Post-Surgery Painkiller Addiction

The decision for some people to go through with surgery is a difficult one, but then again some people don’t have a choice. But whether you decide to or are required to have surgery done, either way you will most likely be dealing with high levels of post-surgery pain. And to offset this pain, it has become very common for doctors to recommend or prescribe painkillers. Though the medical and rehabilitation benefits of painkillers are very useful, sadly it has also become very common for people to enter into an addiction of painkillers after their surgery.

The pills become a part of your routine and it becomes harder and harder to wean off of the pills because you think that you need them in order to feel normal. The scary fact is that the most commonly prescribed drugs including OxyContin, Vicodin, Methadone, Darvocet, Lortab, Lorcet and Percocet, while offering relief from pain, can also cause individuals’ bodies to start “needing” the drugs in order to feel normal, and the result is the new, even more challenging situation of chemical dependency. People addicted to pain pills often show changes in personality, they spend significant time and money on pills, they change their habits and appearance, they neglect responsibilities, and they become increasingly sensitive and defensive about their situation.

If you or a loved one exhibits any of these signs of prescription painkiller addiction, the treatment team at Seabrook House can put you or your loved one on the road to recovery. Individuals who abuse or are addicted to prescription medications can be treated. Initially, they may need to undergo medically supervised detoxification to help reduce withdrawal symptoms—however that is just the first step. Behavioral treatments combined with medications have proven effective in stopping short and long term use of prescription painkillers. In addition to medical supervision during withdrawal, counseling in an inpatient or outpatient setting can help people who are overcoming addiction painkillers. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy has been used successfully to help individuals in treatment. This type of therapy focuses on modifying a patient’s thinking, expectations, and behaviors while simultaneously increasing their skills for coping with various life stressors. The expert treatment team at Seabrook House designs programs based on the individual patient, so the recovery process is more successful. Located in Bridgeton, New Jersey (NJ) Seabrook House offers a convenient location near many northeastern states. If you or a loved one is in need of help because of addiction to painkillers, it’s time to contact Seabrook House to get on the road to recovery.