Prescription Pills

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What are Prescription Pills and Opioids?

Prescription pills like opioids, sometimes called narcotics, are drugs that are used primarily for pain relief. They include morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, fentanyl, Vicodin, Percocet, and Oxycontin, to name a few. Opioids derive their name from the opium poppy plant.

Some opioids are naturally occurring, and some are mass-produced. This class of substances binds to the brain’s dopamine receptors, which block pain feelings and create a “high.”

Some people enjoy how they feel after using prescription pills and become addicted after the legitimate use of a prescription. Others try an opioid intending to get high using someone else’s medication. Opioids are highly addictive chemicals that can be easier to obtain than other drugs and give reliable effects when used.

Their effects on the brain’s dopamine reward center can make some people easily addicted and fuel a desire to continue using even after the pain is no longer occurring.

Understanding Prescription Opioids

Prescription pill addiction, opiate addiction, and opiate abuse are risk factors for future heroin addiction. More than 80% of heroin addicts report using nonmedical opioids before starting heroin. Many of the respondents reported gaining access to opioids from friends, family, and their prescriptions.

Many people find they are addicted to opioids by accident. What started as legitimate medical use turned into a prolonged use and signs of withdrawal when the user tried to cut back. Opioid use can lead to a development of tolerance quickly, leading to increased use to gain the same feelings of “normalcy.”

This begins the cycle of increasing use, further increasing tolerance, which further increases use and leads to a full-blown physical and mental addiction.

Effects and Abuse of Prescription Opioids

Opioid addiction is a medical condition that is defined as not being able to abstain from using opioids and behaviors centered around opioid use that interferes with daily life. Once opioids are used regularly, withdrawal can occur in between doses. This can look like sweating and cravings.

Some signs of opiate addiction include:

• Cravings
• A decrease in personal hygiene
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Mood swings
• Small pupils/opiate eyes
• Constipation
• Obtaining drugs becomes a priority
• Weight loss
• Financial problems
• Increase in sleeping

Mental Illness and Prescription Opioids

Recovering from the effects of opiate addiction is not a short process, but it is possible. One common theme of opiate addiction is another underlying disorder that may never have been properly diagnosed. An untreated mental illness significantly increases the risk of addiction, especially opioid addiction. Insomnia, anxiety, and depression are a few examples where self-medicating may be tried for many years before a diagnosis of a mental disorder is made.

We are experienced at screening for any additional mental health issues and separating addiction from untreated illness. Opioid addiction may involve appropriate screening and treatment for any other issues. Treatment of both concurrently can improve the success rates of both and put you on the path of a more peaceful and happy life.

Treatment

Prescription pill addiction is a widespread problem and one in which professional help is recommended for treatment. Opioid withdrawal can happen as soon as a few hours after the last dose. It can peak approximately 72 hours after the last dose, and withdrawal symptoms may last multiple weeks.

Inpatient treatment of withdrawal with medical assistance is recommended for a milder withdrawal experience. Sometimes managing an opioid addiction may involve other medications to ease the cravings and increase the odds of staying sober from hydrocodone.  Other tools for treatment involve assessment for any other underlying mental health issues, counseling, 12-Step programs, and family therapy.

Narcotics Anonymous may also be used as a tool for both inpatient and outpatient support. Treatment of prescription pill addiction may vary depending on the level of addiction and environmental factors. Learning to live a life without relying on Vicodin, Percocet, Oxycontin, or any other prescription opioid is possible. Understanding the disease of addiction and implementing proven tools and strategies for sobriety can give you back the control and stability you deserve.

Payment Information

Do you want treatment but are worried about how you can pay for it? We have a team of financial professionals who provide free insurance verification. We will work with you to determine how to move forward with the treatment in a way that works for you and your financial situation.

How to Get Help

Are you suffering from addiction? At Resurgence Behavioral Health, we understand your struggle with addiction. Our caring staff is prepared to help you break the cycle.

Call (855) 458-0050 to schedule your consultation. Together, we will help you beat your addiction so you can live a healthier, happier, and addiction-free life.