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Prescription Painkiller Addiction

What are prescription painkillers? 

Prescription painkillers are medications that are only available through a doctor’s prescription due to their potency and potential risks, which can include addiction, overdose, and serious side effects. 

The most common type of prescription painkillers are opioid painkillers. These are potentmedications used to treat moderate to severe pain, often after surgery or injury, or for chronic conditions like cancer. 

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What is an opioid painkiller?

Opioid painkillers are medications derived from the opium poppy plant or synthetically made to mimic natural opioids. They bind to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, blocking pain signals and creating a feeling of euphoria. Opioids can be extremely effective for pain relief but carry a high risk of addiction because they can induce powerful feelings of pleasure or relaxation.

Examples include:

• Morphine.
• Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet).
• Hydrocodone (Vicodin).
• Fentanyl.
• Codeine.

Are prescription painkillers addictive?

Prescription painkillers, especially opioids, can be highly addictive. When taken over time or in larger doses than prescribed, the body can develop a tolerance, meaning higher doses are required to achieve the same effect. This can lead to dependence, where the body becomes accustomed to the drug, and withdrawal symptoms occur if the drug is stopped suddenly.

The addictive potential is particularly high with opioid painkillers because they not only relieve pain but also create a sense of euphoria, which can lead individuals to misuse them.

Are there withdrawal symptoms from prescription painkiller use?

Withdrawal symptoms can occur when someone who has become physically dependent on prescription painkillers, especially opioids, stops using them or significantly reduces their dosage. These symptoms are often uncomfortable and can range from mild to severe, depending on factors like the type of painkiller, the dosage, and the length of use. Withdrawal occurs because the body has adapted to the presence of the drug, and when it is suddenly taken away, the body needs time to readjust.

Common withdrawal symptoms from opioid painkillers.

Early symptoms:

  • Anxiety or agitation.
  • Restlessness.
  • Muscle aches.
  • Sweating.
  • Runny nose.
  • Yawning.
  • Insomnia.
  • Excessive tearing (watery eyes).

Later symptoms (24-72 hours after the last dose):

  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Diarrhoea.
  • Abdominal cramps.
  • Dilated pupils.
  • Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia).
  • High blood pressure.
  • Chills and goosebumps (“cold turkey”).
  • Intense cravings for the drug.

Psychological withdrawal symptoms:

 

  • Depression or feelings of hopelessness.
  • Irritability.
  • Difficulty concentrating.
  • Anxiety or panic attacks.
  • Mood swings.
Managing withdrawal symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms can be managed with a medical detox under the supervision of a qualified, licensed, healthcare professional. Medications can be prescribed to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Support from healthcare professionals and addiction specialists is crucial during this phase to help individuals transition safely and avoid relapse.

Treatment for prescription painkiller addiction at the rehab centre

Prescription painkiller addiction is a serious condition, but with appropriate treatment and support, recovery is possible. Treatment often involves a combination of medical and behavioural therapies. 

Ibiza Calm is a specialised treatment clinic that provides rehab treatment for individuals who are struggling with prescription medicine addiction and dependency. The goal of the treatment is to help individuals understand the underlying causes of their problem and develop the tools and strategies needed to maintain abstinence in the long term.

The rehab centre offers a comprehensive approach to recovery from addiction and dependency, including medical detox, therapy, and support groups. The Ibiza Calm team comprises experienced healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and therapists, who work together to provide the highest level of care and support to each patient.

Signs and symptoms of prescription painkiller abuse and addiction

Physical signs:

Physical signs:

  • Drowsiness or sedation.
  • Confusion or poor coordination.
  • Slowed breathing or respiratory problems.
  • Constricted pupils.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Constipation.

Behavioural signs:

  • Taking higher doses than prescribed.
  • Doctor shopping (visiting multiple doctors to obtain prescriptions).
  • Isolating from family and friends.
  • Neglecting responsibilities at work, home, or school.
  • Continuing to use the medication despite harmful effects.

Psychological symptoms:

  • Mood swings or irritability.
  • Anxiety or depression.
  • Cravings for the medication.
  • Loss of control over drug use.
Key components of residential treatment at Ibiza Calm

Inpatient treatment at the rehab centre includes:

Detoxification (Detox): This is the process of safely removing the drug from the body, often under medical supervision. Medications may be used to ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. At Ibiza Calm detox is overseen by our medical director, Dr Manuel Rodriguez.

