Pain Killer Addiction Sunset Malibu

Pain Killers, also known as opioids, are commonly prescribed because of their pain relieving properties. Many studies have shown that properly managed medical use of Pain Killer Addiction compounds is safe and rarely causes addiction. Taken exactly as prescribed, opioids can be used to manage pain effectively.

Among the compounds that fall within this class—sometimes referred to as narcotics—are morphine, codeine, and related medications. Morphine is often used before or after surgery to alleviate severe pain. Codeine is used for milder pain. Opioids act by attaching to specific proteins called opioids receptors, which are found in the brain, spinal cord, and gastrointestinal tract. When these compounds attach to certain opioids receptors in the brain and spinal cord, they can effectively change the way a person experiences pain. In addition, opioids medications can affect regions of the brain that mediate what we perceive as pleasure, resulting in the initial euphoria that many opioids produce.

Recovery Resources:

unset Malibu offers an extensive variety of treatment programs and resources to assist our clients in finding the best treatment options for their specific needs. The links to the right and the articles below lead to information on numerous topics concerning substance abuse and addiction, as well as facts related to the history, symptoms, causes, and treatment of drug abuse and addiction.

Chronic use of pain killers can result in tolerance to the medications so that higher doses must be taken to obtain the same initial effects. Long-term use also can lead to physical addiction—the body adapts to the presence of the substance and withdrawal symptoms occur if use is reduced abruptly. Individuals taking prescribed pain killer medications should not only be given these medications under appropriate medical supervision, but also should be medically supervised when stopping use in order to reduce or avoid withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms of withdrawal can include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes with goose bumps (“cold turkey”), and involuntary leg movements.