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Almost 10 million Americans abuse pain medications every year. Included in this figure are millions of women. In addition, more than 10% of Americans develop diagnosable cases of painkiller abuse or addiction. Whether you know it or not, you may be included among those who are affected. If so, you need help from a painkiller addiction treatment program.
At Women’s Recovery, we’re keenly aware of the problem of painkiller addiction in women. That’s why we offer a painkiller addiction treatment program dedicated to helping you recover from this form of addiction. Our special focus on women makes it possible to provide you with the most supportive care possible. Contact us at 833.754.0554 for more information.
Commonly Prescribed and Abused Painkillers
Many of the most widely prescribed pain medications are opioids. Examples of these medications include:
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Hydrocodone
- Oxymorphone
- Fentanyl
- Oxycodone
The opioid family also includes street drugs such as heroin and opium. Whether classified as medications or street drugs, all opioids share some basic characteristics. That includes the ability to trigger physical dependence and addiction.
Are You Addicted to Painkillers?
How does physical dependence differ from addiction? If you’re physically dependent on a painkiller, your brain has come to expect its presence. If you don’t meet this expectation, your brain will react by triggering unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. These drugs are so potent that you can become dependent even when you take prescription medication as directed.
By itself, a physical dependence can be dangerous. However, with help from your doctor, you can manage it and avoid any problems. Every year, millions of people successfully manage their dependence on painkillers.
Addicted people are not just physically dependent on painkillers. They also have a deep psychological need to take these medications. Combined with physical dependence, this need sets the stage for compulsive drug-seeking behavior.
This behavior is involuntary. It signals a loss of control over your use of painkillers. That loss of control may or may not seem obvious to you or others. Nevertheless, it is considered a classic hallmark of addiction.
Warning Signs and Symptoms of Painkiller Addiction
Some warning signs and symptoms of painkiller addiction include:
- Developing a tolerance to the medication being abused and needing more to achieve the desired effect
- Drowsiness, changes in energy levels
- New or worsening mental illness
- Loss of appetite
- Withdrawal symptoms when unable to take the medication
- “Doctor shopping” or having multiple prescriptions for the same medication
- GI issues like constipation, nausea, or vomiting
- Isolating from family and friends
- No longer enjoying things once loved
- New or worsening problems at home, work, or school
- Cognitive impairment, disorientation, and confusion
It is vital that anyone struggling with painkiller addiction seek professional help to break the habit. The safest and best option for those seeking to enter recovery from painkiller addiction is entering treatment at an accredited addiction treatment facility.
The Basics of Painkiller Addiction Treatment
Anyone addicted to painkillers should seek professional help. This is the most reliable way to break your addiction. It is also the safest. That’s why all experts recommend specialized painkiller addiction treatment. Many people put off getting help because they fear the withdrawal symptoms that will come as they begin to detox. Still, an addiction treatment facility has everything you will need to start your recovery journey as safely and comfortably as possible.
Effective treatment often involves the use of medication. There are medication options available to help you detox from painkillers. Your withdrawal symptoms will be monitored and managed by addiction treatment specialists. In addition, there are options available to help you avoid relapsing. Many people addicted to painkillers also receive psychotherapy. This therapy helps you recover from the mental aspects of addiction. It also helps you break free of behavior that supports addiction.
Women’s Painkiller Addiction treatment
Women often benefit from gender-specific painkiller treatment. Why? Women tend to abuse painkillers for different reasons than men. These reasons include such things as:
- Going through a divorce
- The death of a close loved one
- The stress of home and work responsibilities
- Losing custody of a child
Women may also get addicted sooner than men. In addition, women in recovery often have particular treatment needs. Such needs may include help for underlying trauma. They may also include help for harmful relationships to food and eating. treatment centers that focus on women know how to provide treatment for these issues.
Get Help for Painkiller Addiction at Women’s Recovery
Concerned you may be addicted to painkillers? Contact the specialists at Women’s Recovery. We can help you find out if you meet the criteria for addiction. Women’s Recovery is also a top source for women’s painkiller addiction treatment. We feature a full range of treatments geared toward the needs of women. In addition, all treatments are customized. Regardless of your situation, we can help you recover. For more information, please fill out our online form today or call us at 833.754.0554.
