Millions of Americans get prescribed painkillers every year. Painkillers are a wonder of modern medicine and alleviate severe pain for many people as they recover from injury or surgery. But for as much benefit as painkillers provide, they also have a dark side. These prescriptions are potentially addictive.
Taking your prescription painkillers exactly as directed likely poses little or no danger. Yet any amount of painkiller abuse is playing with fire. Painkiller abuse is often the beginning of the road to addiction. Once an addiction sets in, it usually takes a painkiller rehab program to help someone eliminate it. Contact Recovery Ranch PA today at 717.969.9126 to learn more about our substance abuse treatment options, including our painkiller rehab program in Pennsylvania.
Warning Signs of Painkiller Addiction
A painkiller rehab program is designed for those with an active painkiller addiction who need treatment. Some people may feel confused about whether or not their painkiller use is problematic or falls into the realm of addiction. You may also be trying to support a loved one and want to understand what painkiller addiction looks like.
The warning signs of painkiller addiction start with side effects. While these may appear to a small extent even in people who take their prescription as intended, they are most pronounced when painkillers are abused. Common side effects of painkiller abuse include:
- Constipation
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Confusion or disorientation
- Nausea
The deeper someone’s addiction becomes, the more likely the warning signs get expressed in their behavior. One major red flag is doctor shopping. This is when someone runs out of their prescription too quickly and goes to a new doctor to get a refill or new prescription.
Other warning signs of painkiller addiction are mood swings, irritability, and outright hostility. These could be heightened aspects of their personality or else brand new expressions solely due to the impact of their drug abuse. Lastly, poor decision-making tends to be an offshoot of drug abuse. Impulsivity and risky behavior often increase among those who struggle with drug abuse.
What Is a Painkiller Rehab Program Like?
Painkiller addiction can develop rather quickly. This means timely intervention is essential. The earlier you identify the warning signs and connect someone to treatment, the better. The recovery process at a painkiller rehab program begins with a comprehensive medical evaluation.
The evaluation helps professionals formulate a unique treatment plan based on a person’s medical history and current needs. This treatment plan may be inpatient or outpatient in structure. Inpatient care lasts up to 90 days and provides an intensive, 24/7 level of care. Outpatient allows for more flexibility and independence. It is best for those with a stable, supportive home life free from addiction triggers.
During either treatment option, clients will experience a range of services. Foremost is therapy after completing detox. The primary type of therapy in a painkiller rehab program is behavioral. Behavioral treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy help people change the underlying behaviors and thoughts that govern an addiction.
Find a Painkiller Rehab Program in Pennsylvania at Recovery Ranch PA
Painkiller rehab programs in PA fill a vital need. The biggest culprits of painkiller abuse and addiction are prescription opioids. These drugs are responsible for one of the worst medical epidemics in the 21st century. Providers like Recovery Ranch PA exist to give people treatment and hope that recovery is possible.
Our painkiller rehab program in Pennsylvania offers group therapy, family therapy, dual diagnosis treatment, and more. You are not alone. Painkiller addiction does not define you. Contact Recovery Ranch PA today at 717.969.9126 to learn how we can partner with you to achieve lasting recovery.
