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The Struggle of Addiction to Painkillers

By Stacy Barnes | March 18, 2011

Recording artist Eminem, otherwise known as Marshall Mathers, recognized for his popularity, fortune and recording contract, was incapable of keeping away from the damaging world of drugs. Celebrities believe that if they’re able to avoid illegal substances they’re in the clear. However, Eminem’s problem with addiction wasn’t related to an illegal substance that was purchased through a dealer on the streets, but rather a drug that was prescribed to him through his highly respected physician.

Eminem’s world hit rock bottom when it was apparent that he had a painkiller addiction. It was said he would consume up to as many as 20 pills a day to satisfy his needs. Medications such as Vicodin, Ambien and Valium were primarily taken and constantly being mixed together. Fortunately, he took notice of his problem and admitted himself into a rehabilitation facility. But accepting his addiction and going through the necessary steps of his individualized treatment program wasn’t easy for him. When he withdrew from drug rehab for the first time, it was only soon after that he nearly overdosed on methadone pills that were given to him by a friend.

Eminem subsequently experienced a knee injury that needed surgery, but due to his addiction to painkillers he was unable to be prescribed anything for the pain. He reacted by rummaging around his belongings in search of a left over stash of pills that he could use for the pain and sure enough found extra strength Vicodin and Valium. It was at this exact moment, when he relapsed, that he had finally come to terms with the fact that he had a drug addiction problem and one that would be difficult to overcome.

Taking the first step towards accepting that you have a problem with addiction is the hardest part. It’s scary to know how easy it is to relapse even after a long stay in rehab. Those trying to overcome an addiction are constantly being exposed to addiction causing triggers on a daily basis. Stress, anxiety, and the constant battle against neurochemical changes in the brain caused by addiction, can often lead them back to where they began. This is why continuous care is vital. A drug rehab center that provides treatment programs sensitive to one’s individual needs during their stay and continuous care even after the patient has left treatment can greatly assist in a healthy recovery.

Customizable treatment programs are meant to successfully address each addict’s problem individually and cure them of their addiction. If you are struggling with an addiction to painkillers and need help taking the next step, please contact Unity Recovery Center as soon as possible.

Topics: Addiction, Drug Addiction, Drug Rehab, painkillers, prescription drugs | Comments Off

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