Pain pill addiction is the fastest growing addiction in the United States. More people today abuse prescription painkillers than any other type of substance, and it is leading to serious problems. If you are ready to break free from pain pill addiction, below are five tips to help you.
- Admit to the Problem
The first step to recovery is admitting there is a problem. You have probably lived in denial for the past weeks, months, or even years. Now is the time to be honest and come clean. If you have been abusing prescription pain pills, be willing to talk about the problem and let others know this addiction is taking over your life. Only then can you really break free from it.
- Get Help
Don’t try to do this on your own. You need the help of professionals who can walk you through recovery. Once you have admitted there is a problem, enroll in a treatment program that can show you just how to work through this addiction that has taken control. Don’t be ashamed. Asking for help is a positive step toward true recovery.
- Detox
Once you get to rehab, you will need to detox from your opiate before you can rebuild your life. Withdrawing from opiate addiction can be uncomfortable, and should be done under the care of professionals. Detoxing in a rehab facility or even in a medical setting will allow you to receive supportive care and monitoring while you detox. Detox will take anywhere from a day to a week, depending on your situation.
- Learn to Cope with Stress
You have been using opiates to help you deal with problems in your life, whether it started out as pain management or you just wanted to feel the high. Recovering from this addiction means you will have to manage stress, anxiety, and the pressures of life without the crutch those pills provided. While you are in drug rehab, you will learn tools to help manage stress. These will be very valuable as you return to your life as a clean and sober individual.
- Stay Connected to Others
Once you have been through detox and rehab, your journey is not over. It will be important for you to enlist the help of others to help you stay sober. Stay connected to those you met while in rehab, and take part in regular support group meetings to keep you on the right track and to avoid relapse.
