Painkiller Addiction – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Painkiller and Opioid Graphic

Painkiller addiction remains a national public health emergency in the U.S., where these drugs were involved in 14,975 overdose deaths in 2018. The number of painkiller deaths is nearly on par with that of heroin-related deaths, which totaled 14,996 in 2018 according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Knowing the symptoms and causes of painkiller addiction can bring you one step closer to saving yourself or a loved one from an overdose, and with getting safe, effective treatment at a drug rehab center.

Symptoms of Painkiller Addiction

People who struggle with painkiller addiction will exhibit certain behavioral symptoms similar to those exhibited by people with other addiction types. The NIDA states that these individuals usually devote an ample amount of time obtaining and using painkillers, and recovering from the effects. They may prioritize painkiller use above important obligations related to work, school, and family, and give up long-held hobbies and interests in favor of drug use. They may also visit a number of different doctors and medical clinics to obtain as many painkiller prescriptions as possible.

Physical symptoms of painkiller addiction may include:

  • Confusion or delirium
  • Decreased awareness or responsiveness
  • Constricted pupils
  • Episodes of slow or stopped breathing
  • Extreme sleepiness
  • Constipation
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Opioid withdrawal symptoms (insomnia, sweating, diarrhea, muscle aches, anxiety)

Causes of Painkiller Addiction

Many times, painkiller addiction is completely unintentional and occurs when people use prescription opioids for a long period of time. Opioids carry a high risk for abuse and dependence; therefore, the longer a person uses these drugs, the higher the risk they face of becoming addicted. Painkillers are commonly prescribed to treat severe pain such as that caused by surgery and injury.

Other possible causes and risk factors of painkiller addiction include:

  • Having a family history of addiction
  • Having a mental health disorder
  • Environment/regular exposure to drugs and alcohol
  • Lack of knowledge on how opioids work

Treating Painkiller Addiction With Detox and Drug Rehab

Those who become addicted to painkillers can safely recover from drug dependence and addiction at a drug rehab center that offers detox and an inpatient residential rehab program. Detox helps patients withdraw from painkillers with a reduced risk of complications, while inpatient residential rehab helps patients modify harmful behaviors that led to their addiction in the first place.

Dana Point Rehab Campus offers a wide range of evidence-based treatments for addiction including drug detox, residential inpatient, and more.

Contact us today at 949.569.7517 to receive a free insurance verification check and to learn more about our many available drug rehab programs.

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