For many years, painkiller abuse was the “silent” addiction that no one spoke of. Many people hid their use of painkillers or other prescription drugs from their family and friends. Well, today, painkiller addiction is getting more press then ever, largely because there has been such a huge increase in use of these particular drugs. Many people going to extreme lengths to obtain them and the news are beginning to report it. Doctor shopping, pharmacy thefts and prescription forgery has increased tremendously.
As new reports cover these incidences and more people begin talking about it, addicts are coming forward and telling their stories. More and more individuals are also checking themselves into Painkiller addiction treatment programs, which is further evidence of this growing problem.
Organizations that study drug abuse and addictions have found that prescription drugs, methamphetamines and marijuana are the three types of drugs whose use is growing. More people then ever are reporting use of these substances. The reasons why are unclear.
Some people believe that painkiller misuse is on the rise because it is legal. It is a prescription drug so people are able to get it legally from their doctors. People also do not have to purchase drugs from a drug dealer. Of course they can if they have no other options. But largely, at least at first, they don’t have to worry about coming across a violent drug dealer or being arrested for illegal drug possession.
This type of addiction is generally pretty safe in terms of legal repercussions if all a person is doing is doctor shopping. However, things can go downhill fast if an individual starts to steal the drugs, attempt to forge prescriptions or begins buying from a drug dealer.
Many people don’t start off taking painkillers to use them to get high, though there are definitely those that do. These individuals often have some type of injury or have just had surgery and are prescribed the medication by their doctors. It is after they begin taking it to deal with a legitimate injury, that they find themselves hooked. They may then attempt to fake more injuries to keep the drugs coming or go to multiple doctors to get as many drugs as possible.
Painkiller addiction treatment is often the best option for those addicted to these types of drugs. This is because the drug is so addicting that it can be very difficult for a person to give up using them on their own. There are special medical detoxification programs that will allow individuals to get the drugs out of their body slowly so that the withdrawal symptoms are not so severe. There are generally at least several in every state. Persons should seriously consider checking in to such a program if they find themselves repeatedly unable to make it through the first few days of their attempts to quit. Painkiller addiction treatment is just what many persons need to get clean and should be utilized when necessary.
For many years, painkiller abuse was the “silent” addiction that no one spoke of. Many people hid their use of painkillers or other prescription drugs from their family and friends. Well, today, painkiller addiction is getting more press then ever, largely because there has been such a huge increase in use of these particular drugs. Many people going to extreme lengths to obtain them and the news are beginning to report it. Doctor shopping, pharmacy thefts and prescription forgery has increased tremendously.
As new reports cover these incidences and more people begin talking about it, addicts are coming forward and telling their stories. More and more individuals are also checking themselves into Painkiller addiction treatment programs, which is further evidence of this growing problem.
Organizations that study drug abuse and addictions have found that prescription drugs, methamphetamines and marijuana are the three types of drugs whose use is growing. More people then ever are reporting use of these substances. The reasons why are unclear.
Some people believe that painkiller misuse is on the rise because it is legal. It is a prescription drug so people are able to get it legally from their doctors. People also do not have to purchase drugs from a drug dealer. Of course they can if they have no other options. But largely, at least at first, they don’t have to worry about coming across a violent drug dealer or being arrested for illegal drug possession.
This type of addiction is generally pretty safe in terms of legal repercussions if all a person is doing is doctor shopping. However, things can go downhill fast if an individual starts to steal the drugs, attempt to forge prescriptions or begins buying from a drug dealer.
Many people don’t start off taking painkillers to use them to get high, though there are definitely those that do. These individuals often have some type of injury or have just had surgery and are prescribed the medication by their doctors. It is after they begin taking it to deal with a legitimate injury, that they find themselves hooked. They may then attempt to fake more injuries to keep the drugs coming or go to multiple doctors to get as many drugs as possible.
Painkiller addiction treatment is often the best option for those addicted to these types of drugs. This is because the drug is so addicting that it can be very difficult for a person to give up using them on their own. There are special medical detoxification programs that will allow individuals to get the drugs out of their body slowly so that the withdrawal symptoms are not so severe. There are generally at least several in every state. Persons should seriously consider checking in to such a program if they find themselves repeatedly unable to make it through the first few days of their attempts to quit. Painkiller addiction treatment is just what many persons need to get clean and should be utilized when necessary.