 

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): Certain medications are sometimes used in the treatment of opioid addiction to help manage cravings and prevent relapse. At Ibiza Calm we have a psychiatrist (on-site) who can prescribe any necessary medications to assist with detox and withdrawal, and a medical team including 24-hour nursing care, to continuously monitorany medications to ensure they are effective and well-tolerated.

Individual and group therapy: Counselling and therapy are critical components of treatment, helping individuals understand the underlying causes of their addiction, develop coping strategies, and rebuild their lives. Regular one-to-one sessions with one of our specialist therapists and facilitated group sessions provide support to all our clients.

 

Family therapy: Involving family members can help to rebuild relationships, improve family dynamics, and educate them about addiction and recovery. All our treatment programmes include a family support group. Any family members can attend, weekly online, from the moment their loved one enters the treatment clinic.

 

Aftercare planning: Long-term recovery from opioid addiction involves ongoing support. As part of our tailored treatment programmes, all clients are introduced to the aftercare therapy group before leaving the clinic, ensuring they are confident of ongoing, continued support.

 

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Testimonials

I wanted to drop you a quick message to thank you very much for your help and support during my stay within Ibiza Calm. Each and every person in the house was important in his own way in my recovery. I feel very grateful to all of you. It’s not always easy but it is achievable. My life is way much better than it was before coming and I am definitely a better version of myself now.

Testimonials

My son attended two rehab facilities before going to Ibiza Calm. Ibiza Calm, however, was exactly what it professed to be. They worked with my son as a vital ally in his recovery process, not as a person to be broken and fixed according to a set regimen, who would be blamed and shamed if he did not respond appropriately to the facility’s treatment protocol and schedule. The therapist assigned to my son struck the right balance between allowing him to move at a pace at which he was comfortable and pushing him to keep a challenging pace of self-discovery and recovery. My son has come out of this treatment calm and self-aware; whereas he finished the other programs angry and even traumatized. My son has only been 6 weeks out of Ibiza Calm, so the long-term success in remaining sober remains to be seen, but the change in his attitude and behavior is so profound that I have great hope for the future for the first time in years. I recommend Ibiza Calm without reservation, rather with overwhelming gratitude.

Testimonials

I was at Ibiza calm from the 4th of July to the 29th of July 2020, I am 23 years of age and was in a horrific place in my life From drink and cocaine. My girlfriend is pregnant and outright had enough of my selfish behaviour. I was really ready to start my recovery, I settled in fantastic they have amazing staff so helpful and caring, the food is unbelievable thanks to Danny the main man in the kitchen, the grounds are beautiful, the bedrooms are very nice I overall found my stay amazing. 10/10 couldn’t fault it many thanks Francis.

Testimonials

My husband was in another rehab clinic in the UK 6 months ago, which I wasn’t totally convinced by not only experiences of others but the surroundings/ Set up and approach to it .. he is only 2 weeks into his journey at IBIZA calm and it’s the first time in a long time I can finally hear happiness in his voice, and motivation on his healing / sobriety journey , commitment to his inner and outer health.. I know this is just the beginnings But both billy and Luca have been extremely helpful and helpful to myself ! If your looking for yourself or a loved one, 100 look no further this is the type of place someone who is suffering needs- the surroundings, the programme, the environment , and amazing team!

Testimonials

I can’t thank the team at Ibiza Calm enough. I had a friend who spent time with them and what they have done is amazing. From the therapy to the meetings have all set him up for moving forward. Once he left he was not just left and has a fantastic aftercare system in place. Thank You.

Testimonials

ibiza calm is a great place for treatment I was using drugs and drink all the time my life was a mess until I went to ibiza calm in april 2016 the staff were fantastic and cared for me the treatment I recieved was second to none I can’t thank ibiza calm enough and also my family have there son and husband back in there lives thanks to this place I am grateful to the owners who have always supported me through the years

For free information and advice on issues related to mental health and addiction check out the following websites:

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). A worldwide 12-step fellowship for individuals who have a problem with alcohol. Anyone with a desire to stop drinking is welcome. https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Is a global non-profit fellowship, a community of people who support each other to achieve and maintain a drug free life. https://ukna.org

Al-Anon. A mutual peer-support programme for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking.  https://al-anonuk.org.uk

Mind. A registered charity in England, which offers information, advice, local services and support, for those individuals and family members struggling with a mental health condition.  https://www.mind.org.uk

Mental Health Foundation. A UK charity that provides individuals with advice and resources related to mental health. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk

BEAT. The UKs eating disorder charity that provides information and support for those affected by an eating disorder. https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk