Prescription drug abuse is one of the leading addiction issues in our country today. Many begin taking prescription painkillers after a routine surgery or minor injury. These drugs block pain receptors in the brain, altering brain chemistry. Because of this, these drugs can be habit-forming. Prescription drug abuse takes physical, emotional, and psychological tolls on users and their loved ones. Some people may try to detox at home without medical support. Many people relapse, abuse other drugs, or even overdose when they try to detox at home. Luckily, there are centers across the country dedicated to prescription painkiller addiction treatment, such as Atlanta Detox Center.
If you or someone in your life is struggling with painkiller dependency, contact our Atlanta Detox Center team to learn about our painkiller addiction treatment program. Call us at 470-450-2355 or complete our online form today to get your life back on track.
Signs and Risks of Prescription Painkillers
Painkillers may seem relatively harmless. However, painkillers alter brain chemistry to inhibit sensations of physical and emotional pain. Over time, the body builds up a tolerance. This means a prescription becomes less effective if someone takes painkillers regularly. The longer someone takes prescription painkillers, like Vicodin and other opioids, the higher dose they will need to get the same effects. Many people living with chronic pain or psychological stress may self-medicate to relieve pain. Risks of prescription painkillers include:
- Mood swings, erratic behavior, and manic episodes
- Hostility and aggression towards self and others
- Increased alcohol consumption to increase painkillers’ effects
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Insomnia and fatigue
- Paranoia, drug-seeking behavior, and trouble socializing
- Nausea, vomiting, and constipation
- Depression and hopelessness
There are additional risks of prescription painkillers, as well. If someone drives or operates machinery while on painkillers, they can put themselves and others in harm’s way. One of the many risks of prescription opioids is that they can slow the brain’s processing speed. This slows reflexes and response time. While on painkillers, people may struggle with language, socializing, and understanding the world around them. Over time, painkillers will stop the body from producing its own pain-blocking chemicals. During detox and withdrawal, intense symptoms can cause relapse, overdose, and health problems.
Detoxing from Prescription Drugs
It is always safest to detox from opioids and other prescription drugs in a detox and rehab facility. Addiction treatment centers can provide physical and psychological support throughout detox. Some programs use medication to help the body ween off of opioids. This can lessen the effects of withdrawal. During this time, doctors can monitor for any health problems caused by drug use. Through cognitive-behavioral therapy, EMDR, group therapy, and other modalities, detox centers help people address addiction triggers. Psychological support and healing can reduce the risk of relapse and bring a new perspective to childhood and adult traumas.
Detoxing at home is never the safest option. Many people lack the support to detox safely on their own. During withdrawal, people experience intense drug cravings that can lead to overdose and even death. Withdrawal from prescription drugs can cause depression, digestive problems, dehydration, and other symptoms that can be hard to manage without medical support. Always talk to an addiction therapist, doctor, or addiction clinic for detox support, such as the team at Atlanta Detox Center.
Begin Recovery from Prescription Drug Addiction at Atlanta Detox Center Today
If you or someone in your life is using painkillers or attempting to detox from prescription drugs, call Atlanta Detox Center. Our Georgia-based detox and rehab facilities offer compassionate painkiller addiction treatment. With support from our team, you can destress, address addiction triggers, and begin to heal. Our medically assisted programs can get you on the road to recovery today. Learn more about our detox and recovery programs by calling us at 470-450-2355 or completing our online form today. Don’t wait; begin your new life today.
