Doctor-prescribed painkillers are an effective tool in treating short-term pain and discomfort associated with many conditions. But when used for more than the recommended time, they can begin to take over the user’s ability to manage pain independently. Becoming dependent on the medication and increasing the dosage as one’s tolerance builds up can lead to the start of painkiller addiction. Many long-time problems in pain management are the result of what was supposed to be a short-term solution. A painkiller addiction program may be the only resolution.
At The Willows at Red Oak Recovery, located just outside Asheville, North Carolina, we have established an effective gender-based addiction treatment program for women. Run by master’s level clinicians, each wellness treatment program we have available provides individualized attention to our clients. Our prescription drug addiction treatment program combines experiential and trauma therapies along with meditation and yoga. Our aftercare program offers continuing counseling and support after the traditional treatment program has ended. To learn more about our treatment options, please contact The Willows at Red Oak Recovery today at 855.773.0614.
How Can People Become Addicted to Prescription Medication?
Under a doctor’s supervision, prescription medication can be an effective tool in the area of pain management. However, when used for too long, a reliance on painkillers and the increased amount needed to maintain the efficacy of the initial dosage can lead to an addiction problem. Painkiller addiction can be complicated to recognize because the user believes they are simply following their doctor’s orders. Initially, this behavior does not send up any red flags because people have faith that their clinician will only prescribe the amount that is needed to remedy the problem.
Signs of Painkiller Addiction
Painkiller addiction can manifest itself in several ways. Common symptoms are mood swings and euphoria. One moment one is up, and the next one is down, reaching for the bottle of pills to correct the imbalance. Behavioral symptoms include:
- Seclusion from others
- Lying about how many pills one takes a day
- Stealing other’s medication
- Doctor shopping
Psychological symptoms include not only anxiety and depression but an overall decline in mood and even psychosis.
Painkiller Addiction Treatment Options
A one-size-fits-all approach to addiction therapy will not be effective for the majority of clients. At The Willows at Red Oak, we offer several distinct and unique addiction therapy services. A trifecta of individual, group, and family therapy programs are in place to accommodate the various needs of each client.
In addition, we recognize that sometimes drugs and alcohol addiction co-occurs with mental health conditions. Our dual diagnosis treatment tackles depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other co-occurring disorders together rather than separately as they are prone to affect each other rather than in a vacuum. In addition, we offer disordered eating treatment and trauma therapy, as these can be brought on by the weaning off of the medication. A partial hospitalization program in a non-residential setting is also available for those who require a more intensive approach.
Reach Out to The Willows at Red Oak Recovery Today
Our 38-acre campus nestled among the trees includes green expanses, peacefully secluded walking trails, and ponds teeming with wildlife. The pastoral setting allows our clients to focus on their recovery. Our masters-level clinicians have designed the program to care for no more than twenty women at any one time. As a result, we provide each client with ample time for peace and quiet. Our core values include compassion, humility, excellence, integrity, and service. We are committed to helping you on your way to recovery. You can contact us online or at 855.773.0614 for you to take the first step on your journey to wellness and recovery.
