Are You Addicted to Prescription Opioids?

The US has seen a drastic rise in addiction to prescription opioids in the past few decades. Since 1999 the US went from 16,849 opioid-related overdose deaths to over 70,000 a year. Opioids continue to be one of the most addictive and dangerous substances in the world, in part because of their high risk of overdose, but also because of their massive market presence and their difficulty in treatment. Our Orange County rehab center provides many options for those suffering from addiction to opiates, or the families of those who are addicted. Many Americans take legitimate, prescription opioids for pain, surgery, rehab, and a number of other serious medical complications. In fact, in 2006 there were over 255 million prescriptions for opiates dispensed. Even when taken at recommended doses, for legitimate reasons, prescription opioids can still be highly addictive, so it’s important to understand what could constitute an addiction.

The Presence of Prescription Opioids

What kind of presence do opioids have on your life? Many people have a relationship with ibuprofen, vitamin C, and some drugs, chemicals, and substances in our lives… but we don’t’ spend all day thinking about them. If you’ve ever met someone dependent on coffee, you would notice it immediately. They’d be waiting around a coffee pot, they’d be groggy without it, they might be moody or irritable. The same goes for prescription opioids. It might be a part of your daily needs to reduce pain, make you more productive, or help you move around, but if you’re spending a good portion of your mental energy thinking, worrying about, or in anticipation of an opiate, your body might be developing an unhealthy dependence. What kind of presence does your current prescription opioid have on your life?

Opioids Impacting Your Quality of Life

On the further end of the scale, opioids could already be affecting your life seriously and negatively. Have you ever skipped an important event, like a workday, meeting, or family gathering with opiates as your reason? Either you were too affected by the opiate, or you didn’t want to leave the house without taking it? Have you experienced serious medical side-effects from an opiate and continued to take it? Have you considered “doubling” a recommended dose for a greater high? Have you considered or attempted a crime under the influence of opiates, such as driving while impaired?

These are all serious risks of opiate addiction and need to be addressed immediately. If your quality of life, your relationships with your family, friends, or your career suffer because of your medication or the side-effects of the prescriptions you are on, it’s important to speak with a medical professional as soon as you can.

What Can I Do About an Addiction to Prescription Drugs?

There tons of resources for those looking to heal from substance dependency. Narcotics Anonymous (NA.org) is one great starting place for those looking to meet a healing community and learn more about the process of rehab and detox. A professional and full-service drug and alcohol rehab clinic should also be an essential part of your recovery plan. Opioids have serious withdrawal symptoms that can be dangerous without professional guidance. After rehab, you will also need a series of skills and therapies to help you resist withdrawal symptoms, triggers, and other causes of relapse. Recovery from a prescription opioid addiction is possible and can be made safer and simpler with a professional rehab program. If you’re looking for a rehab and detox in Orange County, or want to know more about addiction treatment, call us at (714) 782-3973 today.