Drug abuse or addiction begins with individual voluntarily taking drugs. In the case of painkillers, these pharmaceuticals are often prescribed by a doctor. The person, at first takes the drug as prescribed to treat any pain associated with an injury or illness.

However, over time and with continued chronic use, painkiller abuse will likely occur. If the person is not careful, addiction can set in. Once an individual has become addicted to painkillers or any other drug for that matter, their ability to choose becomes compromised and often consuming and seeking the drug becomes compulsive.

This compulsive behavior is the result of prolonged drug exposure. It affects the brain in such a way that the individual no longer has control over their own actions in relationship to getting the drug.

There have been years of studies and research that cite abuse of drugs, no matter if they are illegal or prescribed can lead to addiction. Addiction is in fact a brain disease that, not unlike many other chronic diseases, requires effective treatment. There is not a one-size fits all model when it comes to treatment. When it comes to treating painkiller abuse or addiction, treatment must take into consideration both for the needs of the individual as well as the type of drug that is being used.

There are so many dimensions to painkiller addiction and abuse. Therefore treatment is not so simple. An effective treatment program, however, will involve many different components. This will include things such as counseling, prescribed medication and multiple courses of treatment.

Abuse treatment must first help the individual to stop abusing the drugs and maintain a drug-free lifestyle. Then in order for treatment to be effective, it must demonstrate to the individual just how to function within society, around their families and in the workplace. Often abusers will return to their old habits if there is not long-term after care in order to teach individuals how to continue to abstain from drugs.

There are two categories of treatment when it comes to painkiller abuse: behavioral and pharmacological. The behavioral aspect of treatment will teach individuals how to function without the use of drugs. For example, if a person is suffering from pain, other options may be taught so that a person can learn how to deal with their pain without the use of painkillers.

When delivered effectively, behavioral treatments can give patients viable alternatives so that they are able to function without the use of drugs. Pharmacological treatments are meant to counter the effects of painkillers and other drugs on the brain. This may seem counter-productive, since the individual already has a problem with drugs, but there are other drugs that help wean individuals off the drug they are abusing and help with any cravings.

In addition, these medications can help with any withdrawal symptoms felt during the detoxification process. Detox is an important component of treatment and easing some of the withdrawal symptoms can help prevent relapse. Depending on the individual, one or both forms of treatment can be used.

However, research has shown that the combination of behavioral and pharmacological treatment is the most effective. Most people feel that because painkillers are legal there is no harm. However, most painkillers are narcotics, which have severe addictive properties. To avoid painkiller abuse, it is important to take the medicines in the way the doctor prescribed. Once abuse or addiction has set in, receiving help 800-303-2482 is strongly recommended.