Pill Addiction Help

We know the story all too well. You’ve watched your loved one lose themselves to pills. Little by little, day by day the addiction starts to take over and you don’t even recognize them anymore. You used to have fun together. You used to go for hikes, cook dinner, watch movies. Now that’s all been replaced with struggles and deceit. But it’s not too late. Let’s find out a little bit more about how you can help someone you love with their painkiller addiction.

Want to learn more about the effects of painkillers on the body? Click here.

4 Questions to Consider Before Helping Someone With a Painkiller Addiction

Helping someone get the treatment they need is no easy task. And sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself as your loved one begins their recovery journey.

1. Why can’t my loved one stop using painkillers on their own? Brain imaging studies of people with a drug addiction have revealed that repeated drug use significantly changes the brain, including the part that gives people self-control. These brain changes explain why quitting painkillers is so difficult, even when someone decides they’re ready to stop using them.
2. Where should I start? You’ll need your loved one to accept they have a problem with painkiller abuse and admit they need help. If someone you care about asks you for help, acknowledge that that decision took a lot of courage and that there is a lot of hard work ahead. Remind them that there is a significant amount of research out there that proves treatment works and that people recover from addiction every day.
   If your loved one seems resistant to help, try to convince them to at least visit a doctor for an evaluation. If they don’t want to listen to you, maybe they’ll listen to a professional who can connect them to the tools and resources they need.
3. What should I look for in a treatment center? Everyone’s addiction is different and their treatment should be too. Ask questions to ensure the recovery center you choose is tailored to its patients’ unique needs, taking into account things like medical, psychiatric, and social problems. It’s usually best to find a center that offers both inpatient and outpatient programs as well. Your loved one should be able to choose the path that’s best for them.
4. If my loved one does agree to go into treatment for their painkiller addiction, how can I offer support? This is a great question. We recommend you start by having a conversation with your loved one’s treatment provider. Different individuals need/want different levels of support. Offer encouragement and be willing to listen. Maybe ask them about what their triggers are in an effort to help prepare them for re-entering the life waiting for them back home. As long as your family member or friend is following treatment, continue to provide the love and support they need. If they relapse, encourage additional treatment.

How You Can Help Someone With a Painkiller Addiction

Recovering from addiction is challenging. But the more support an individual has from their friends, family, healthcare providers, therapists, counselors, fellow recovering addicts and others in the community, the better their chances are to successfully achieve their goal. If you think your loved one has a problem with abusing painkillers, here are a few things you can do.

• Say something. The earlier addiction is treated, the better. Tell your friend or family member that you are concerned about them and their health. Offer specific examples of their behavior that upset you or caused you to worry. Let them know you’re not judging them, but just want them to get the help they need.
• Take care of your own needs. Don’t let someone else’s drug addiction take over your life as well. Take care of yourself and lean on your support system. Make good choices and avoid dangerous situations.
• Remember that this isn’t your fault. Offer your loved one the support and love they need during their treatment but remember that you can’t force an addict (or anyone) to change. You can’t control their decisions and it’s important that they learn from their mistakes.

Meet A Cycles of Change Parent

“It’s hard to find the words to adequately praise Joseph Hunter and Cycles of Change. Prior to discovering Joe, we had years of bad experiences with several treatment centers for our daughter. It’s hard to know whom you can trust and who has genuine concern for a person’s sobriety or who is just in it for the money…We are thrilled to say that our daughter has been eight months clean and sober and is currently attending school. She is happier than she has been in years. We will be eternally grateful to Joseph Hunter and Cycles of Change.”

Hear from more of our alumni and their families.

Treatment for Painkiller Addiction

Cycles of Change Recovery Services in California is here to help your loved one gain the knowledge, courage, and determination needed to maintain a drug-free lifestyle. Every step taken is personalized to ensure they reach the goal of recovery. Facing addiction and treatment alone can be overwhelming. We’re here to help. Fill out this form or call today at (661) 630-4176.