatment of opiate painkiller addiction. If you are living with a painkiller addiction, seek addiction treatment help today.
  • Painkiller addiction cannot be treated at home. Withdrawal symptoms can be deadly if complications develop and, even if there are no significant medical concerns, the symptoms alone can be so uncomfortable and overwhelming that few patients make it through detox alone without relapsing. Painkiller detox that provides 24-hour care and medical monitoring is recommended.

If you believe that you or someone you care about is addicted to painkillers, contact us at Michael’s House today to learn more about our painkiller rehab program here in Palm Springs, California.