Opiate painkillers are both physically and psychologically addictive and are highly prone to abuse. Although painkillers are medically necessary to limit certain types of pain, the euphoria they cause can result in addiction. Painkiller addiction help is for when you struggle with a painkiller addiction. Since painkillers are physically addicting, you can deal with troubling and overwhelming withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop on your own, which can make it difficult to remain abstinent.
In 2017, President Trump issued an executive order declaring the current opiate epidemic a public health emergency. Opiate painkillers like OxyContin and Vicodin have become widely abused throughout the past 20 years. Opiate painkillers have also served as gateway drugs to harder opiates like heroin. The opiate epidemic has led to drug overdoses becoming the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. Which is why many need an opioid addiction treatment center in Mclean, VA.
What are Painkillers?
Painkillers are typically opiate-based medications that are used to treat severe, traumatic or chronic pain. Medications like morphine, OxyContin, and Vicodin are all prescription drugs that limit and treat pain. Opiates are drugs derived from opium plants and when used cause your brain to release excessive amounts of dopamine.
Dopamine is a type of neurotransmitter that causes pleasurable feelings and emotions. Once you become dependent on opiate painkillers, your brain begins to rely on opiates in order to release dopamine. When you use opiates, your brain releases too much dopamine. Once the effects of opiates end, your brain suddenly depletes of dopamine, causing a significant neurotransmitter imbalance.
These imbalances lead to cravings and withdrawal symptoms when you don’t use. When you suddenly stop using opiates after developing a dependency, you can experience intense withdrawal symptoms, such as:
- Cramping
- Restless legs
- Insomnia
- Aches and pains
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
Painkiller Addiction Help
Once you become physically or psychologically dependent on opiate painkillers, painkiller addiction help is usually needed in order to fully recover. Help with painkiller addiction can include both inpatient and outpatient treatment. Inpatient painkiller addiction help is residential treatment, meaning that you stay at the facility 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Inpatient treatment allows you to have regular access to medical and mental health professionals who can provide you with a higher level of support than outpatient programs. Treatment may also include detox services or sober living housing.
Outpatient painkiller addiction help can include things like partial hospitalization program and intensive outpatient programs. Outpatient programs allow you to return home at night and to continue working or going to school during treatment. Treatment provides a great step-down option following inpatient treatment.
Finding Treatment Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with an opiate painkiller addiction, painkiller addiction help is only a phone call away. Sagebrush Treatment Centers, the premier opioid addiction treatment center McLean, VA has to offer, knows what it takes to beat addiction. If you or a loved one needs help to regain control of your life or to find recovery, call us today at 866.488.1156.
