If you or someone you love is struggling with painkiller abuse, you’re not alone, and there’s no need to feel ashamed. Prescription drug addiction affects millions of Americans, but the good news is that help is available. Seeking prescription drug addiction treatment can set you on a path toward healing and overcoming dependency.
At ALANA Recovery, we understand how overwhelming it can feel to take that first step. Our prescription drug addiction treatment options in Georgia focus on painkiller abuse—particularly involving prescription opioids—and differentiate it from opioid rehab or treatment for other types of prescription drug abuse.
What to Know About Prescription Medications
Prescription medications play a vital role in healthcare, especially when it comes to managing pain. Opioid painkillers can be life-changing for people recovering from surgery, dealing with injuries, or living with chronic conditions—when used responsibly. But opioids also come with serious risks like dependence, addiction, and even fatal overdoses if not used carefully. Unfortunately, these medications have become a major driver of the opioid crisis in the United States.
Drug overdose deaths involving prescription opioids have shifted over the years, showing both challenges and progress. In 1999, there were almost 3,500 deaths linked to prescription opioids, rising to over 17,000 by 2017. This statistic decreased in 2022 to well below 15,000. Since 2014, we’ve seen a steady rise in fatal overdoses involving fentanyl alongside prescription opioids. This shows an important change: prescription opioids are no longer the main factor driving the overdose crisis.1
However, even with short-term and medically prescribed use, painkillers can sometimes lead to addiction. It’s an issue that can affect people of all backgrounds, from stay-at-home parents handling chronic pain to professionals recovering from injuries. Understanding the risks associated with prescription medications can help you or a loved one recognize when use crosses the line into misuse.
Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs
Painkillers account for a large portion of prescription drug abuse cases, but they aren’t the only culprits. Some of the most commonly abused prescription drugs include:
- Opioids (e.g., oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine) – Often misused for their euphoric effects, they’re highly addictive and commonly lead to dependence.
- Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax®, Valium®) – Frequently prescribed for anxiety or insomnia, these drugs can lead to dependency when taken for extended periods or at higher doses.
- Stimulants (e.g., Adderall®, Ritalin®) – Commonly prescribed to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), they’re often abused to improve focus or stay awake longer.
If you or someone close to you has been relying on these medications improperly, it may be time to consider intervention and treatment.
Signs of Painkiller Abuse
Recognizing painkiller abuse isn’t always easy—especially when the medications were initially prescribed for a valid health concern. Still, there are warning signs to watch for:
- Increasing dosage to feel the same effect or “high”
- Frequent requests for refills or seeing multiple doctors for prescriptions
- Personality changes, such as mood swings, irritability, or secrecy
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, like nausea, sweating, or anxiety, when not using the drug
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home
- Engaging in risky behaviors, such as driving while under the influence
If these behaviors sound familiar, it may indicate dependence or addiction to prescription drugs.
How to Overcome Prescription Drug Abuse
No one should have to face painkiller addiction on their own. The best way forward is with the right support—professional help, loved ones by your side, and small changes to your daily life. Here’s how to get started:
- Acknowledge the problem – Recognize there’s an issue and be willing to seek help, as denial is often a barrier to recovery.
- Seek support – Talk to someone you trust, such as a family member, friend, or healthcare provider, to share your struggle and access help.
- Identify triggers – Understand triggers such as stress or loneliness to address the root causes of painkiller abuse.
- Stick with treatment – Look into professional support, like ALANA Recovery’s outpatient programs, to help you handle cravings, navigate withdrawal, and find healthier ways to cope.
- Create a new routine – Focus on small, positive habits like regular exercise, eating balanced meals, and getting good sleep to support a healthier lifestyle.
- Foster a support network – Surround yourself with supportive people, whether through family, friends, or groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA), to sustain your recovery.
It’s also important to emphasize that setbacks can happen. Recovery isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence.
How Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Can Help
Professional prescription drug addiction treatment offers an evidence-based, supportive framework to help individuals achieve lasting recovery. ALANA Recovery provides a warm and compassionate environment to help patients rebuild their lives and reclaim their potential.
For many, outpatient programs offer the flexibility to recover without sacrificing career or family commitments. In Georgia, our outpatient programs are here to support you with intensive therapy, relapse prevention, and practical tools to help you build a stable, substance-free life.
We’re here to meet you where you are. Whether you’re just beginning to think about treatment or you’re ready to take the next step, we’ll be with you every step of the way.
Take the First Step Toward Healing with ALANA Recovery in Georgia
Painkiller abuse can feel like an uphill battle, but hope and support are closer than you think. You don’t have to face this alone—help is just a call away. At ALANA Recovery, we focus on people above all else. Our caring team is here to support you every step of the way, offering guidance, tools, and a listening ear to help you start your recovery journey.
Taking that first step can feel hard, but you don’t have to do it alone. Contact our team online or call 770.759.7474 whenever you’re ready to get started. Let’s work together toward a healthier, brighter future—you deserve it.
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