Due to the stigma often associated with medication, painkiller addiction can be hidden in plain sight, making it difficult to diagnose or identify. The person using the painkillers may not realize how far their addiction has progressed. Family or friends may be unaware of painkiller addiction signs that can plague the user’s life.
Understanding and recognizing the signs of painkiller addiction is the first step in getting treatment. If you believe that a family member or friend has an addiction, you may want to consult a specialist at an addiction treatment center in Illinois. With professional help, a person can recover from substance abuse and move beyond the vicious cycle of addiction with help from Northern Illinois Recovery Center.
- Behavioral Symptoms: Visiting multiple doctors to obtain painkillers, stealing money or pills to maintain the addiction, downplaying the severity of the addiction, social isolation, and neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school.
- Physical Symptoms: Seizures, respiratory depression, increased risk of heart attack, flushed or itchy skin, slurred speech, sedation, nausea, and vomiting.
- Psychological Symptoms: Psychosis, severe mood swings, anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
In worst-case scenarios, an overdose can lead to respiratory depression, organ failure, stroke, coma, or fatality. Long-term effects can also include heart problems, digestive problems, or terminal illnesses.
How Painkiller Addiction Develops
One of the reasons why the symptoms of painkiller addiction are hard to identify is that they develop over a long period. A person can be addicted to painkillers for several years before anyone notices. The addiction typically begins with a single prescription for pain. A doctor may prescribe codeine, hydrocodone, morphine, or oxycodone for temporary or chronic pain.
A person may enjoy the effects of the painkiller, which usually include pain reduction and euphoria. If they continue to use the medication, their body builds up a tolerance. They will no longer feel the effects. As a result, they attempt to increase the dosage through their doctor or by other means. This leads to an addiction, which ultimately manifests in a full-blown dependency.
The user may try to quit using the drug but experiences withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Therefore, they relapse time and again. A combination of obsession, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness continues to fuel the addiction. Eventually, the user needs to get help at a drug addiction rehab center.
Painkiller Addiction Treatment in Illinois
What Are the Side Effects of Painkiller Addiction?
Painkiller addiction can also lead to reckless behavior that can cause a person to get into legal trouble, including:
- Getting pulled over for DUI
- Being arrested for illegal drug possession
- Repossession of assets
- Being arrested for harm done to others
For some users, they have to lose virtually everything and hit rock bottom before they check into a treatment center. Dont wait for this to happen.
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Comprehensive Painkiller Addiction Treatment at Northern Illinois Recovery
- Drug Detox: A supervised process to safely manage withdrawal symptoms, ensuring comfort and stability.
- Individual Therapy: One-on-one counseling sessions to uncover the root causes of addiction and build effective coping strategies.
- Group Therapy: Supportive group settings to foster connections, share experiences, and promote healing.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A proven method to identify and change harmful thought patterns that lead to substance abuse.
- Holistic Therapies: Incorporating mindfulness, yoga, and art therapy to support overall well-being.
- Aftercare Program: Ongoing support and relapse prevention strategies to maintain recovery success.
Our compassionate team is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the recovery process. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help you or your loved one overcome painkiller addiction.
