One of the scourges of modern society is the large number of people that are addicted to substances. Many people think that addicts are people that abuse drugs, alcohol and other substances that are illegal. A very large number of people are totally dependent upon prescription pain killers and many of them will be indignant if they are described as addicts. It is medicine, after all. Only after professional opiate addiction treatment will such addicts learn how to lead normal, healthy lives again.
The very fact that treatment programs for those addicted to pain killers have sprung up everywhere is a clear indication of just how serious the problem has become. Far too many doctors write prescriptions because their patients ask them too. Even when they refuse, the addict will not struggle to find pain killers, even in the black market. May patients are convinced that they are only using medication for a legitimate reason.
In many cases the loved ones of people addicted to drugs or alcohol are able to clearly observe the effects of the dependency. In the case of prescription pain killers, however, it is often very difficult to point to any specific signs of dependency. Things to look out for include regular visits to the doctor, often different ones every time and the use of different pharmacies for each prescription. Addicts will often complain of severe pain, thereby justifying their use of medication.
Even if there is no doubt whatsoever that a loved one is addicted to pain killers, no treatment program will help unless the addict himself admit that he has a serious problem and that he needs help in overcoming his addiction. Even then rehabilitation centres will only admit a patient once they are sure that the patient really wants to overcome his problem and that he is committed to the success of rehabilitation.
The first and often most difficult part of rehabilitation is the detoxification of the addict. Patients experience withdrawal symptoms, pain and often other side effects such as insomnia, nausea and excessive sweating. In addition, many patients become depressed and demotivated. During this phase medication to alleviate the side effects is prescribed only if truly deemed necessary because the patient must learn that medication cannot always solve problems.
As soon as the patient is completely detoxified the real rehabilitation program can begin. The patient will have to learn techniques to cope with life without needing help from addictive substances such as pain killers. Patients are taught how to prepare balanced meals, exercise properly and cope with stress. They are also encouraged to communicate their feelings when things are difficult.
After completion of the rehabilitation program the patient enters a very dangerous phase. He has to go on with his life, without the constant support he received during his rehabilitation. Patients can easily become addicted once more if they do not become part of active support groups immediate. During this time, the support and love of his family is of paramount importance.
Addiction has a serious influence on society as a whole. Addicts will often go to almost any lengths to satisfy their cravings. They are often anti social and sometimes even aggressive. They are unproductive and completely self centred. However, with professional help they can live full lives once more.
The very fact that treatment programs for those addicted to pain killers have sprung up everywhere is a clear indication of just how serious the problem has become. Far too many doctors write prescriptions because their patients ask them too. Even when they refuse, the addict will not struggle to find pain killers, even in the black market. May patients are convinced that they are only using medication for a legitimate reason.
In many cases the loved ones of people addicted to drugs or alcohol are able to clearly observe the effects of the dependency. In the case of prescription pain killers, however, it is often very difficult to point to any specific signs of dependency. Things to look out for include regular visits to the doctor, often different ones every time and the use of different pharmacies for each prescription. Addicts will often complain of severe pain, thereby justifying their use of medication.
Even if there is no doubt whatsoever that a loved one is addicted to pain killers, no treatment program will help unless the addict himself admit that he has a serious problem and that he needs help in overcoming his addiction. Even then rehabilitation centres will only admit a patient once they are sure that the patient really wants to overcome his problem and that he is committed to the success of rehabilitation.
The first and often most difficult part of rehabilitation is the detoxification of the addict. Patients experience withdrawal symptoms, pain and often other side effects such as insomnia, nausea and excessive sweating. In addition, many patients become depressed and demotivated. During this phase medication to alleviate the side effects is prescribed only if truly deemed necessary because the patient must learn that medication cannot always solve problems.
As soon as the patient is completely detoxified the real rehabilitation program can begin. The patient will have to learn techniques to cope with life without needing help from addictive substances such as pain killers. Patients are taught how to prepare balanced meals, exercise properly and cope with stress. They are also encouraged to communicate their feelings when things are difficult.
After completion of the rehabilitation program the patient enters a very dangerous phase. He has to go on with his life, without the constant support he received during his rehabilitation. Patients can easily become addicted once more if they do not become part of active support groups immediate. During this time, the support and love of his family is of paramount importance.
Addiction has a serious influence on society as a whole. Addicts will often go to almost any lengths to satisfy their cravings. They are often anti social and sometimes even aggressive. They are unproductive and completely self centred. However, with professional help they can live full lives once more.
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