Rx Drug Abuse Rates Steadily Climb—Suncoast Rehab Details Warning Signs of Addiction

SPRING HILL, Fla., April 16, 2013 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Prescription painkiller addiction is a growing epidemic in the United Statesone of the biggest meds being opioid painkillers, with more than 200 million such drugs prescribed annually and accounting for more than 16,000 deaths a year (1). Not only is painkiller addiction detrimental to the abuser, but research shows that prescription drug abuse costs the U.S. economy $42billion in lost productivity and $8.2billion in criminal justice costs annually (2). Suncoast Rehab Center (SRC), a Spring Hill drug rehab facility with a 76% success rate, believes that awareness of the signals of addiction can prevent the climb of abuse rates and potentially save lives.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130416/CG94702)

Dependency on prescription drugs is not usually intentional. Many people begin using painkillers for legitimate reasons and are not aware that they have become addicted until it's too late. Prescription painkillers are the number one drug for which Suncoast clients seek rehab.

Suncoast suggests considering treatment if any of the following ring true (3):

1. You're using your painkillers for reasons other than pain relief. Taking painkillers to change your mood instead of relieving pain is getting you highthis signals the beginning of an addiction.

2. You want an increase in your painkillers, even though your doctor hasn't recommended it. There may be times when you feel legitimate pain and you need to get an increase in dosage. However, wanting to increase your dosage to alter your mood is a sign that you're crossing over into addiction.

3. You're taking your painkillers even though you don't have any pain. If your pain is gone, there's no need to continue taking painkillers. Taking them "just in case" the pain comes back is not a legitimate reason to continue their use.

4. Your thoughts are consumed with getting more painkillers. This displays obsessive, addictive behavior.

5. Other pain management therapies are no longer an option for you. Prescription painkillers do not cure pain; rather, they temporarily eliminate it. Not considering other optionssuch as physical therapycan be a sign of addiction.

Painkiller withdrawal and rehabilitation are both difficult processes, even for those who have taken the drugs for only a short time. Many struggle to come to terms with their addiction, and don't seek help until it's a last resort.

Originally posted here:
Rx Drug Abuse Rates Steadily Climb—Suncoast Rehab Details Warning Signs of Addiction