Overcoming Pill Withdrawal Symptoms

by Admin on Tuesday July 11, 2017

How to Overcome Pill Withdrawal Symptoms

Painkiller addiction is a common problem in the United States. Pain pill withdrawal symptoms can be debilitating – and a main reason that drug users return to using. Detox facilities can help lessen these withdrawal symptoms. Call alcohol treatment centers Richmond at (877) 804-1531 for help with locating a detox center now.

Painkiller Addiction

By now, most people have heard about the opioid crisis in America. Painkillers are usually prescribed to patients who suffer from chronic pain. These prescriptions include OxyContin, Percocet, Vicodin, and Zohydro. When people misuse their prescriptions by taking more than prescribed or taking them more often than prescribed, they will become addicted.

Opioids can be prescribed for those who have just had surgery, cancer patients, or people who have endured serious sports injuries (to name a few reasons). Opioids are also prescribed for those patients who suffer from chronic pain. However, it is unclear whether or not taking opioids over a long period of time is actually effective. In addition, addiction and dependence usually follow when opioids are taken for too long.

After alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana, painkillers are the most popular drug abused by teenagers. So, hide your prescription bottles – it could save your teen from unnecessary temptation.

Pain pill withdrawal symptoms commonly include the following:

Restlessness
Sweating
Shaking and tremors
Increased breathing speed
Big pupils
Cravings
Irritability
Loss of appetite

Painkiller withdrawal can be very uncomfortable. Other pain pill withdrawal symptoms include diarrhea, cramping, and vomiting. It is possible to detox from painkillers without medication. You may try at home or at a "social" detox program. Nonmedical detox is when you go to a facility where you can be monitored and provided with support.

Attempting to detox on your own, at home may be a tricky idea. The risk for relapse is extremely high for those who try to manage painkiller withdrawal symptoms on their own. Even without medication – the support received from a detox program is very, very helpful.

Detox

Once you enter the detox facility, you will be evaluated to determine the severity of your addiction. Questions to expect include the following:

Are you abusing more than one substance?
Do you drink alcoholic beverages?
Have you ever entered treatment previously?
Are you on any medications?
What are your abusing patterns?

Your physical health will also be examined. Do you have HIV or hepatitis? Once these examinations are complete, you will be provided with a treatment plan. If your symptoms are unbearable, you may be provided with medications.

Depending upon your unique situation, the following medications may be administered:

This drug is used to discourage abuse of opioids and reverse the symptoms associated with overdose. Naloxone is an opioid antagonizing compound that when taken, can result in immediate heroin withdrawal.
This medication works by preventing opioids to act in the brain as they normally would. If the person is not getting high, they will not bother using (hopefully). It is a way to discourage use.
This medication is taken orally (under the tongue) and partially activates the brain's opioid receptors, which discourages use because the normally euphoric effects do not occur in patients who are taking Suboxone.

The idea with these medications is that they are only a temporary "helper" in order to taper the individual off of opiates.

Therapies offered in rehab will include cognitive behavioral therapy, individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and even equine therapy (depending upon the facility).

If you are a loved one are suffering from pain pill withdrawal symptoms, help is available for you. Contact alcohol treatment centers Richmond to review your treatment options with qualified staff members Call (877) 804-1531 now.

Sources:

https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids

https://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/prescription-pain-medications-opioids