It’s sad to report that prescription drug abuse has become a major issue in the US. In some states, it has become an epidemic. It’s an epidemic that is affecting both the users and our communities. For the user, the side effects of painkiller abuse can be treacherous. If an addict is reluctant to seek treatment, they could find themselves dealing with serious health issues, even death.
It doesn’t matter how someone has become addicted to prescription drugs. But what does matter is when and how someone seeks help. Most individuals who abuse prescription painkillers do so because they have become addicted inadvertently. Routinely, the prescription painkillers they were given were opioids, which are highly addictive even if used as a doctor directs.
Thus, because addiction is a disease that can strike anyone at any time getting treatment to heal it the most important thing to do. Fortunately, Sante Center understands how best to help individuals struggling with the side effects of painkiller abuse. Our treatments and therapies can help you or a loved one heal and recover.
About The Side Effects Of Painkiller Abuse
To a person’s untrained eye, the side effects of painkiller abuse might appear as an ordinary illness. Unfortunately, painkiller abuse is not an ordinary illness. It’s a process that can lead to addiction.
To better understand addiction to painkillers, one needs to educate themselves about the symptoms. For the most part, there are both physical and mental symptoms that come with painkiller abuse. Remember, painkillers contain opioids. Opioid addiction comes with both significant side effects and withdrawal.
The physical signs of painkiller abuse include:
- Drowsiness
- Mental fog
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Respiratory depression
Then there are the psychological side effects. The mental side effects of painkiller abuse include moodiness, apathy, and depression. If any of these side effects persist for a long period, the user’s health is in danger.
Long-term Effects of Prescription Drug Abuse
When a person abuses painkillers for an extended period, they put themselves at risk of developing some serious health problems. These problems include organ damage and failure, cardiovascular issues, and memory loss.
Some other long-term symptoms of prescription drug abuse include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
- Delusions
- Insomnia
These are just some of the side effects and long-term effects of painkiller abuse. If you or someone you know is displaying any of these signs, it’s essential to seek help as soon as possible.
Getting Help For Painkiller Addiction
When addiction takes hold, that person has only one alternative. They need to submit themselves for treatment at a top rehab facility like Santé Center for Healing. In all likelihood, the treatment process will have to start with drug detox.
Given the dangerous nature of withdrawal symptoms, a client will want to go through detox in a licensed facility. It will afford them the chance to have the medical staff monitor their progress. The goal of detox is to keep clients safe and secure during withdrawal.
After detox, clients go forward for treatment in the form of addiction therapy. A long series of open and honest counseling sessions makes a big difference. The client learns the truth about their addiction, removing their fear of the unknown. Equipped with this knowledge, clients can begin working on the coping skills they will need for relapse prevention.
The Role Of Santé Center For Healing for Prescription Drug Abuse
As a reputable treatment facility, Santé Center for Healing takes the treatment of clients seriously. At the same time, we recognize that each client is a unique individual with unique circumstances. With access to a comprehensive menu of treatment options, our counselors help our clients carve a path towards recovery. Here’s a partial list of our treatment options:
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Nutrition education
- Inpatient rehab
- Intensive outpatient treatment
- Family therapy
- Social activities
You don’t have to live your life addicted to painkillers. Help is available. If you can summon the strength to admit you have an addiction, the Santé Center for Healing is ready to help. You can start the process by calling 866.238.3154. This one simple call is the best chance you’ll ever get for lasting recovery from the side effects of painkiller abuse.
