Quitting painkillers can be incredibly difficult, especially if the underlying cause of the pain was never resolved. Fear of living in agony combined with a physical dependence on the pills makes quitting extremely difficult. If you are suffering from prescription drug abuse Dallas, here are some tips to help you cope with the challenge of quitting.

Opiate-Based Addiction
Most painkillers are based on opiates, making their effects similar to those of heroin. Like the dangerous illegal drug, prolonged use of pain pills brings about serious psychological and physical changes. People addicted to painkillers are known to steal, forge prescriptions, and feign injury in their drive to get more pills. However, an effective outpatient alcohol and drug treatment program can help addicts clear the opiates from their bodies.

Addressing the Underlying Problem
Most opiate addictions start through a legitimate need for the medication. For example, an accident or injury causes a patient to experience pain. The patient takes pain pills for a prolonged period of time, developing a dependence on them. Alternatively, the patient may take higher levels of the medication as they seek relief from the pain. The biggest problem with quitting pain pills is that the initial cause of pain may still be present. Talk to your doctor about the initial condition; find out whether it will continue to cause pain for you. If necessary, look into holistic pain relief treatments that can provide you with chemical-free pain relief.

Withdrawal Symptoms
Knowledge is power, and being well-informed helps you handle your detox with minimal problems. Be aware of what will happen during opiod withdrawal so you can be prepared. Watch for anxiety and increased heart rate. A faster breathing rate and increased blood pressure are normal, as are muscle aches and pains. You may sweat profusely and have dilated pupils. Expect to go through some nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. The most important thing to remember is that symptoms will last anywhere from five to ten days if you quit suddenly.

Counseling
Therapy helps you cope with this difficult process. Hearing a professional tell you something is normal and will pass with time can make it more bearable. Choose addiction recovery in Dallas that provides you with the counseling programs you need to be successful.

Medications are available to help you wean your body off the drugs. Physicians may advise you to gradually lower your dose, or you may be prescribed another medication to replace the old one. Work with your doctor and follow the system exactly as prescribed. Solace Counseling can help you break your dependence on pain killers. Visit us on Facebook or Twitter to learn more about our treatment options and effective counseling programs.