Oxycontin abuse has been growing at a rapid clip. More and more individuals are using this particular drug and not for pain relief. There has been a huge increase in the use of prescription painkillers such as Vicodin, OxyContin and Dermerol. These are prescribed by physicians for patients that require pain maintenance. Sometimes these individuals end up become addicted to them. Other individuals simply like how Oxycontin makes them feel. Subsequently, they begin to abuse it. Unfortunately for some, this also results in an addiction.
Oxycontin abuse has become a serious problem that health officials and law enforcement officers are committed to confronting and hopefully reducing. Individuals that are addicted to these drugs exhibit the same behaviors as those addicted to street drugs. They can easily cause persons to lose the ability to care for them selves, keep a job, become employed and take care of their family and property. Individuals can quickly deteriorate and become unrecognizable to their families and friends.
One of the biggest problems with Oxycontin abuse is that it can occur for a good length of time without anyone knowing. When a person is able to keep their addiction a secret, there is no one there to pressure them to seek help. Also, an addict may fail to realize that they have a problem because they have been able to fool everyone. However, this is inaccurate. An individual may in fact be an addict, just a functioning one.
Because someone who abuses Oxycontin can get the drug legally, it is also easy for him or her to abuse the drugs and no one, not even their family members or friends, suspect a thing. It is typically after a person is caught taking a large quantity of the drugs, begin to act high and “out of it,” takes the drug even when they are not injured or overdoses, before there is a realization that there is a problem. Often by this time, the individual is deep in the throes of Oxycontin abuse.
Oxycontin abuse can be treated in a drug rehabilitation center. Drug rehab programs provide treatment to those addicted to both illegal and legal drugs. A person can choose a regular program or they can enter a medicinal based one. The later would include the use of methadone or buprenorphine. These drugs are given to addicts in lieu of the Oxycontin. The amount given is tapered off until the individual is totally off of the methadone or buprenorphine. This makes the quitting process much easier. There are fewer and less severe withdrawal symptoms which gives the user a greater chance of sticking with the rehab process.
Many people will quit only a few days after attempting to quit because they can not make it through the withdrawal period. Usually this lasts just a few days but it can be the roughest days of a person’s life and causes many people to quit the rehab and recovery process even before they really get started.
Opiate addiction treatment takes a number of different forms. Individuals can try to quit on their own. This might include an attempt to go cold turkey or slowly reducing one’s intake of the drug. Though both of these methods can be used to overcome drug addiction, they don’t work for everyone and probably not for most people. A large percentage of individuals will need some sort of help. Most times, this will involve some sort of drug rehabilitation. This might be residential treatment or outpatient.
Residential programs for Opiate addiction treatment is ideal for some people but not for everyone. Residential care requires the person seeking help to actually live in the facility. This can be quite beneficial when a person has a slim chance of getting clean in their normal environment. It also gives them an opportunity to only focus on themselves and beating their addiction. They won’t have to worry about daily chores, responsibilities and work. For others, while the idea of Opiate addiction treatment in this format sounds fantastic, it just might not be realistic. Individuals that have to work and take care of their families may have no choice but to go through outpatient treatment. Cost may be an obstacle as well.
Opiate addiction treatment might include the use of drugs to help individuals taper off their use of opiates and also to weaken withdrawal symptoms. Persons often experience muscle aches, shakes, vomiting, nausea, sweating, cold and hot flashes. These can be extremely bothersome and often discourage individuals from quitting drugs. Some people may begin the process only to quit after they have experienced hours or days of withdrawal symptoms.
Two of the most common drugs used during Opiate addiction treatment are methadone and buprenorphine. These are given to the addict to replace the opiates they are addicted to. There is some controversy concerning this. Some people feel that giving drugs to addicts to get them to quit drugs only increases the possibility that they become addicted to another drug. However, the rehab centers that do administer both drugs stand behind their methods. They find that methodone and buprenorphine make it easier for addicts to quit and because the process is monitored is safer then the alternative, continued used of the opiates.
Opiate addiction treatment is often necessary for those addicted to opiates such as heroin, OxyContin, Dermerol and Vicodin (this is an abbreviated list). Many people are unable to give up the drugs on their own and so require some assistance, most often in the form of drug rehabilitation. Individuals may choose to go to a normal rehab center or one that offers detoxification and or/methadone and buprenorphine treatment. An individual’s choice will depend on an individual’s preference and also cost. It is important for persons to thoroughly examine their options so that they can determine which one is right for them.
