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Build a foundation for lasting recovery from addiction

How Painkillers Become Addictive

a young adult woman sits with hands clasped together looking at a window wondering how painkillers become addictive

It is very important to understand how painkillers can become addictive, as it is a growing problem that affects many individuals and families. Painkillers are typically prescribed for short-term pain relief but can quickly lead to dependency, addiction, and other health problems when not used as directed. If you or someone you know could be at risk for developing an addiction to painkillers, seeking help from a painkiller rehab center is essential.

Evoke Waltham’s painkiller rehab center offers comprehensive programs tailored to patients’ specific needs. Our experienced staff provides evidence-based treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and relapse prevention techniques. Other services include family support, individual counseling, 12-step meetings, medication-assisted treatment plans, and aftercare services.

For more information about our addiction treatment programs or to learn more about how painkillers become addictive, call us today at 866.276.1920.

Signs of Painkiller Addiction

Painkiller addiction can happen to anyone taking prescription medication for moderate to severe pain. It usually starts with a prescription for a legitimate injury or medical condition but can quickly become an addiction. Before you know it, your body becomes tolerant to the drug, and you need higher doses to achieve the same level of relief.

Painkillers become addictive because they activate the reward centers in the brain, releasing dopamine and producing feelings of pleasure and happiness. Over time, your brain craves those feelings, and you may find yourself taking more and more of the drug, even when you don’t need it.

Some other vital signs of painkiller addiction can include the following:

  • Taking higher doses of the drug than prescribed
  • Visiting multiple doctors for additional prescriptions
  • Lying or manipulating others to get more medication
  • Struggling to reduce your dosage on your own
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not taking the drug
  • Continuing to use the drug despite negative consequences

If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or someone you care about, it’s important to seek help from a qualified painkiller rehab center to understand better how painkillers can become addictive.

How Can a Painkiller Addiction Treatment Program Help?

Recovering from a painkiller addiction can be a challenging and emotional journey. However, through a comprehensive painkiller addiction treatment program, individuals can receive the support and resources they need to achieve lasting sobriety. These programs typically include a combination of detoxification, therapy, and medication-assisted treatment to address addiction’s physical and psychological symptoms.

Alongside these clinical interventions, many programs also provide emotional support and counseling to help patients address the underlying issues that contributed to their addiction in the first place. While the path to recovery may not be easy, individuals can regain their health, happiness, and hope for the future with the right treatment program.

How to Support a Loved One with Addiction

It’s often difficult to watch someone you care about struggle with a painkiller addiction. However, it’s important to remember that your loved one needs your support now more than ever. Here are some tips on how you can best provide help and encouragement:

  • Talk openly and honestly – Listen without judgment and let your loved one know you are there for them.
  • Educate yourself – Learning more about addiction and recovery can help you understand what your loved one is going through and how to support them best.
  • Reach out to a professional – Connecting with a qualified painkiller rehab center, therapist, or healthcare provider can help ensure that your loved one gets the care they need.
  • Take care of yourself – Caring for your physical and emotional well-being is essential when supporting someone with an addiction.

Evoke Waltham strives to provide compassionate, evidence-based treatments that help individuals recover from painkiller addiction.

Discover Painkiller Addiction Treatment at Evoke Waltham

Overcoming painkiller addiction is possible, and the team at Evoke Waltham is here to help. Our experienced staff provides comprehensive services, including individual counseling, group therapy, 12-step meetings, medication-assisted treatment plans, and aftercare services. Most importantly, our team is dedicated to helping patients achieve lasting recovery and hope for the future.

To learn more about how painkillers become addictive or information about Evoke Waltham’s addiction treatment programs, call us today at 866.276.1920 or contact us online.