Sad long haired girl checks phone for prescription painkillers rehab help.Prescription painkillers are among the top prescribed drugs in the country, which has led to the increase in addiction among many users. Such drugs combine euphoric effects with a speedy onset of physical dependency. As addiction includes both physical dependence and psychological attachment, continued use of painkillers may eventually create both.

Addiction To Prescription Painkillers Is More Common Than You Think

Nearly five million people in America have a dependence on prescription painkillers. The sale of these drugs has increased since 1999 by over 300 percent, which has created more and more potential for addiction. As much as seven percent of those given prescription pain relievers will become addicted.

Many painkiller addictions start innocently when a patient gets a prescription after surgery or other painful condition. As previously mentioned, physical dependence sets in fairly quickly, which means that stopping or reducing the medicine results in withdrawal symptoms. Psychological attachment and compulsion come on more slowly. Unlike the stereotypical pictures and profiles of addicted people that appear in the media, the truth is that painkiller addiction can happen to anyone.

Common Addictive Prescription Painkillers

Most prescription painkillers derive in some way from opium and different types are more powerful or more addictive than others. The following are some common forms of prescription pain relievers.

Codeine, typically found in prescription cough syrup has less potency than some other opiates. Abused largely among young adults by mixing with sugary drinks or alcohol and know as lean drink or sizzurp.

Dilaudid sometimes goes by the description of hospital grade heroin and it is particularly dangerous to patients who do not have any opioid tolerance.

Hydrocodone is found in many of the top strongest painkillers and may be formulated with over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Methadone can be used as a painkiller, but may also be used to curb opiate addictions. It can be very addictive and hard to kick.

Morphine is both strong relief for those suffering from severe pain and is also extremely addictive and the culprit behind many accidental drug deaths.

Oxycodone is one of the most addictive prescription drugs available and is also widely prescribed.

Signs Of Addiction To Prescription Painkillers

Many people struggling with addiction do a very good job of hiding their addiction. They may appear like perfect employees or perfect spouses, never letting on that they have a problem. However, the longer an addiction goes on, the more cracks start to appear in the addicted person’s facade. The most important thing to remember is that eventually, the addictive substance will become the top priority for the addicted person.

You may notice persistent extreme drowsiness in a person with an opiate addiction. They may nod off while watching TV or even at the dinner table.

A change in sleep habits may unfold. You might notice long stretches of sleep at times and then little to no sleep when the person runs out of the drug.

The frequent appearance of flu-like symptoms may indicate someone who’s going through opiate withdrawal.

A change in exercise habits or energy level may occur. An addicted person may show extreme lethargy and a lack of interest in previous pleasures.

Treatment For Addiction To Prescription Painkillers

Treatment for opiate addiction often starts with detox to address physical dependence and remove the possibility of relapse during withdrawal. After detox, the underlying causes of addiction are addressed. Many times those addicted to opiates have a past psychological trauma or conditions like depression or anxiety.

A quality drug rehab center like Beaches Recovery in Florida can address all these aspects of prescription pill abuse. Treatment programs may include:

Beaches Recovery, located in beautiful Jacksonville, Florida offers a strong focus on younger patients struggling with alcohol or drug addiction. JCAHO accredited, Beaches also partners with many top insurance companies.

Don’t let an addiction to prescription drugs control your life. Start on the path to overcoming your addiction today at Beaches Recovery. Call us at 866.605.0532 to find out how to start a new, drug-free life.