You Can Prevent Pain Pill Addiction
Pain pills, or opioids, have become a common solution for pain relief and are frequently prescribed by physicians. However, the current pain pill epidemic shows that pain pill addiction is a serious risk. It's estimated that 78 people a day die from pain pill addiction. Let’s let that sink in for a minute. That is per DAY!
What Can You Do to Prevent Pain Pill Addiction?
Thankfully there are many pain pill management practices that are combating this staggering statistic. However, while pain pills are still widely used, it is important for everyone to do their part.
When in pain, first ask you healthcare provider for non-pain pill options to treat your pain.
If you must take pain pills, take only the recommended amounts and follow up regularly with your provider.
Dispose of unused pain pills properly (see below for specifics).
Seek help from a qualified drug and alcohol counselor.
Non-Pain Pill Options
Unfortunately, 50 million Americans (approximately 20 percent) live with chronic pain, and many others undergo surgeries everyday that require the use of pain pills. No one wants to live in constant pain, so thankfully modern medicine has provided some alternatives, including:
Physical Therapy
Acupuncture
Surgery
Injections and nerve blocks
Massage
Natural creams or vitamins
Changes in diet and exercise
2. Pain Management Groups
If you are worried about pain pill addiction, pain management providers often have many options for your pain management and follow rigid care plans to prevent pain pill addiction. Search providers on the web and review their follow up care plans and options on their websites.
How to Safely Dispose of Pain Pill Medications
According to the CDC, “from 1999-2017, almost 400,000 people died from an overdose involving any opioid, including prescription [pain pills] and illicit opioids.” Many people are dying from misuse of their own prescriptions. But prescription pain pills also fall into the wrong hands and this is something we can prevent or at least reduce.
If you or a loved one must use pain pills – because for some it is the best course of treatment – it is imperative to prevent these pills from getting into the wrong hands. Ask your pharmacy if they can dispose of unused medications. You can find pharmacies throughout Nebraska that will dispose of your medications at www.nebraskameds.org
3. Our Counselors
For individuals and families already in the throes of pain pill addiction, Stepping Stones in Lincoln, Nebraska offers counseling in a safe and welcoming environment. We understand that pain pill addiction is difficult to overcome and it can impact an individual’s life, as well as members of their family. We also offer many other services on our website, steppingstoneslincoln.com.
Jamie Corder, PLADC, is a Provisionally Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor who provides counseling, advocacy, and support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, and addiction.
Shannon Miller, LADC, PLMHP, is a Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner and Licensed Alcohol Drug Counselor. With 12 years of counseling, she specializes in substance abuse and addiction, and mental health issues, including chronic pain, depression, trauma, and co-occurring mental health issues.
Our licensed professional counselors will work with you, or with you and your family, to develop a person-centered treatment plan specific to your needs that incorporates healthy coping and problem-solving for pain pill addiction. Counseling is offered by appointment. To schedule a counseling appointment for painkiller addiction with Stepping Stones in Lincoln, Nebraska, please call 402-488-6511.
What to Do if Someone Overdoses on Pain Pills
Naloxone, or Narcan, is a drug that, when given soon enough, can reverse pain pill overdose.
If your loved one has pain pill addiction, we recommend obtaining Naloxone from your local pharmacy, so if they show signs of overdose, you can save their life and get them the help they need. It can be administered by nasal spray or auto-injector.
Law enforcement officers and medical first responders often carry Naloxone with them.
In the state of Nebraska, without a prescription, any concerned person can obtain Naloxone from any pharmacy.
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