Luxury Rehabs:
5 Crucial Steps to avoid Pain Medication Addiction
Do you remember the news headlines in spring 2007? Anna Nicole Smith, extravagant, flashy TV personality, and former centerfold model, body was found in a hotel room in Florida. She died from an overdose of painkillers.
Or what about January 22, 2008 when Heath Ledger, known for his roles in “A Knight’s Tale” and “10Things I Hate About You,” died from a prescription drug overdose.
And, on September 29, 2010, the curtain came down on Comedy Central’s Greg Giraldo when he died from a prescription drug overdose.
Though prescription pain medicine addiction, and its catastrophic results, frequently grabs the headlines when it affects celebrities, it also influences the day-to-day existence and quality of life of millions of people out of the spotlight.
Because the problem of addiction to painkillers is widely misunderstood and these misunderstandings frequently result in deadly consequences, it demands of us to answer the following questions:
- Where is the line between appropriate use and addiction to prescription pain medicines?
- How can patients stay on the right side of that line and still manage their pain successfully
Luxury Rehabs – Our Guide to Pain Medication Addiction
According to Nora Volkow, Director at The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), up to 7% of patients who are prescribed narcotic or opioid analgesics, to treat chronic pain will become addicted. It is estimated today that there are more than 4.7 million Americans dependent on prescription painkillers, which represents up to 2% of the US adult population overall, and this number continues to grow every year.
Consequently, it is important to realize that each and every one of us responds to medication differently. Don’t let a state of sudden addiction to pain medication or the potential danger of getting addicted let you down. It can happen to anyone and out of the blue. At Moffitt Wellness Retreat we specialize in luxury rehabs such as detoxing and rehabilitation from pain medication addiction. If you think you are in danger of getting addicted or feel you may have crossed that line from appropriate use to addiction and need help, please do not hesitate, contact us right now for a free consultation at 1.713.907.5632
Below is a guide or 5 Essential Steps on how to be pro-active in avoiding the potential risk of pain medication addiction.
Luxury Rehabs: 5 Essential Steps to avoid Pain Medication Addiction
1. Weigh Your Risk Factors
When your doctor prescribes opioid drugs for chronic pain, make sure to weigh your personal risk factors. Ask yourself:
- Does anyone in my family have a history of addiction, specifically addiction to prescription medicines?
- Do I have a history of addiction to prescription medicine?
- Do I display an addictive behavior to alcohol or illicit drugs?
- Have I ever been diagnosed with a mood disorder or personality disorder such as depression, bipolar disorder, antisocial, lack of self-worth, anxiety, schizophrenia, paranoia, or narcissistic?
2. Look at Other Options
People with a higher risk of addiction to prescription medication may want to try other pain control options to help manager their condition. These can include:
- Physical examination, such as a blood test, to identify any medical conditions that may be leading to your pain. The more you are able to medically identify what is causing the pain the better chance you have in identifying the direct cause to be cured.
- Physical Therapy. Physical therapists are experts in improving your mobility and motion through treatments that relieves pain and reduces the need for surgery and/or prescription drugs.
- Working with a psychologist. Psychologists are highly experienced in helping you to cope with the thoughts, feelings and behaviors that accompany your pain. They may also collaborate with other health care professionals to address both the physical and emotional aspects of your pain.
- Alternative health care resources such as chiropractic care, acupuncture treatment, massage, yoga, and tai chi are widely acknowledged for their ability to heal, reduce and/or control pain.
3. Use the Medication for Its Proper Purpose
Use medication as prescribed by your doctor!
One of the most important guidelines to prevent pain medicine addiction is to follow the doctor’s prescription. When you start using it as a coping mechanism or to take the edge off, you have crossed the border line between appropriate use and addiction to prescription pain medication. Anytime this happens it should be a big red flag for you, and you should get help fast.
4. Watch for Early Warning Signs of Misuse
Here are four early warning signs that you may be misusing your prescription painkiller:
- You're not taking the drug as prescribed.
- You're taking the medicine for reasons other than why the doctor prescribed it.
- Your use of the drug has made you:
- Miss work or school
- Neglect your children
- Feeling depressed
- Start withdrawing from family, friends and regular social interactions
- Suffer other harmful consequences such as heart and respiratory complications
- You haven't been honest (with your doctor, loved ones, or yourself) about your use of the drug.
5. Ask for Help Immediately
When you feel you're losing control over your pain medicine use, or if you have questions about whether you're becoming addicted to it, please reach out for help immediately. As mentioned above, Moffitt Wellness Retreat is always available to answer your questions. We specialize in luxury rehabs and you can reach us at 1.713.907.5632 for a free consultation. We will listen to your concerns without any judgment and give you our honest and objective advice.
A Last Word - Take Precautions
Be fully aware that pain-relieving drugs can lead to problems other than addiction. Make sure you keep opiates locked away so kids, teens, and others in your household are not unnecessarily tempted.
Last, be extra-cautious when using other prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, or illicit drugs along with opiates. Certain combinations are extremely dangerous and could cause you to become unconscious, stop breathing, and even die. When you find yourself out-of-control mixing your prescriptions, call us immediately. We will work with you to find a better way to handle your pain.
Complimentary Consultation
If you or a loved one are searching for freedom from addiction or simply need guidance in discovering the benefits and importance of healthy living, now is the time to start your path towards healing at Moffitt Wellness Retreat. Our luxury rehabs are focused on personalized and private treatment programs to ensure your long-term success.