By: Lakeview Health
Pain medication abuse is one of the fastest growing health issues in America. In the blink of an eye, what starts out as a solution for a specific medical problem can turn into a pain pill addiction. No one is suggesting that pain medications have no value, but patients with prescriptions for these drugs should take note of the dangers of continued and escalating use.
Stats Related to Pain Pill Addiction
Before looking at a key stats related to pain pill addiction and abuse, understand that this entire category of drugs is just as likely to be abused by recreational users as it is by patients with legitimate prescriptions. The properties and effects of these drugs are what creates the demand. According to a 2013 National Institute on Drug Abuse report, 2.5% of the U.S. population—or 6.5 million people—admitted to taking painkillers recreationally. After factoring in the patients with legitimate prescriptions who end up dealing with an addiction, the total number of people suffering from pain pill addiction reaches close to 5% of the population.
Pain Pill Addiction Sneaks Up on You
Painkillers give patients relief from painful medical issues. In most cases, these drugs relax the patient or user. Depending on the type and potency of a particular pain killer, the drug could even create a feeling of bliss and peacefulness. Unfortunately, the properties of these substances often require a gradual escalation in dosage to maintain those feelings. This increase in use often leads to an addiction. What’s so alarming is that the entire process can occur over a matter of weeks. Given that many of these substances are legal and readily available, it creates the perfect addiction storm. At some point, the only way out becomes a stint with a quality addiction treatment facility like Lakeview Health of Jacksonville, Florida.
Getting Treatment at Lakeview Health
For anyone suffering from pain pill addiction, Lakeview Health’s counselors provide a customized therapeutic treatment program giving patients a great chance at recovery. From a medically- monitored detox process all the way through aftercare treatment programs, we offer a full continuum of care. Other treatment options include a four-day family counseling program and dual diagnosis treatment when underlying mental health issues are diagnosed. All of these treatment options are used to help patients better understand their addiction and develop the tools necessary to combat relapses. Overcoming pain pill addiction is a difficult process, but Lakeview Health can help. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call us now at (866) 704-7692.
