If your husband is addicted to pain pills, you might feel hurt and confused — especially if he has been taking them without telling you. This type of drug misuse is fairly common as prescription painkillers are some of the most abused substances in the country. Nevertheless, it is dangerous and can take a severe toll on both his health and yours. If you’re willing, there are ways to help your husband find recovery, setting the both of you up for a better future.
What Does Pain Pill Addiction Look Like?
The most common form of pain pill addiction is called opioid dependence. Opioids are powerful drugs that act on the body by binding to receptors in the brain. These drugs include morphine, codeine, oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), and fentanyl. The drugs relieve pain by numbing the senses. Opioid addicts take these drugs at high doses or over prolonged periods of time. This causes them to become physically dependent on the drugs. When they stop using the drugs, withdrawal symptoms occur. In severe cases, these symptoms can be life-threatening.
Signs That My Husband is Addicted to Prescription Drugs
If you suspect your husband is addicted to prescription drugs then there are several signs that you should look out for:
- Your partner is secretive about his drug use.
- He uses drugs at home or at work.
- He takes more than prescribed amounts of medication.
- He spends large sums of money on drugs.
- He lies about how much he takes.
- He becomes irritable when he doesn’t get his dose.
- He gets violent if he does not get his dose.
- He stops going to work or school.
- He refuses to go to rehab.
How Can I Help My Husband Who is Addicted to Pain Pills?
The first thing to remember is that if he’s addicted to pain pills, then he needs to stop taking them before he hurts himself or others. If he won’t do that, then you need to guide him towards rehab. There are many treatment programs available that can help him get sober and stay sober on a long-term basis. While in treatment, he will undergo several forms of therapy. You can join him in family therapy, where the two of you can begin rebuilding your relationship.
In the meantime, you should encourage him to reduce his stress levels, eat well, get plenty of sleep, and begin exercising regularly as this should improve his mindset and, hopefully, help him to see his problem.
How to Help Someone Who is Addicted to Pain Meds
If you suspect that your loved one is addicted to painkillers, it’s important to seek professional help right away. The first step is to talk to them about their drug use. Ask if they are using any medications regularly and why. Then, discuss whether they should continue taking pain meds or if they have started to form a dependence on them and should stop use.
Addiction is a disease that affects millions of people every year. Some people suffer from a mild addiction, while others develop a serious problem. The good news is that there are effective treatments available for opioid addiction. These include evidence-based interventions such as:
Family, Group, and Individual Therapy
It is important that individuals undergo therapy in a variety of settings. Group therapy provides social support and peer role models. It is meant to set-up a long-lasting support network that individuals can use for years to come. Individual therapy focuses on teaching patients coping skills to help them maintain sobriety while identifying the underlying causes of their condition.
Family counseling helps to heal essential bonds and facilitate open communication. Family involvement has been shown to drastically increase the chances of success. In fact, research shows that family members play a key role in helping patients remain sober.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
When it comes to treating opioid addiction, CBT is by far the most widely used approach. In fact, it’s considered to be the gold standard for treating substance use disorders. In addition to helping patients overcome cravings and negative emotions, CBT teaches them how to think differently about situations that trigger urges to use substances. Patients then learn to identify triggers and avoid behaviors that lead to relapse.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted management (MAT) involves using prescription medications to treat withdrawal symptoms and manage cravings. It is especially effective when combined with other forms of treatment. As a result of these approaches, many patients are able to recover from opioid addiction.
Addiction Treatment in Knoxville, TN
Stop letting addiction rule your life. If your husband is addicted to pain pills, then it is time to get him help, so that you can both begin to heal. Tennesee Valley Recovery offers a wide range of outpatient programming and treatment modalities that aid those in overcoming their substance use disorders. To learn more or to speak with one our intake specialists today, give us a call or visit our contact form.