Painkiller Addiction Treatment in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pain pill addiction is considered the main cause of the current opiate epidemic in the United States. Road to Recovery Wellness Center in Fort Lauderdale, FL can help.
Are Painkillers Addictive?
Narcotic painkillers or Opioids produce a temporary feeling of happiness. But “temporary” is the keyword here. And these painkillers are extremely addictive.
Persistent use of painkillers can lead to physical reliance on them. The longer you take them, the more your body relies on you taking them. And when that happens, withdrawal can be very difficult. And very frightening.
Like all medications, painkillers essentially veil the pain, they don’t actually cure it. But the more you take them, the more you’ll find yourself relying on them just to get through the day.
Symptoms of Pain Pill Addiction
Pain pill addiction can lead to a number of different health symptoms during addiction, detox, and for years to come. Some symptoms are relatively minor, but several can be serious and life-threatening.
Prescription Opioid Withdrawal
Withdrawal can happen even when prescription pain pills are taken as directed. Withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Cravings
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Tremors (shaking)
- Chills & Sweating
Pain Pill Overdose Symptoms
Although overdose is uncommon when pain pills are taken as described, mixing opioids with alcohol, taking doses greater than prescribed, and other factors can increase this risk. In the event of an overdose, the following symptoms may be observed:
- Slow, shallow breathing
- Drowsiness or lack of consciousness
- Unresponsiveness
- Blue skin color and dark-colored lips
- Snoring or gurgling sounds
Effects of Painkillers on the Body
Too many or too frequent use of – painkillers can lead to depression and anxiety along with paranoia, confusion, disorientation, distorted perception of reality, and anger or hostility (or both). And eventually, it can lead to permanent damage to your liver and your brain.
The Risks of Consuming Painkillers
America is in pain. And ironically – being killed by its painkillers. It starts with drugs such as OxyContin, Percocet, and Vicodin prescription opiates that can make your days tolerable if you’re recuperating from surgery or experiencing disease. Yet, these “medicines” can be every bit as addictive as heroin. And if you’re taking them because you’re sick they can actually make you much sicker than you already are. This is one case where the cure can be worse than the disease.
Painkillers can be extremely harmful, especially when taken incorrectly. For one thing, over-dose, either intentional or accidental, poses a very real risk with pretty much any pain medication.
Even acetaminophen, the primary ingredient in Tylenol, can lead to liver damage – or even death – when taken in too-large doses. And this can happen without much warning. Roughly half of the 56,000 annual Emergency Room visits and 500 deaths due to acetaminophen overdoses are accidental.
When taken in large doses or too often, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can cause harm to the stomach and kidneys.
Painkiller FAQ’s
Is it illegal to take painkillers?
It is illegal to have opioid painkillers unless they have been prescribed to you. It’s also illegal to give them away or sell them. Opioid painkillers can become addictive, so they should be used with caution. … your symptoms continue for longer than you’re meant to take the painkillers.
How many painkillers can you take at once?
In order to use painkillers safely, it is important to pay attention to the dose and interactions with other medications. For dosage instructions, always refer to the directions on the bottle or refer to your doctor.
What is the best pain medication for chronic pain?
NSAIDs and acetaminophen are non-opioid analgesics, pain medications often used for mild to moderate chronic pain. NSAIDs and acetaminophen may be used alone to treat chronic pain, or they may be combined with other pain medications, such as opioids and adjuvant analgesics.
Related Articles
Coping with Sobriety
Sobriety can be a daunting journey. Unfortunately, patients dealing with this incredibly hard journey can have a range of issues during their road to recovery. One of the major issues some of us deal with in our day-to-day life is anxiety. A patient in recovery is no...
Opioid Epidemic in Florida
Opioids consist of several medications used to treat acute and chronic pain. The first opioid, morphine, was developed in 1803. Ever since then, many other forms of opioids joined the market in primarily two forms: Opioids specific for pain relief Opioids mixed with...
Are you or your loved one suffering from the negative consequences of alcohol or drug addiction?
Call our office and our caring and professional staff will help you get started on your Road To Recovery. We provide both addiction treatment and housing services and help individuals and families take the first step toward recovery from addiction.
Road to Recovery Wellness Center
6261 W Atlantic Blvd Margate, FL
33063 United States
Stay in Touch
Are you or your loved one suffering from the negative consequences of alcohol and/or drug addiction?
Call our office and our caring and professional staff will help you get started on your Road To Recovery. We provide both treatment and housing services and help individuals and families take the first step toward recovery.