Rehab Directory Blog

Painkillers, such as Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Nurofen or Aspirin, are easily accessible for the UK population, as they can be bought in shops and supermarkets or prescribed by local General Practitioners without strict regulations.   As they are so easily accessible and can be purchased within minutes, this has led to a growing painkiller addiction issue in the United Kingdom which has caused devastation to many individuals and their families.   We talk about how painkiller addictions can begin, signs that may suggest you have a painkiller addiction and how you can overcome it.

How Can a Painkiller Addiction Begin?

Painkiller addictions are concerning as they can easily affect anyone, due to the normality of taking painkillers in day-to-day life. Designed to treat illness symptoms, such as headaches, a banged toe or sore throat, or major injuries such as a broken leg, painkillers are commonly used as effective short-term pain prevention, however their addictive tendencies can make them a slippery slope.

Genetic factors

Painkiller addictions can be caused by genetic factors for individuals with family members with addiction tendencies, which can make them more susceptible to being addicted.

Environmental factors

Alternatively, painkiller addictions can also be caused by environmental factors such as consistent health or injury issues. It is common for athletes to be addicted to painkillers due to their repetitive pain symptoms from sports activities.

How Addictive are Painkillers?

After long-term painkiller use, the neurotransmitters in the brain can become dependent on the substance and requires higher doses for the body to function properly. It can take just a matter of weeks for this dependence or addiction to painkillers to occur, which is not a long time.

What are the Signs of a Painkiller Addiction?

Spotting the signs of a painkiller addiction can often be hard for an individual to self-evaluate or a loved one to spot due to the normality of ingesting them. Millions of people in the United Kingdom take painkillers for genuine reasons, whether they have a banging headache from a cold, or hit their knee on the car door. However, it’s important to spot signs that suggest that someone is taking painkillers due to their reliance, such as:

• Faking injury or illness to family members or GP
• Withdrawal symptoms such as low energy
• Poor work performance
• Lack of interest in social activities

How Can You Get Help for a Painkiller Addiction?

If you think you may be showing signs of a painkiller addiction, then it’s important that you are honest with yourself and not in denial. Once you admit that you have an issue, then you should seek help from people around you.

Speak to a GP

If you are suffering with a painkiller addiction, then it’s important that you get help from those around you. Firstly, it’s important that seek medical advice from your local General Practitioner who will be able to provide you with an accurate diagnosis of your addiction.  They will be able to speak to you about your behaviour and what your best course of action is.

Speak to Family Members

It’s also important that you get help and are open with your family members about your painkiller addiction. You should be able to speak to them about how you feel, and why you think you may be addicted to painkillers.

Visit Rehabilitation

If you want to stop your painkiller addiction for good then it will be beneficial to attend rehabilitation, where you will have the opportunity to safely detox and receive therapy that will prevent future relapse from occurring.

Although Stress Awareness Month is well established and has been held every April since 1992, now more than ever stress levels are higher than ever in the United Kingdom, given the current climate regarding Covid-19 and subsequent lockdowns.  

Stress Statistics

According to the Mental Health Foundation, 74% of adult in the United Kingdom have experienced stress level so high they feel overwhelmed and unable to cope. With the main proportion being women and people aged between 18-24 years old. As a result of increased stress, 32% of adults in the United Kingdom have said to experience suicidal feelings and 16% have resorted to forms of self-harm to try and alleviate these feelings of stress. This is not a healthy coping strategy for stress; or any other mental health issue. So we have compiled some healthy tips and coping strategies to help you relieve your feelings of stress.  

How to cope with stress?

There are a number of coping strategies for stress but here are a selection of techniques to try. It is important to remember that these ideas may not remove all of your stress, but over time you will begin to see the benefits of the following activities and techniques.   Physical Activity Fitness has been scientifically proven to reduce negative emotions. There are a number of ways exercise can alleviate stress, both physically and psychologically. Physical exercise boosts your body's capability to use oxygen, in turn improving blood flow, which can have a significantly positive effect on your overall mood. The repetitive action of exercise can also be a positive distraction as you are more focused on your body, rather than your mind. This singular focus can cultivate energy which in turn can improve optimism. Increased physical activity can also improve your heart health, which again can help with your overall stress levels.   Build A Strong Support Network Although this can be difficult given the current stay at home orders, connecting with people can be really beneficial for stress levels. Spending time with people we love can be a great distraction and there is a great truth in the phrase 'a problem shared is a problem halved'. Sharing how you are feeling with people you trust can lower stress levels immediately, even if they don't have a solution to the issues you are experiencing. It is important to not rely on social media to build these relationships though, as it is really easy to become overly reliant on texting. But video-chat apps can be really good to connect with people as it is a normal conversation and can be done during the current lockdown orders.   Start A New Hobby It can be very easy whilst we are stuck at home to just binge-watch television or turn to bad habits like substance or behavioural addictions. Learning a new skill or hobby can reduce stress by increasing self-confidence and self-esteem. Hobbies can also create a sense of purpose and help to connect with others that share the same passion. But it is important to remember not to take a new hobby or skill too seriously and expect to be perfect at it straight away. You also shouldn't feel the need to take an organised class or exam. Enjoy learning something new and as soon as you stop enjoying it, find something else.   Practise Mindfulness  Mindfulness and self-care can be very beneficial to reducing stress, as scientists have learnt that mindfulness practices influence the stress pathways in our brains, helping to regulate the parts of the brain that deal with attention and emotions. Mindfulness, similarly to physical activity, draws your attention away from your negative thoughts and on to one main focus, again leading to a reduction in stress levels.  

