Opiates and opioids are legally prescribed painkillers derived from the opium poppy. Opiates come from the natural source and opioids are semi- to fully synthetic, but they offer the same analgesic effects. Some of the most popular opiates and opioids are Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin, morphine, Demerol, and Codeine. The benefits and detrimental effects of these drugs have been noted for centuries. But controversy is not the aim of this article. For those who have fallen into prescription painkiller addiction, drug detox and recovery in drug treatment are the only points of interest.

Prescription painkiller abusers tend to have no history of illegal drug or alcohol abuse. Opiates and opioids are introduced as miracle drugs that relieve pain like no other drug can. Patients are typically grateful for the effects and don’t mind the minor side effects. For an unfortunate few, an invisible line is crossed and they become dependent on the drugs. Opiate/opioid dependence can go unnoticed by the addict at first. Normally, only an intervention by friends and family members who see their loved one changing for the worse opens the door to recovery. The addict notices withdrawal symptoms, if doses aren’t taken in a timely manner, but hides the addiction or justifies it. Painkiller addicts rarely acknowledge the real damage being done to their world.

Once the human body is opiate/opioid dependent, severe withdrawal comes from cessation of use. Symptoms are generally flu-like along with muscle spasms, back aches, and abdominal cramps. The pills that originally relieved natural pain are needed to relieve the very pain that they cause. The addict feels alone and at times hopeless, and often resorts to illegal measures to relieve withdrawal symptoms. In most cases, the addict feels justified in doing whatever it takes to maintain a habit he was forced into. The only answer is physical drug detoxification and drug treatment counseling to assure future abstinence.

Tarzana Treatment Centers offers medical detoxification from opiates/opioids in an inpatient drug detox setting. Patients are medically and psychologically assessed prior to admission. Withdrawal symptoms are treated by medication (methadone or Buprinorphine) under MD supervision and 24 hour nursing, and each patient receives a full psychological screening. Addiction counselors assist with relapse prevention and aftercare planning with the goal of long-term recovery. The addict who once felt hopeless has an opportunity for a new life with help from Tarzana Treatment Centers.

Tarzana Treatment Centers offers specialized treatment programs to address the various aspects of opiate/opioid abuse and recovery. Please call us for drug treatment at 888-777-8565 or contact us by email here.