Millions of people suffer from addiction to drugs and alcohol. When many people think about addiction, they immediately think of illegal drugs like cocaine and heroin. However, millions of people in the United States are living with addiction to prescription drugs. The most common, addictive class of drugs is prescription opioids.
Opioids are drugs that are sometimes prescribed to treat chronic pain or to help people stay comfortable after a surgery or other medical procedure. Opioids are effective at reducing pain, but should only be taken for a short time under strict supervision. Even when taken as prescribed, opioids can be addictive. This is because, in addition to relieving pain, they provide users with a feeling of euphoria or relaxation that encourages people to continue to take it.
Prescription opioid abuse is fairly common in the United States and can have devastating consequences for a person’s physical, emotional, and social health. Understanding the signs of addiction and knowing how to get treatment are the first steps in recovering from prescription opioid addiction.
Do I Need Treatment for Prescription Opioid Abuse?
Because they are prescribed by a doctor, many people believe prescription opioids are perfectly safe to take. While some people can use them as prescribed, many people find themselves struggling with symptoms of addiction or dependence after taking these potent medications.
To understand if you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, be aware of these common signs:
- Using more of the medication than prescribed
- Taking the medication longer than prescribed
- Stealing, lying, or participating in illegal activity to get more of the medication
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you reduce or stop taking the medication
- Losing interest in other activities
- Isolating from friends and family
- Being secretive about using the medication
- Significant changes to mood, sleep, or appetite
These common signs of addiction may indicate that you or your loved one are living with addiction. As soon as you recognize you have an unhealthy relationship with opioids, it is important to seek the support you need to overcome your addiction.
What are the Dangers of Opioid Addiction?
In addition to being highly addictive, opioid drugs can cause damage to a person’s physical, mental, and social health. In the short term, many people experience uncomfortable side effects of using opioids, including:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Intense cravings
- Weight loss
- Drowsiness
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Decreased activity
- Poor hygiene
Over time, opioid abuse can lead to long-lasting consequences to your health and general wellbeing. People who struggle with opioid abuse are more likely to engage in risky and illegal behavior that can affect their physical and financial health. Their opioid addiction can lead to strained relationships with friends and family and can result in losing their job. Many people move on to cheaper opioids, such as heroin, and are at a heightened risk of overdose.
All of these outcomes make it nearly impossible to live a healthy, fulfilling life. People who find themselves at any stage of prescription opioid addiction need to seek out the support they need to overcome it and avoid devastating consequences to their health and safety.
What Happens In Prescription Opioid Addiction Treatment?
After medically supervised detox, people will go through a treatment program that can help them learn how to manage their addiction and live without returning to substance abuse. This may include medications that can help them safely and comfortably taper off of opioids. One of the most important aspects of any addiction treatment program is therapy and education.
Therapy allows people to get to the root cause of their addiction. In therapy, people can explore trauma, family systems, and personal beliefs that contribute to their addiction. For some people, drug use is a way to dull uncomfortable emotions like boredom, depression, or anxiety. By identifying these issues, people have a better chance at a complete recovery from their addiction.
In addition to understanding the reason behind their addiction, people can also learn the life skills they need to maintain their sobriety, even in the face of challenges or disappointments. They have a chance to heal relationships or learn how to build new, healthy ones. In therapy, people learn coping mechanisms that they can use instead of relying on drugs or alcohol to dull their discomfort.
Therapy is an essential part of any recovery plan. Without addressing the mental health aspects of addiction, people are more likely to relapse in the future.
Find Treatment for Prescription Opioid Addiction in West Palm Beach Today
If you or someone you love need support at any stage of addiction recovery, you are not alone. The staff at Mandala Healing Center offers a range of programs designed to empower people as they overcome their addiction. We believe that with the right support, people can live the healthy, fulfilling life they deserve.
If you are ready for life-changing mental health or prescription opioid addiction treatment, please call today to get started.
We are honored to be part of your recovery journey.