One of the most common types of addiction in the United States is painkiller or prescription medication addiction. While withdrawal from painkillers isn’t typically deadly, it’s often painful. That’s why it’s so important for people to seek professional help when they detox from prescription drugs. Below is more information about painkiller withdrawal symptoms that everyone needs to know.
Common Painkiller Withdrawal Symptoms
With painkiller withdrawal, it’s important for people to know what to expect. Understanding the symptoms is just as crucial for the person with addiction as it is for the family. Knowing what to look for can make it easier for families to spot the signs of withdrawal in loved ones. Some of the most common painkiller withdrawal symptoms include:
- Tremors
- Body aches
- Diarrhea
- Chills
- Headaches
In most cases, painkiller withdrawal also gives people intense cravings for drugs. These typically make the individuals relapse. They’re even the reason why it’s so important to seek professional help when dealing with drug withdrawal.
Are the Symptoms More Intense for Some People?
Painkiller withdrawal isn’t the same for everyone. Many factors can make the symptoms more intense. For example, people who use prescription drugs for long periods typically have more intense symptoms than those who don’t.
Having a history of drug abuse in the family also makes withdrawal more difficult. Many studies point to the fact that addiction runs in families. Genes can not only make people more likely to develop addiction but also make it harder for them to stop.
Another element to consider is the drug itself. Certain prescription drugs cause harsher withdrawal symptoms than others. While several prescription drugs cause withdrawal, prescription painkillers typically have the worst effects.
The doses that people use also play a role in the intensity of withdrawal symptoms. Those who take higher doses tend to experience worse effects. It’s also worth pointing out that people typically take higher doses the longer that they take prescription drugs. The frequency of use has an impact on the intensity of withdrawal as well.
Why Getting Professional Rehab Help After Detox Is So Important
Drug detox gets people through the painkiller withdrawal symptoms. With drugs out of their bodies, why is it so crucial for them to go to rehab too? Although detox rids the body of painkiller toxins, it does very little to solve the root cause of addiction. Not addressing the source often leads to relapse.
It’s also worth pointing out that painkiller withdrawal is even harder the second time around. That’s why it’s so important for people to overcome painkiller addiction the first time around. Relapse typically causes more intense painkiller withdrawal symptoms during the second round of detox. Because of that, quitting drug abuse becomes harder.
Steps to Recovery Can Help You
Overcoming painful withdrawal symptoms is just the first step in your journey toward recovery. At Steps to Recovery, we provide prescription drug addiction rehab. Our staff members design gender-specific treatment plans for both men and women. Providing each gender with treatments that are specific to their needs speeds up the addiction recovery process.
Steps to Recovery provides Pennsylvania addiction recovery services with a 3-to-1 staff ratio. We aim to help people beat not only addiction but also avoid relapse. Some of the drug addiction rehab programs that we offer include:
- Individual and group therapy
- Intensive outpatient rehab
- Family therapy
- Gender-specific rehab
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
Don’t fight your prescription drug addiction alone. Let us provide help so that you never have to experience painkiller withdrawal symptoms again. Reach out to Steps to Recovery for help at 267.719.8528.