It’s becoming extremely apparent that we are facing an opioid crisis in the United States. Millions have found themselves addicted to prescription pain pills and the consequences are staggering. With more than one hundred people dying from an opioid overdose every day, our need to understand opioids and treat addiction is growing. Fortunately, we know more about opioids and addiction to opioids than we did several years ago, and no one has to continue to suffer in silence. The signs of prescription pain pill abuse may be hard to see initially but will become more evident as the addiction develops and progresses. At Evolve Indy, we understand how opioid addiction develops, and we know how to help you break free from it.
What Are Prescription Pain Pills?
Prescription pain pills typically come from the opioid drug class. Opioids are a drug class that includes both legal and illegal drugs. Illegal opioids include heroin and illicitly created opioid pain medications. Prescription pain pills include oxycodone, dilaudid, fentanyl, morphine, codeine, and more. Physicians most often prescribe pain pills for pain, but they can also be prescribed for other conditions. Previously believing that these medications were not addictive, doctors now know the dangers of prescribing opioids for pain. While opioids treat pain quite effectively, they also activate the receptors in the brain that create feelings of pleasure. Most users report feelings of euphoria in addition to the pain relief provided. Over time, individuals need more and more opioids to create the same effect. The signs of prescription pain pill abuse include the individual having pinpoint pupils, appearing to be moving slower, seeming confused, and possibly seeming euphoric. This increasing dose and tolerance lead to addiction and, ultimately, more overdoses. It is essential to know the signs of opioid overdose. If someone is breathing very slowly and is losing consciousness, you should call 911 immediately.
Commonly Used Prescription Pain Pills
While nearly all prescription opioids are available in pill form, some are more common than others. Codeine, often paired with acetaminophen or other medications in cough syrup, is usually given for pain or a particularly bad cough. Fentanyl, one of the most potent opioids, is often a tablet that must dissolve but may also be given as a patch worn on the body for some time. Some drugs have more than one name. For instance, hydrocodone is also known as Norco, Vicodin, Zohydro, and more. Morphine in its pill format is often known as MS Contin, which is a slow-release drug. Those who are abusing this particular medication will usually crush the pill to get the effects of the drug faster. One of the most commonly abused prescription pain pills is oxycontin. The signs of prescription pain pill abuse are the same regardless of the particular medication used. In addition to the physical symptoms, you may also note an increased focus on taking the next pill and ensuring the supply will last.
Why You Shouldn’t Try to Quit Using Opioids on Your Own
At Evolve Indy, we understand the complexities of opioid addiction. We know what it takes to get and stay free from opioids. Our treatment team will create a tailored approach to address your addiction’s physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. We have programs to meet your needs that will set you up for long-term sobriety. We care about your success in recovery. We have a wide variety of programs that blend traditional and non-traditional therapies to treat addiction. Our programs range from residential to outpatient, and we will work with you to find the best fit for you. Contact us today to see how we can best support you in your journey to sobriety.