A 12-step group that is lesser known than those frequently used as referrals for those in early recovery, Pills Anonymous is a concept that goes far back into the history of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. While pills are generally considered to be narcotics–and many of those who suffer from the ravages of this addiction are comfortable with the recovery in NA or AA–there is a subtle distinction in the type of addiction found with prescription medications.

The early beginnings of Alcoholics Anonymous were fraught with addiction to medications. The co-founder of AA, Dr. Bob Smith, was addicted equally to alcohol and prescription medications. This is where some of AA’s early foundation was laid. There was little discrepancy for the early members between those who abused pills along with their alcohol and those who did not. Some of the early literature and stories in AA are about the two. One of the most recognized members of AA, Dr. Paul O. was very active in attempting to begin a program for those who were addicted to pills. He himself wrote, in his story, which is a foundation story in AA’s “Big Book,” about his addiction to prescription medication. The first title of his story, “Doctor, Alcoholic, Addict,” later changed when the fourth edition of the book was published in 2001.

Pills Anonymous records its beginning at about the year 1972. A long-running group in New York has the claim as being the first. This is at about the same time that Dr. Paul O. worked to form groups as well, probably in his home in Southern California. The formation of Pills Anonymous as a nonprofit corporation, housed near Phoenix, AZ, was accomplished in 2008. Since that time, literature has been approved and distributed, stating the purpose of Pills Anonymous, sample formats for meetings, and other literature to separate PA from AA, its closest “parent.”

Pills Anonymous began using the literature and format of AA, as well as the text, Alcoholics Anonymous, otherwise known as the “Big Book.” Today, there is a text being written for Pills Anonymous to deal with the specifics of their brand of recovery.

One of the phenomena of the 21st century is the sheer volume of prescription medications being abused at this time. For those who are striving to recover from this addiction, the subtle differences between the recovery programs (via 12 Steps), they can access are enough to discourage them from attempting. While AA has strong recovery and definite fellowship potential, the members discourage talk about drugs. NA is specifically geared toward drug addiction, but many of those who are seeking recovery from pills do not relate to the recovery from street drugs and the differences in lifestyles they encounter in
NA.

Pills Anonymous has the potential to fill the need for those who abuse prescription medications and offer them a way out of addiction, into recovery. At this time, there are 65 meetings listed for the US, with one Skype meeting in Bulgaria. Most of these meetings are in Arizona and Southern California. The website has instructions on how to begin a meeting for groups that may feel the need to do so. They also have a list of the meetings currently underway, as well as other useful information that will assist those who are either looking for an existing meeting or just wish to read their literature.

Kelly McClanahan has an MSW in clinical social work, with a specialization in substance abuse treatment. Having worked in this field for over 20 years, she is currently working on her certification as an addictions’ counselor.

Painkiller Detox Solutions

It’s no lie that painkiller abuse is popular in the United States. Read the tabloids on any given day and you’ll see the name of a celebrity who has entered a painkiller detox program. Pain pills like Vicodin and Percocet are easy to come by for everyone, not just the rich and famous. A simple trip to the doctor with complains of chronic headaches or backaches can easily score you a prescription for the painkilling drug of your choice. Sometimes, accidently abuse turns into addiction when doctors do not closely watch their patients. Some of these people are in a lot of pain, but are not given the proper dosage or warned about how addictive these drugs can be. They slowly become dependant on these drugs, and before they know it…they are abusing painkillers.

There are successful methods to treat a painkiller addiction. With inpatient and outpatient painkiller detox programs established, people can rest assured there is help for them. Sobriety can be a realistic thing when we enter these programs. Specialists can help you beat your addiction while not having to be in pain because of a chronic illness or injury. Step down dosage plans and substituting the pill for other homeopathic methods of pain relief can be applied. These are things like acupuncture or massage to deal with migraines or deal with post surgery pain. A pill is not always the answer to pain relief.

Get Help and Start Painkiller Detox

It can be difficult when the process of detoxing from painkillers starts. The patient can respond poorly to not having the drug. There can be pain, nausea and a sense of hostility, but these are all temporary side effects of not having the drug in the body. After a while, these irritable symptoms subside and the person can begin a healthy road to recovery. There are plenty of methods to beat your painkiller addiction. You shouldn’t have to feel that your only choices are “be an addict” or “live in pain.” Get help and start a painkiller detox, you’ll learn other ways to treat your pain if that is still a problem and you can live a better life.

