Thousands of people across the U.S. die every year from a painkiller medication overdose. Both men and women are at risk of overdose, potentially dangerous side effects of excessively taking painkillers, and addiction to the drugs. A painkiller addiction treatment program at Rockland Recovery can help clients regain control over their lives without the dangers of addiction to prescription drugs. Many people also need addiction treatment center programs for their addiction to painkillers not prescribed for their own needs.
The Epidemic Associated with Taking Painkillers Excessively
Several sources declared addiction to painkillers an epidemic within the last few years. The problem of drug addiction related to excessively taking painkillers grew to alarming levels. This is true of prescription painkillers in cases where the person abuses their prescription medication. Other examples contribute to the epidemic and dangers of painkiller drug addiction, such as buying synthetic painkillers in the streets or getting painkillers from the person who sells their prescription drugs.
Research shows that the number of women at risk of the dangers of excessively taking painkillers has skyrocketed over the last few years. Women with addiction to painkiller medications recently gained attention as the number of women treated for overdose or that died gained attention. Both women and men face many dangers related to excessively abusing painkillers, including:
- They need more and more of the drug to provide effective pain relief.
- They mix different painkillers with other drugs or alcohol, which may result in overdose or death.
- Painkillers obtained in the streets may contain dangerous additives or other unknown substances.
- Painkillers can cause changes in the brain that interferes with self-control.
- Brain changes from taking painkillers excessively affect the normal functioning of learning and memory.
There are other dangers of painkiller addiction, including that a person does not understand that they experience painkiller addiction symptoms and need a women’s rehab center program or a men’s rehab center program to treat their painkiller addiction issues. People may continue abusing the painkillers despite painkiller addiction symptoms.
Mixing Alcohol and Painkillers
Some people that experience painkiller addiction symptoms also experience alcohol addiction symptoms. Mixing alcohol and painkillers increases the risk of overdose and increases other serious risks, with several sources reporting that this combination may prove fatal.
Some people may not realize the risks, which apply to many drugs. Mixing alcohol with painkillers may result in dangerous interactions such as shallow breathing, difficulty concentrating, drowsiness, fainting, coma, and death.
Results of several studies have shown that interactions of alcohol and painkillers do not involve only heavy drinking and that even moderate amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of dangerous or deadly interactions. One example is the fact that alcohol accentuates the effects of opioids. The combination of alcohol and painkillers can, in fact, prove deadly because of several other reasons, including the reduction of breathing functions, extreme drowsiness, which affects driving or performing other activities.
Painkiller Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms
Many people likely think that they can stop taking painkillers and overcome their addiction. The truth is that there are painkiller addiction withdrawal symptoms that are best addressed while in a substance abuse treatment program.
Many people need medical detox before starting treatment. The withdrawal symptoms may also require medication-assisted treatment to help reduce cravings or symptoms. Some symptoms may include anxiety, insomnia, body aches, or sweating. Some people experience rapid breathing, shaking, or a fast heartbeat.
Start Treatment Today at Rockland Recovery
Rockland Recovery offers a comprehensive painkiller addiction treatment program. Clients receive individualized care based on their specific needs in this program and all the other addiction treatment center programs.
Reach out to us, and one of our experienced team members will explain how to start your recovery journey. Contact us at 855.732.4842 to start living your life free of the dangers of excessively taking painkillers.
