Using prescription drugs is necessary even if they carry the risk of addiction. It’s important to carefully monitor use for those who need to use these drugs to control anxiety, pain, or depression. Opioids like Percocet, for example, can be necessary to allow pain relief, but too much or using them for too long can lead to the need for addiction treatment. If you have an addiction, Northern Illinois Recovery can offer support. But before addiction takes hold, consider ways to avoid it.

Use Prescription Drugs as Directed

The most important step is to ensure you only use prescription drugs written for you. Then, use them according to the specific requirements set by the doctor prescribing them. That includes dosage and frequency of use. Doing this helps to minimize the risk of addiction. These doses tend to be safe to use.

If you are using an opioids medication, such as Percocet, work with your doctor to get off of them as soon as it is safe to do so. Long-term use of even low-dose painkillers can also worsen the risk of addiction.

Monitor for Cravings and Withdrawal Signs

When using drugs that carry an addiction risk, pay close attention to how you feel when taking them. Intense cravings for the drug, often before you need them, are key warning signs that addiction is forming. Withdrawal signs differ between drugs but often include:

• Muscle and bone pain
• Headaches
• Feeling intense fatigue or struggling with insomnia
• Agitation and irritability
• Feeling ill with or without vomiting

More serious side effects can occur, including hallucinations, cognitive impairment, mood swings, and the onset of anxiety or depression. All warrant getting help. Don’t stop taking prescription rugs without your doctor’s recommendation.

Needing to Use More

When the effects of the drug stop providing relief, that’s an indication of tolerance. Your body is getting used to the drugs, requiring more of them to get the same treatment or relief. Opioids are common for this. That may be an indication that it’s time to find a new way to relieve pain. Increasing dosage may not be safe to do without further increasing the risk of addiction. Instead, speak to your doctor about non-habit-forming drugs that may offer some of the relief you need.

How to Get Addiction Treatment

If you believe you could have developed an addiction to prescription drugs, reach out to your prescribing doctor first. Then, turn to a professional organization for addiction treatment like Northern Illinois Recovery. Our team works closely with you to help you transition from drugs causing addiction to those that are safer for you to use.

One of the steps we may offer is ways to reduce pain without the use of opioids. This may help to improve your quality of life. It also enables fewer side effects from medications. Holistic treatment options are available for many types of pain.

For those taking benzos or other drugs, there may be other treatments available to you as well. The goal is to monitor, treat, and overcome the underlying need for prescription drugs, so you don’t have to take them for the rest of your life. That’s where our team can offer help through programs such as:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Dialectical behavior therapy
• Holistic treatment programs
• Family therapy programs
• Group therapy programs
• Individual therapy programs

When You Need Help, Call Northern Illinois Recovery

Managing prescription drugs like Percocet isn’t always easy to do. Sometimes, opioids and other drugs lead to addiction, even when people try to avoid it. When that happens, embrace addiction treatment. Doing so can help you get back to living your life without the need for drugs. Our team at Northern Illinois Recovery can help you achieve this goal. To learn how by calling us at 855.786.1978 or connect with our team online.