a woman sits with a glass of water after abusing a common painkiller

Painkillers are among the most abused drugs. The opioid epidemic is well-known but has only been made worse by the pandemic. People who were already suffering because of low income, challenging life circumstances, stressful jobs, and unsafe housing situations are just some of those who have been heavily impacted by increased societal problems that make it tempting to use drugs as a coping mechanism. It’s important to know that those with prescription drug addictions often do not realize they have developed a problem until it is already too late and they have formed a dependence. Tolerance leads to increased abuse in order to avoid the negative feelings associated with withdrawal, in turn fueling the cycle of abuse.

At Solution Based Treatment & Detox, our prescription drug rehab in Murrieta, California, is designed to help those with painkiller and other substance abuse disorders find a path to lasting recovery. Reach out to us today at 833.999.1941 to speak with a trained representative who can tell you more about our programs and services.

5 Commonly Abused Painkillers

1. Fentanyl

Drug experimentation, drug abuse, and drug addiction became exponentially more dangerous when fentanyl and other highly potent synthetic opiates entered the drug market. Substances like fentanyl are many times the strength of heroin, and a small amount is enough to make a person overdose or result in an overdose fatality.

Fentanyl has increasingly been found mixed into other substances. Fentanyl can be found in many forms making it easy to sneak into other blends with other substances. Combining drugs has always been dangerous. Fentanyl has only made the situation worse and more complicated in terms of addiction, harm reduction, and recovery.

2. Vicodin

Vicodin is a common brand name for the drug hydrocodone, which may also contain acetaminophen. Vicodin comes in fast-acting and extended-release formulations.

The fast-acting blend takes effect relatively quickly, and a person will likely feel the effects for 4 to 6 hours. The extended-release blend takes longer to be felt and is intended to continue to have an effect for up to 12 hours.

3. Percocet

Percocet is a common brand name for a formulation for oxycodone that may also contain acetaminophen. Percocet typically comes in pills that are instant or extended-release.

For short-term release pills, a person will typically begin to feel the effects of Percocet within 15 to 30 minutes of taking the drug. The effects peak within the first hour and can continue to be felt for 3 to 6 hours.

Extended-release formulations are not usually felt instantaneously. Rather, they usually begin to have felt effects between 2 to 4 hours after taking them. The medication is slowly released into the body over a period of 12 hours.

4. Morphine

Morphine is one of the two primary substances in the opioid family. The other is codeine. Heroin is made from morphine which is derived from opium that comes from poppy plants.

5. Codeine

Codeine is an opiate painkiller that is often combined with Tylenol. In the body, codeine breaks down and operates in the same way as morphine.

Common Signs of Painkiller Abuse

There are many signs and symptoms to be on the lookout for if you believe a person in your life may be struggling with an addiction to painkillers. All opiates and opioids have similar withdrawal symptoms. Common signs that a person is abusing painkillers may include:

  • Increased irritability
  • Unusual restlessness
  • Profuse sweating
  • Shaking or tremors
  • Changes in sleeping patterns
  • A desire for more privacy
  • Agitated when asked about whereabouts
  • Increased anxiety or depression
  • Constantly making excuses
  • Irrational outbursts
  • Work issues or difficulty maintaining employment

People who are caught up in the cycle of drug abuse and addiction tend to change their habits, abandon hobbies that once brought them joy, and struggle to maintain basic everyday obligations. Being aware of the signs and symptoms of addiction is vital, as early intervention is always a best-case scenario. Keeping that in mind, it’s never too late to find someone the help they deserve. Recovery is always possible.

Contact SBT Today to Learn About Treatment for Painkiller Addiction

Painkiller addiction is a massive problem in modern times. At SBT, our medical doctors and mental health counselors have learned how to navigate the evolving difficulties surrounding addiction to opiate painkillers. To learn more about our painkiller addiction treatment program in Murrieta, California, contact us today at 833.999.1941 to speak with a trained representative about personalized treatment options.

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