Prescription pain pills are meant to be taken short term for pain relief, usually from the effects of surgical procedures and dental treatment. Over a longer period, due to a chemical adjustment in the brain, you have to take the drug in greater quantity to achieve the same pain relieving effect. The drugs work quickly and you also notice changes when they wear off. This experience of feeling unwell, known as withdrawal, is one of the main reasons people feel they can’t stop taking opioids. Your body will have become dependent on you taking them just so that you don’t feel bad, long after the need for pain relief has passed.
Why Pain Pills are a Slippery Slope to Addiction
Symptoms of opioid withdrawal include anxiety, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, insomnia, nausea and vomiting, rapid heartbeat, and aches and pains throughout the body. If your pain pills run out suddenly without managed withdrawal, you may feel so bad that you can’t function properly.
The medical community has been made aware of the risks of overprescribing opioid painkillers so many people seeking the drugs have been compelled to turn to unofficial sources. Sadly, heroin and other synthetic opioids are easily available and cheap. Illicit drugs which are unregulated can bring their own dangers. There are real risks if you turn to heroin, fentanyl, methyl fentanyl, and carfentanil. The potency of these substances is hard to judge and you are in danger of overdosing.
Getting addiction treatment has had a stigma attached due to lack of understanding that addiction is an illness in itself, not a moral failing. Some people are more vulnerable than others and may be self medicating to mask emotional or psychological problems, such as depression, anxiety or trauma. Whatever the situation, it is very difficult and can be dangerous to quit taking opioids without supervision.
Consider Addiction Treatment at Casa Recovery in Orange County
At our recovery center in San Juan Capistrano, CA we understand the difficulties you face when coming to terms with opioid addiction. Our experienced clinical staff is trained to guide you through your personal recovery journey. You will receive healing and teaching along with counseling and care to help you lead a happy, healthy, purposeful life. Turn your life around in a safe, friendly environment with professional support. Contact us today to discuss your treatment options. Whatever is in your past, you can change your future!