Painkillers are a family of drugs used to treat pain. These are typically taken in pill form but also exist as intravenous injections and patches. Painkillers also can be over the counter or prescription medications. Examples include morphine, codeine, and hydrocodone. This family of drugs offers the user a euphoric feeling which is often described as floating on a cloud. Usually, a doctor will prescribe a drug that matches the level of pain the patient is experiencing.

Often times, these drugs will be prescribed to assist in pain relief after an injury or will be prescribed to patients with chronic conditions or diseases that cause great amounts of pain. During the initial stages of the injury, the pain will require more quantities and more potency than the latter stages of the recovery process. Long recoveries, high potencies and long term afflictions lead to addiction. The more of the drug and the longer the person is exposed to the drug increases the probability of that person having an addiction problem. Often times, illicit users of painkillers will use more than one type. Usually depending on what drug is available and the cost of the drug or which drug the doctor prescribes them at the time.

Seek Treatment for Painkiller Addiction

Long term use of pain killers can lead to death, both from the direct overdose of the drug but also to the long term effects of abusing the body. The user may also build a tolerance to the drug. If you or someone you know should be seeking treatment for pain killer addiction there are some things to know. The recovery process will start with detoxification. This process, in short, is stopping the drug use. In the case of pain killers, this can be a long, painful process as the body creates pain in order to get the drugs the user is addicted to. Since this process is so critical and difficult, it may be in the best interest for the user to be admitted to a rehabilitation center. After detox, the recovery continues with long term support from groups, friends and family.

One of the biggest addictions in the United States is the abuse of opiates and opioids. Oxycontin is one of these widely abused drugs. The addictions run in people of all ages, and as of recently, the drug has been very popular for high school aged children. The problem with Oxycontin detoxification is that it is a very serious drug with a good amount of side effects once the person has begun withdrawal. Often times, the best course of treatment starts with inpatient therapy. Medication to help with the withdrawal symptoms is usually prescribed to patients starting Oxycontin detox. The drug usually prescribed is buprenorphine. Taking this drug and following the drug detox plan the medical professional has established for you will make your recovery come faster and safely.

The symptoms that follow immediate withdrawal from Oxycontin can be described as very painful, even when the person who abuses the drug has no pain previous to the start of abuse. It changes the way your brain works, your brain chemistry is actually altered by this drug. Also, because of the power in this drug, it is extremely easy to take too much. Every year more and more people fall victim to Oxycontin addiction and pay with their lives. Treatment is available, but you must act quickly…it’s so easy to lose control.

Oxycontin Detox Will Bring you Sobriety

Detoxing from Oxycontin and becoming sober is definitely a difficult journey, but it can be done! It is an addictive and deadly drug, but there is treatment for those who are suffering and need to begin Oxycontin detox. Getting help is as easy as getting on the internet and searching for detox clinics in your area. If you’re too nervous to make the call, many sites have will let you put in your number and a representative will call you. There’s no excuse to let Oxycontin destroy your life.

Rehabilitation from drugs and alcohol start with a very important first step: detoxification. Detoxing your system is one of the reasons so many people enter alcohol and drug rehab centers. Their addiction source is cut off and they have no access to it. It’s a forced way to jump start recovery when the person has no access to the drug they want to get away from. Most addicts have low self-esteem and no will power, so removing them from their dangerous environment and putting them into an alcohol and drug rehab is the best option to get better.

Depending on the drug, some people need a good amount of medical attention as they detox, and that is why a rehab center is ideal. If someone is addicted to serious pain relievers like Oxycontin or street drugs like heroin, they need the supervision of a medical expert. There are withdrawal symptoms that can be difficult to overcome for the first part of treatment. These can be significant behavioral changes and even flu-like symptoms. Someone suffering from withdrawal can even have seizures.

Alcohol and Drug Rehab Can Help

When someone enters a treatment facility, they will begin a process of recovery that is planned out by the help of medical experts. Not everyone needs the exact same type of recovery plan, and a good rehab clinic will know the best path for you to take. It’s a serious commitment to beat your addiction, and alcohol and drug rehab can help.