Pain Pills and Addiction

Opium use dates back as far as 3400 B.C. according to historical accounts. During those early years, it was largely used as a mood enhancer and sedative. Over the centuries, its usefulness in the medical community grew and expanded, eventually leading to the discovery of morphine.

By the 1800s, opium and its derivatives were being used to treat insomnia, anxiety, respiratory issues and pain from a wide range of conditions. Back then, no one fully understood the full scope of its potential harm.

Morphine became a commonplace treatment for pain and other conditions during the 1800s. Though it was an incredibly effective medication, its addictive nature quickly became apparent especially among soldiers during the Civil War.

By the late 1800s, heroin entered the picture. It was originally developed as a painkiller and cough suppressant and advertised as a non-addictive alternative to opium and morphine. Heroin was even used to treat morphine addiction and recommended as a better option than its predecessor by the American Medical Association in the early 1900s.

In time, several synthetic versions of the drug were developed. Some of the most common include fentanyl, tramadol, oxycodone, hydromorphone and hydrocodone. These are known as opioids because they're derivatives of opium and act on receptors in the brain to produce an effect much like that of opium and morphine.

These newer variations are readily prescribed today as treatments for everything from tooth extraction and C-section aftercare to arthritis and cancer pain. They're effective at alleviating pain and certainly have their place in the medical world. Despite being far more heavily regulated than in years past, they're also just as addictive as opium, morphine, heroin and other earlier forms of the drug; in fact, they're among the most commonly abused drugs in use today.

Other factors are often at work as well. In many instances, painkiller addiction starts out with peer pressure and the desire to fit in. This element has always been an issue, but it's undoubtedly getting more serious these days. When taken without any pain present to be relieved, opioids bring about a strong sense of exhilaration and emotional well-being.

For those suffering from anxiety and depression, this euphoric impact certainly seems helpful. Since opioids are often more readily accessible than antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, they tend to become a go-to source for relief. And some people are simply born with a genetic predisposition to dependence.

Either way, the mind and body eventually become dependent on these prescription painkillers. Without them, there's no release from physical, emotional and even perceived pain. Stress in any form further increases the need for these medications. Breaking the cycle becomes nearly impossible, and addiction is the result.

Based on the most recent information made available to the public by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 26 million people ages 12 and older struggle with addiction in the United States. These reports also point out that underlying medical or mental conditions often fuel drug use. At the same time, drug and alcohol abuse go hand in hand in almost 10 percent of reported cases. Heroin use alone has been found to double the likelihood of alcohol abuse.

Well over 2 million Americans suffer from prescription drug addiction each year at this point with heroin and other opioids being the most common substances on the list. This addiction seems to hold no bounds as men and women are equally effected, and it even spreads to those as young as 11.

Countless people also battle addiction in silence. Keep in mind that drug abuse can be deadlier than most people realize. More than 70,000 deaths were attributed to substance abuse during the last year for which information is available. Of those, well over 47,000 involved opioids.

Realizing addiction has taken over your life is the first step toward recovery, and seeking help is the second. Once you've decided to reach out for assistance, it's time to contact Lake Wellness Center. From there, you'll meet with one of our clinical personnel. He or she will ask you several questions to better understand your prescription drug addiction, like:

How long have you been taking painkillers?
Do you regularly use any other types of drugs? (Alcohol and other substances can have an impact on the safety and effectiveness of withdrawal management medications and alter the type of treatment plan needed.)
Do you have a family history of substance abuse or addiction?
Have you ever been diagnosed with depression, anxiety or other conditions?

These are only a few of the questions we'll need to ask. Some of them may seem a bit invasive, but their purpose is to find the best course of action for you. After those questions, Lake Wellness Center professions will perform a full medical exam and urinalysis to determine if any illnesses or medical conditions are affecting you. Again, these steps are designed to help develop a safe, effective treatment plan.

Following the initial assessment, we'll begin the detox process. Once we've gotten your withdrawal symptoms under control, more in-depth care will enter the mix. Since every person is different and so many options are available, detailing your entire specific course of treatment would be impossible before speaking with you. Some of the opportunities we offer are: