Tree House Recovery NC

Painkiller Addiction Treatment

A business man counting painkillers in his hand. Painkillers is a broad term that refers to medication that can ease physical pain. In the context of addiction, painkillers are often referring to potent prescription opioids like hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin), morphine (Kadian), codeine, and fentanyl. While prescription painkillers can help alleviate pain, these are powerful and can be addictive. 

Tree House Recovery understands that prescription painkiller addiction can be challenging to overcome. Some programs can help you develop a stable pattern of painkiller abstinence and relapse prevention skills to manage your experience with substance abuse. 

Take the first step toward lasting recovery today. Our admissions team is ready to help you or your loved one successfully integrate effective treatment into daily life. 

Understanding Painkiller Addiction

While over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil) are mostly safe and non-addictive pain relievers, more potent pain relievers prescribed by a doctor tend to be opioids

Opioids are highly addictive and can be a life-threatening drug when misused. Taking action and seeking opioid addiction treatment could be a decision that saves a life. 

How Does Addicted to Painkillers Happen?

Opioids are highly addictive. Opioids trigger the powerful reward centers in your brain, releasing endorphins and telling the brain that the body is feeling “good.” Higher levels of endorphin make it less likely that a person will feel pain, but that sense of well-being will only last for a short amount of time. 

When the painkiller’s effects wear off, the user will want that good feeling again as soon as possible. This cycle of use can evolve into an opioid use disorder. Researchers have found that opioid addiction can develop after five days of use. 

Opioids can become life-threatening when the drug is taken in a way other than how they were prescribed (snorting or injecting) or when the frequency or dosage increases. They are even more dangerous when a person who has quit using the drug relapses and takes a higher dose.

Who Is At Risk for Addiction for Prescription Drugs

Several factors can influence a person’s risk of addiction. Genetic, psychological, and environmental elements can contribute to the development and persistence of opioid use disorders.

Key factors that may increase the risk of prescription drug addiction include:

  • They are teens in their early 20s
  • Family history of substance use disorders
  • Living with stress (unemployment, financial strain)
  • History of problems with work, school, and relationships
  • Depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder 
  • Performing poorly in school or work. 

Gender also plays a factor. Women are more likely to get prescribed opioids for pain relief than men and continue the use of the drugs after 30 days. 

As opioid-related deaths continue to rise — with approximately 91 people dying from opioid overdose each day and 1,000 people receiving treatment for prescription opioid misuse — it is essential to recognize the signs and symptoms of painkiller misuse and seek treatment when the individual is ready to begin their recovery journey.

Signs & Symptoms of Painkiller Addiction

While painkillers are designed to help relieve moderate or severe pain for a short amount of time, misuse can lead to health risks that can be life-threatening. 

Some behavioral signs that indicate that someone is experiencing addiction to painkillers include:

  • Using drugs longer than intended 
  • Stealing painkillers from friends and family
  • Financial problems associated with opioid use 
  • Experiences legal issues related to opioid use 
  • Decline in work performance 
  • Withdraws from social activities 

Physical symptoms of painkiller abuse include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Pinpoint pupils 
  • Skin rashes
  • Slowed respiratory rate
  • Chronic constipation
  • Mental confusion
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Apathy 

These signs may indicate painkiller addiction or opioid use disorder.

Painkiller Addiction Treatment in North Carolina

It is important to start seeking treatment for painkiller addiction when someone is ready to begin their recovery journey. 

Painkiller rehab program options at Tree House Recovery include:

Tree House Recovery offers an intensive outpatient program (IOP) and aftercare support to help you learn, develop, and maintain life skills that support your sobriety. Our holistic and evidence-based treatments are led by a team of professional counselors who understand the struggles of addiction and want to help you achieve a sober and fulfilling life. 

Maintaining your newly developed skills is essential to long-term sobriety, which is why Tree House works to create an aftercare plan that works with you and your goals.

Alums are also welcome to return to our North Carolina drug rehab to continue exercise therapies and maintain a sense of community that supports their sobriety. 

How to Find Painkiller Addiction Help

Finding painkiller addiction rehab centers in North Carolina that work for you and your needs can feel like an overwhelming task. Our resources can help simplify the research process as you discover rehab centers that will encourage you to continue your successful recovery after graduating. 

While Tree House Recovery NC does not currently offer a detox program, we can connect you to our trusted partners to help you start your recovery journey.

Our IOP is also available to help people on the road to recovery develop life skills that support sobriety through treatments that focus on the mind, body, and social aspects of addiction treatment.

Why Go to a Painkiller Rehab Program in North Carolina?  

Tree House Recovery’s North Carolina rehab is dedicated to providing clients with personalized prescription drug addiction treatment that meets their specific needs and promotes long-term sobriety. Our team wants to see you succeed and learn to live a healthy, fulfilling life without substance use. 

Some of the therapies offered at Tree House Recovery include: 

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy 
  • EMDR Therapy
  • Life Skills Training 
  • Family Therapy
  • Group Therapy 
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy
  • Meditative therapy
  • Wilderness Therapy Programs 
  • Adventure Therapy Programs

Call our admissions team today to discover how our North Carolina addiction treatment can help you build a life that honors your sobriety.

 

Tree House Recovery’s Alcohol & Drug Treatment Centers in North Carolina

If you are ready to seek help with your addiction to painkillers, Tree House Recovery is ready to provide the tools, support, and expert care you need to reclaim your life and achieve long-term sobriety.

Don’t wait—take the first step now. Call our admissions team at (910) 812-1728 or reach out online to discover how our proven substance abuse treatments can help you build a life filled with purpose, strength, and happiness.