Getting treatment for painkiller drug addiction in Kelowna, British Columbia at Options Okanagan Treatment Center
Unfortunately there is a mistaken impression for many when it comes to drug addiction. Many believe that a drug addict is someone who has chosen to live a life of hard drugs, sleeping in alleys and committing crimes. While this is the case in some situations, addiction is able to touch people in many different ways. There are many addicts who get hooked on drugs without ever breaking the law.
When a person has experienced some type of injury or required surgery, a doctor will often prescribe some type of painkiller. These drugs are meant to be used by the patient for a short period of time while their body undergoes the healing process. Generally there is a limit to how long doctors will keep one of these prescriptions active. This is because doctors realize how easily patients can become addicted to these opiates.
In fact, the active ingredient in most painkillers is the same thing that is found in heroin. The only difference is that the prescriptions are a synthetic medication that is measured for exact dosage in a controlled setting. However, the effects on the patient are remarkably similar.
When a doctor has decided that the patient has recovered sufficiently, they will either cancel the painkiller prescription entirely or step the patient down to a weaker medication. In most instances, patients are able to go through the discomfort of withdrawal and carry on with their regular lives.
However, there are some patients who find that they are unable to do that. These individuals will begin to seek other means to obtain the drugs. They may begin by asking other family members who may have left over pain medications from a previous surgical procedure. In some instances, the patient may ask a neighbor or trusted friend, believing that they simply require a bit more medicine than the doctor understands.
Some people will go to a different doctor or even search on the Internet for ways to obtain prescription pills illegally. As a last resort, these previously law-abiding citizens may even seek to purchase the drugs from a local illegal supplier.
When a person has reached this depth of addiction, it is important that they seek treatment from a reputable treatment center. There, the person can get assistance for all of the stages of their addiction. These programs generally begin by assisting the patient through withdrawal.
After the patient has enough of the medication out of their system, they will be allowed to join in the group activities. Sessions where several patients are joined by an employed facilitator do discuss feelings and situations are a common part of treatment.
Sometimes the patient will work with a therapist to deal with their individual issues and to establish what type of treatment will be required once the patient is released.
Drug addiction is something that should be taken very seriously. Those who are hooked on painkillers may have a difficult time recognizing the severity of their disease. However, it is vital that they seek treatment as quickly as possible.
Our Treatment Location:
Options Okanagan Painkiller Drug Treatment Center
551 Sherrydale Crescent, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 2E6
Toll Free Phone Number : 1-855-335-0331