Im Having Withdrawals from Painkillers

Painkiller Withdrawal & How To Help

Painkiller addiction and experiencing painkiller withdrawal is a destructive, dangerous habit that can turn deadly. The CDC reports that 44 people die every day in the United States from prescription painkiller overdose. Whether you’re addicted to Vicodin, OxyContin, Opana, or another painkiller, professional & accredited drug rehab is the life-saving answer for an addiction to painkillers. Breaking physical dependence on painkillers isn’t easy, but it’s vital to start living a healthier, happier life.

Medically assisted detox is the first step to overcoming painkiller addiction. Detox involves abstaining from painkiller abuse so that the mind-altering toxins can be eliminated. As the body tries to readjust without drugs, acute withdrawal kicks in within just one to two days. Symptoms of painkiller withdrawal typically will peak around 72 hours into detox.

Physical Symptoms of Painkiller Withdrawal

Long-term use of painkillers alters the functioning of the brain’s nerve cells, so the body reacts immediately when the drug supply is abruptly severed. Physically, the symptoms of painkiller withdrawal are similar to a bad case of the flu. Stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and runny nose are common. Painkiller addicts may also experience:

• Muscle aches or pain
• Restlessness and insomnia
• Excessive sweating
• Tearing eyes
• Rapid heartbeat
• Low energy and fatigue
• Lack of appetite
• Tremors and shaking

Unlike alcohol, symptoms of painkiller withdrawal are rarely life-threatening. However, being under medical supervision at a quality drug rehab is essential in case seizures occur. Trained clinicians also can provide medications like Methadone and Suboxone to lessen the discomfort of detoxification.

Emotional Symptoms of Painkiller Withdrawal

Quitting painkillers is just as difficult emotionally as it is physically. Painkiller addicts undergoing detox will feel intense mental cravings to find and take more drugs. Since drug rehab prevents any access to painkillers, the cravings typically create anger. Irritable mood swings are one of the prominent symptoms of painkiller withdrawal.

Detox patients often experience agitation, anxiety, and stress when they realize there’s no chance of finding painkillers. As the brain’s chemistry changes, recovering addicts may feel confused, be unable to concentrate, or have hallucinations. Anger could eventually turn into depression and uncontrollable crying. Being in an addiction treatment center is essential since painkiller addicts may even have suicidal thoughts. Learn more about the CDC study on painkillers.

Finding Support for Painkiller Addiction

Making it through detox and withdrawal is only half of the battle. The next step is to receive individual counseling or peer group therapy to address the causes of your painkiller addiction. At Northlake Recovery Center we offer outpatient evidence-based recovery programs that are available to help you pick up the pieces after your struggle with painkiller addiction. Call us today at (561)-770-6616 to start reclaiming control of your life.