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.

It is mandatory that at many times we need to turn to prescription drugs for handling health conditions and problems. These drugs when taken on a prolonged basis or on large doses tend to induce harmful effects on it. The drugs cause an illness on the body and mind creating an expectation on the drug even for basic survival. This is where prescription drug detox plays an important part in cleansing the body from these harmful effects. Read on to understand more about the detox process and its importance.

Prescription drug detox is a process of cleansing the body from the harmful effects and dependency induced by prescribed medication. The detox process is the first step towards effective drug treatment in prescription drug rehabilitation.

Whenever a medication is taken for pain or for trauma, the drug creates a dependency on it especially when taken for a long duration. This dependency happens without the knowledge of the patient and can cause moderate to serious withdrawal effects depending on the drug. Prescription drug detox helps in getting rid of this dependency towards the medication. This indicates the importance of prescription drug detox followed by drug abstinence.

Prescription drug detox centers are available in most of the areas and they can help in resolving any initial queries or concerns about the prescription drug detox and treatment process. Prescription drug detox centers works on the idea that the body needs and aches are addressed before resolving the issue of drug abstinence. The initial prescription drug detox process similar to the withdrawal symptoms might be moderate to painful depending on the drug. The individual undergoing the prescription drug detox might experience pains, dizziness and aches. Medications are also used for this purpose so as to reduce aches and anxiety levels to a considerable level.

To find options and centers that offer prescription drug detox or treatment, browse these fine prescription drug treatment centers.

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.

Prescription drug detox is necessary to rid the body of the painkillers and other prescription medication. It can be relatively painless to detox from prescription medications. A reputable prescription drug detox center will be available to help you through that initial stage of detox. They are trained to help you through the beginning of the program with as little dangerous side effects as possible. Once you have completed the detoxification process, the rest of your journey to sobriety will begin.

Prescription drug detox is so important because of the effect that medication can have on the body and mind. Dependency with prescription drugs can be quick and without the user even knowing it’s happening, especially if they’re under the care of a doctor and being treated for pain from a recent trauma. The symptoms of withdrawal are usually pretty mild, but depending on the drug, they may require some more extensive medical attention. Anyone going through prescription drug detox can expect to feel aches and pains, dizzy and have anxiety problems. Sometimes medicals like valium can help with the withdrawal period.

Get Information on Prescription Drug Detox

Sometimes, we turn to prescription drugs to help us deal with problems that haunt us in our lives. These could be problems at home or work. It begins to get deadly when we start mixing these medications with alcohol and other drugs. Overdose can come quickly when medication is mixed with other medications or street drugs. If you need help and require prescription drug detox, contact one in your area to learn how they can help you.

We often think that if someone has a prescription drug problem, that they’re abusing a pain killer. This is not always the case. Many people who are enrolled in some sort of prescription drug treatment program are addicted to other types of drugs. These can be depressants or relaxers like Xanax or sleep aids like Ambien. For one reason or another, we get addicted to these medications and feel we can’t function normally without them. This is not the case. There is hope for people. Prescription drug treatment is readily available all over for people who need assistance.

The best way to get the prescription drug treatment you need is to contact your physician. If he is the one who prescribed you the drugs you’re having an issue with in the first place, then he’s the one who can help you get out of it. Often times, an accidental addiction can easily be handled without the need for inpatient or more aggressive treatment. A step down approach to the medication can be implemented, the medication can be switched or other medications can be prescribed to help with withdrawal symptoms.

Get Prescription Drug Treatment if You Need it

Being honest with your doctor or caretaker about how much medication you’re using. You’re not going to be judged. Coming clean with medical professionals about your addiction will only help to get the prescription drug treatment you need. Don’t worry about the cost of treatment or the side effects once you stop taking the drug. Under the right care, the side effects will be minimal and well-managed.