Painkiller Addiction Treatment
Addiction to prescription pain medications such as Oxycontin, Percocet or Morphine can lead to a number of consequences and long-term problems, especially if the addiction goes untreated for quite some time. For those who become addicted to a medication (either as a result of recreational use of the drug or as a result of having been legitimately prescribed the drug), painkiller addiction treatment may be the best solution to overcoming the addiction and getting back on track with a healthy, sober lifestyle. There are many options available to treat you for painkiller addiction including inpatient programs, outpatient programs and medication replacement therapy.
Inpatient Painkiller Addiction Treatment
Many painkillers have a very high rate of physical dependence that comes with the use of these drugs. For those who are physically suffering from addiction and who cannot go a day without using painkillers without feeling sick or otherwise miserable, inpatient treatment is the safest solution. These programs help patients by providing them with a safe environment where they can live and receive counseling and therapy to assist them with the psychiatric issues surrounding their addiction and any underlying mental illness that they may have.
Inpatient addiction treatment is typically the most expensive method of prescription medication addiction treatment but it’s also the most effective. The addict will be admitted to the facility and he or she will live in the treatment facility for a period of time, typically about 90 days. Medications, medical monitoring, social support, counseling and therapy as well as meals and recreational activities are all provided during the treatment progam.
Outpatient Painkiller Addiction Treatment
If there is a mild addiction that is not backed by extreme physical dependence, outpatient addiction treatment can provide a very effective means of care. During these programs, the prescription drug addict will attend regularly scheduled counseling or therapy sessions either in a group or individual setting. Treatment is provided to assist the patient in overcoming physical drug dependence as well as the many psychiatric issues that come with abusing prescription painkillers. At the end of the scheduled treatment session, the patient will return home to continue working on recovery and sobriety outside of treatment.
 Medication Replacement Therapy
This method of painkiller addiction treatment typically takes place on an outpatient basis and is monitored by a medical professional. A doctor will prescribe a medication that will reduce the impact of painkiller withdrawal by tricking the body into thinking that it is still receiving the drug or choice. This is a common addiction treatment protocol for patients who are addicted to certain types of opiates such as Oxycontin or Oxycodone. Medications such as Suboxone, Naltrexone or Methadone may be provided to reduce the impact of withdrawal when the painkiller is not being taken.
Finding Help
If you or someone you know is addicted to prescription drugs, finding help is your first step to getting well. We can help you find a local prescription drug addiction treatment program that will assist you in getting your life back in order. From the early stages of withdrawal on through the late stages of recovery when simple outpatient support is needed, we can assist you in finding the right level of treatment and care for your individual needs. Painkiller addiction is not the end of your life—addiction treatment programs can help you find the strength to carry on and the ability to make a lasting recovery.