Pain is considered a global public health priority, as 20% of adults in the United States struggle with it. When someone is dealing with chronic pain, sometimes the only way to manage it is through medication. Unfortunately, most of the painkillers people use are habit-forming and addictive.
What you might know of as painkillers are officially considered opioids. Opioid drugs slow down activity in the central nervous system while alleviating the symptoms of pain. They can be highly effective in managing chronic pain conditions.
With that being said, opioid painkillers can lead to addiction when they are used long-term. Many people experience a euphoric and drowsy high when they use them. As a result, it is easy to fall into a cycle of substance abuse.
Opioid addiction is hazardous, putting you at risk of experiencing a life-threatening overdose. Additionally, once you are addicted to opioids, you will deal with withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them. Thankfully, painkiller detox programs in West Palm Beach can help you overcome opiate withdrawal safely and comfortably.
What are Painkillers?
Painkillers are also referred to as analgesics. They are a group of drugs used to relieve pain. The most common type of painkiller is opioids, a class of substances that treat moderate to severe pain.
Examples of opioid painkillers include:
- Oxycodone (OxyContin or Percocet)
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
- Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Methadone
- Fentanyl
While these substances can treat pain, they pose a risk of serious side effects. Taking them long-term can result in the development of an opioid use disorder. Unfortunately, opioid addiction often leads to dangerous overdoses and respiratory depression.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), prescription opioids were responsible for 16,706 overdose deaths in 2021.
The best way to overcome an addiction to opioids is to attend medical detox. These programs will offer medications to control the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. As a result, you will be able to fully focus on recovering from the psychological and behavioral aspects of your drug addiction.
Symptoms of Painkiller Withdrawal
Painkiller withdrawal can be difficult to cope with. Many people describe it as feeling like an intense flu. Once you stop using a painkiller, you can expect to begin experiencing withdrawal symptoms within 24 hours. Thankfully, painkiller detox programs in West Palm Beach can keep you stable throughout the withdrawal process.
The symptoms of painkiller withdrawal include:
- Agitation and anxiety
- Muscle aches and pains
- Teary eyes and runny nose
- Insomnia
- Excessive sweating
- Frequent yawning
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
- Dilated pupils
- Goosebumps and shivering
- Nausea and vomiting
During detox, you will receive treatment from medical professionals. The dehydration that occurs during painkiller withdrawal can be severe, making it vital that you have assistance from medical experts.
What to Expect During Painkiller Detox in West Palm Beach
The first treatment option you should consider during painkiller addiction is detox. These programs will monitor your physical health and offer medications to soothe withdrawal symptoms. You will also have 24/7 access to mental health support.
During a painkiller detox treatment center in West Palm Beach, you can expect:
Assessment
At the start of detox, you will undergo an initial assessment. Medical professionals will ask you questions about your physical and mental health as well as your history of painkiller abuse. This information will be used to create an individualized detox plan based on your needs.
Medical Stabilization
Once your detox plan is created, nurses will check your vital signs. This includes things like your breathing rate, heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature. If painkiller withdrawal is causing any abnormalities, you will be promptly treated.
Medical professionals will continue to check your levels throughout your recovery journey. As a result, you will remain medically stable during the entire process of detox.
Medications
Painkiller withdrawal is usually treated using an FDA-approved medication that limits symptoms and suppresses cravings. For example, Suboxone or methadone might be used to slowly taper you off of opioids. These medications bind to opioid receptors in your brain, tricking it into thinking it’s gotten the painkillers it craves.
Eventually, you will be taken off of the medication once your withdrawal symptoms subside. This prevents you from becoming dependent on another substance.
Mental Health Support
In addition to medications, detox treatment programs offer constant access to mental health support. Sometimes, withdrawal can cause feelings of depression, anxiety, and even shame. Your therapist can help you work through these feelings during individual therapy or group counseling.
Treatment Planning
Lastly, you will work with your therapist and doctor to determine what your next steps should be. Most people transition into inpatient rehab once they complete detox. Your treatment plan might include inpatient rehab, outpatient programs, and even sober living housing.
Having a comprehensive treatment plan will give you the best shot at long-term recovery from painkiller addiction.
Finding Help for Painkiller Addiction in West Palm Beach
If you or a loved one suffers from painkiller addiction, Mandala Healing Center is here to help. We offer compassionate and convenient detox services for opioid withdrawal. Our addiction treatment experts can provide the support you need to make a full recovery.
Contact us today to learn more about painkiller detox in West Palm Beach.