Opiate abuse continues to be a major problem. It is a threat to the person consumed by the drugs and also those that depend on them. Opiates are drugs that are manufactured from opium poppy seeds. The seeds theme selves have codeine and morphine. Man made medications from poppy seeds include hyromorphone, Vicodin (hydrocodone), OxyContin, Dilaudid and heroin. Dermerol and Darvon are other opiate drugs. Many opiates are used to treat pain.
Opiates are so popular in part because they help people feel good. They decrease feelings of anxiety, decreases pain and help individuals feel euphoric. These drugs can be taken a number of ways including via injections, snorting, smoked or orally.
Like all drugs there are dangers to Opiate abuse, the worst probably being death. Individuals who abuse opiates are at risk for respiratory arrest, and diseases such as HIV, hepatitis or other infectious diseases when the drugs are taken via injection.
One of the most abused opiates is heroin. It is fairly cheap and produces a very powerful high. Persons are able to get high really fast and report feelings of euphoria. This is especially true when the drug is injected directly into the veins. However, Opiate abuse is beginning to include many drugs besides heroin. An increasing number of individuals are using prescription pain killers such as Hyrocodone, Oxycontin and Dermerol. Abusers and addicts are obtaining these drugs by doctor shopping, theft and prescription forgery.
As a person continues to use opiates on a consistent basis, they will start to need higher doses to achieve the same highs that they have become accustomed to. As a result, they will seek more and more of the drug and in higher doses. This can be a very difficult habit to support financially. Therefore, individuals will often turn to illegal methods to support heir habits and get more of the drugs. However, if an individual commits to quitting and is able to stop using the drug, allowing it to get out of their systems, their nerve receptors can begin to readapt.
Detoxification is necessary when a person is attempting to overcome Opiate abuse. This is a process that involves all traces of the drugs leaving the body. This takes time and the exact amount will be dependent upon how long an individual has been on drugs and the last time they consumed them. Common withdrawal symptoms include the shakes, aches, vomiting, anxiety, cold or hot flashes and diarrhea. Individuals aren’t typically in any danger when these occur. However, it can feel like it. They are extremely uncomfortable and make for a very trying time. Many people continue to use drugs because they are unable to make it through the withdrawal process.
Individuals with an Opiate abuse problem can go through traditional rehab or they can be administered methadone or buprenorphine if they prefer. Most states will require that any medically based drug rehab program be certified before they can treat individuals with either methadone or buprenorphine.
Heroin addiction treatment can be an effective way to help individuals get off of heroin. Heroin abuse and use is fairly prevalent in the United States. This very addicting drug can very quickly begin to control the life of those that use it. It is possible to become an addict after using the drug only once.
Heroin can be taken a number of ways. People can inject themselves with a needle directly into their veins or if they prefer, muscles. It can be smoked with a regular pipe or a water pipe. Individuals may opt to catch heroin smoke through a straw. It can also be snorted.
The drugs level of purity will affect how potent it is. High potency heroin can cause a very quick high and speedy dependency and addiction. One reason the drug is so popular is that it is fairly easy to find heroin with high levels of purity. It is also inexpensive. Taken together, that combination can make it the perfect storm for users. It is very easy to become addicted because the barriers to consuming the drug are low. It is the affordability of heroin that makes it the drug of choice for those with a lot of money and those without.
Heroin addiction treatment is very important because the long term prognosis of using the drug is very bad. Individuals can find the arteries to their heart clogged. They may develop kidney failure and infection of the heart valve and lining. Fortunately, there are number of Heroin addiction treatment options. Some of the most effective include methadone or buprenorphine treatments. Behavioral therapies have also proven to help addicts get clean. It is important to enter rehab at a facility where the counselors are familiar with heroin addiction. This will increase the chances of an individual being able to successfully kick their habit. Below, we will take a closer look at methadone and buprenorphine treatments to eliminate heroin use.
Methadone: Methadone is often used in Heroin addiction treatment and has proven to be successful. It helps to weaken the withdrawal symptoms that occur when a person attempt to quit using heroin. Withdrawal symptoms can be so severe that an individual may not be able to make it through this pat of the process. Therefore, instead of quitting, addicts continue to use because of the severe discomfort of the withdrawal process. Methadone is administered for a certain amount of time and involves slowing weaning individuals off of it.
Buprenorphine: Buprenorphine is another drug used to blunt the withdrawal symptoms that occur when a person stops using opiates. It works in a similar manner to methadone. Persons interested in this type of treatment will find that they need to find a licensed facility and physician that can provide it. It can be given in the form of a pill and is often taken 3 times a week.