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Painkiller Addiction

Here at Step 1 Recovery, we provide rehab treatment for painkiller addiction. Our centre isn’t just a clinic, it is a safe and private place for those looking for a road to recovery.

What Is Painkiller Addiction?

Painkiller addiction is the compulsive use of pain relieving medication despite the harm it's causing physically, mentally or to your day-to-day life. It can develop with both prescription-only painkillers and stronger over-the-counter medications, and it affects people from every background, including many who have never taken an illegal drug in their life.

The painkillers most commonly linked to addiction are opioids, a class of drugs that work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain to block pain signals and, at higher doses, produce feelings of relaxation or euphoria.

This is what makes them effective for pain relief, and also what makes them addictive.

Painkillers Commonly Linked to Addiction

  • Codeine (often paired up with paracetamol as co-codamol)
  • Tramadol
  • Dihydrocodeine
  • Morphine
  • Oxycodone
  • Fentanyl
  • Buprenorphine and pethidine (usually prescribed for more serious pain)
  • Pregabalin and gabapentin (not opioids, but still have their own potential for addiction)

These are usually only prescribed for a short while and under close supervision. But the line between pain management and dependence can get blurred before you even know it’s happening.

Signs and Symptoms of Painkiller Addiction

Painkiller addiction can be easy to hide, even from the people closest to you, because the medication is legal and it's often started for a legitimate reason. Signs to look out for include:

  • Taking a higher dose, or taking it more often, than prescribed
  • Continuing to take painkillers after the original pain has eased or gone
  • Strong cravings, or thinking about your next dose before you've finished the last one
  • Struggling to cut down or stop
  • Visiting multiple GPs, or buying painkillers online, to keep up your supply
  • Hiding how much you're taking from family, friends or your doctor
  • Withdrawal symptoms when not taking them (sweating, nausea, anxiety, shaking)
  • Low mood, irritability, or withdrawing from people and activities you used to enjoy
  • Loss of appetite, small pupils and flushed skin
If you're currently taking painkillers and any of the above sounds familiar, it could be a sign that a dependency has developed.

Our Treatment for Painkiller Addiction

Our Step 1 Recovery rehab centre is not only suitable for those suffering with a painkiller addiction, as we work with individuals living with many dependencies.

From counselling sessions with our certified psychologists to heal the mind, to our detox plans to heal the body, we have a range of selected treatment options to slowly break down your dependency.

If you’re visiting us with a painkiller addiction, we will create a tailored treatment plan to follow, making your needs a priority. If you feel embarrassed to discuss your habits, please feel like you can confide in our team. They are passionate about helping you take every step in the healing process. All information regarding your addiction is kept confidential.

Each individual who visits our UK or Spain-based addiction centres will be treated as an individual, experiencing support throughout each step of their recovery journey.

The Step 1 Recovery Experience

Alongside our expert team, we have a handful of carefully selected and tested treatments available to support our clients from drug abuse, to depression and anxiety disorders. No matter the severity of your dependency or cravings, we will work with you to tackle your addiction.

We also believe that the whole experience you receive adds to your long-term recovery. From arranging your transport to helping you manage contact with your outside life, we will do our upmost to ensure that you are comfortable. Tackling an addiction can be a distressing, confusing time. We will make your comfort a priority, providing a safe haven to work on yourself and leave feeling refreshed. Throughout your experience, withdrawal symptoms will set in. Therefore, tackling your addiction alone will be a challenge.

Receiving our expert support will ease this, while keeping you safe both physically and mentally. If you or a loved one is living with a painkiller addiction or a further dependency, seeking expert medical support will help you through this difficult time.

To discuss your requirements or to kickstart your journey to a better quality of life, contact our team on +44 (0)7914 760 631 or fill out our contact form.

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Painkiller Addiction FAQs

How can I tell if I have a painkiller addiction?

If you catch yourself needing for a bigger dose just to feel right again, or finding yourself thinking about the next fix before you even need it, or just feeling like you can't get through the day without one, these are all signs that you're developing a dependence on the stuff. Reaching out to our team in a private conversation will give you a much clearer idea of what's going on.

Is it still addiction if a doctor prescribed the medication for me?

Yes. Even when you're taking your painkiller exactly as your doctor told you to, dependence can develop, especially with opiates. This is a well known risk, and there's help available.

Do I risk anything by trying to quit cold turkey?

You definitely do. Quitting opiate painkillers without medical supervision can lead to some pretty nasty withdrawal symptoms, and in some cases, it can even be a health risk. If you want to quit, we strongly recommend coming to us for a medically supervised detox programme.

How long does treatment actually take?

It varies from person to person, but we usually recommend at least 28 days. But we take into account your particular situation and can work around other commitments you may have if that's what you need.

Do you accept my health insurance?

Some private health insurers do cover addiction treatment. We'll look at the options with you during your initial consultation.

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