Professional Help For Stress

If you have tried the above methods for reducing stress and you are still struggling with high-stress levels, reach out for professional support. We have a number of clinics listed on this site that can assist with mental health issues, including chronic stress. Especially if you are turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as drugs or alcohol, it is important you participate in either inpatient rehabilitation or outpatient support if drug or alcohol use is becoming uncontrollable. Remember you are not alone and there are dedicated facilities and highly trained staff that can assist you in any way you need.   Source https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/news/stressed-nation-74-uk-overwhelmed-or-unable-cope-some-point-past-year https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/exercise-stress-relief https://journals.lww.com/psychosomaticmedicine/Abstract/2019/04000/Mindfulness_Training_and_Physical_Health_.2.aspx

Although Stress Awareness Month is well established and has been held every April since 1992, now more than ever stress levels are higher than ever in the United Kingdom, given the current climate regarding Covid-19 and subsequent lockdowns.

Stress Statistics

According to the Mental Health Foundation, 74% of adult in the United Kingdom have experienced stress level so high they feel overwhelmed and unable to cope. With the main proportion being women and people aged between 18-24 years old.

As a result of increased stress, 32% of adults in the United Kingdom have said to experience suicidal feelings and 16% have resorted to forms of self-harm to try and alleviate these feelings of stress.

This is not a healthy coping strategy for stress; or any other mental health issue. So we have compiled some healthy tips and coping strategies to help you relieve your feelings of stress.

How to cope with stress?

There are a number of coping strategies for stress but here are a selection of techniques to try. It is important to remember that these ideas may not remove all of your stress, but over time you will begin to see the benefits of the following activities and techniques.

Physical Activity

Fitness has been scientifically proven to reduce negative emotions. There are a number of ways exercise can alleviate stress, both physically and psychologically.

Physical exercise boosts your body’s capability to use oxygen, in turn improving blood flow, which can have a significantly positive effect on your overall mood.

The repetitive action of exercise can also be a positive distraction as you are more focused on your body, rather than your mind. This singular focus can cultivate energy which in turn can improve optimism. Increased physical activity can also improve your heart health, which again can help with your overall stress levels.

 

Build A Strong Support Network

Although this can be difficult given the current stay at home orders, connecting with people can be really beneficial for stress levels. Spending time with people we love can be a great distraction and there is a great truth in the phrase ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’. Sharing how you are feeling with people you trust can lower stress levels immediately, even if they don’t have a solution to the issues you are experiencing.

It is important to not rely on social media to build these relationships though, as it is really easy to become overly reliant on texting. But video-chat apps can be really good to connect with people as it is a normal conversation and can be done during the current lockdown orders.

 

Start A New Hobby

It can be very easy whilst we are stuck at home to just binge-watch television or turn to bad habits like substance or behavioural addictions.

Learning a new skill or hobby can reduce stress by increasing self-confidence and self-esteem. Hobbies can also create a sense of purpose and help to connect with others that share the same passion.

But it is important to remember not to take a new hobby or skill too seriously and expect to be perfect at it straight away. You also shouldn’t feel the need to take an organised class or exam. Enjoy learning something new and as soon as you stop enjoying it, find something else.

 

Practise Mindfulness 

Mindfulness and self-care can be very beneficial to reducing stress, as scientists have learnt that mindfulness practices influence the stress pathways in our brains, helping to regulate the parts of the brain that deal with attention and emotions.

Mindfulness, similarly to physical activity, draws your attention away from your negative thoughts and on to one main focus, again leading to a reduction in stress levels.

Professional Help For Stress

If you have tried the above methods for reducing stress and you are still struggling with high-stress levels, reach out for professional support. We have a number of clinics listed on this site that can assist with mental health issues, including chronic stress. Especially if you are turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as drugs or alcohol, it is important you participate in either inpatient rehabilitation or outpatient support if drug or alcohol use is becoming uncontrollable.

Remember you are not alone and there are dedicated facilities and highly trained staff that can assist you in any way you need.

Sources:

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/news/stressed-nation-74-uk-overwhelmed-or-unable-cope-some-point-past-year

https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/exercise-stress-relief

https://journals.lww.com/psychosomaticmedicine/Abstract/2019/04000/Mindfulness_Training_and_Physical_Health_.2.aspx

Accepting you need help for a drug or alcohol addiction is one of the biggest decisions you can make. But once you have decided you need help how do you pick the right rehabilitation centre. To help you during this difficult time we have created our top 5 tips to consider whilst selecting the right rehabilitation centre.  

1. Inpatient vs Outpatient

There are many advantages and disadvantages to both inpatient and outpatient treatment. Inpatient can be slightly more expensive but you are removed from your home environment which many find to have a higher success rate for long-term recovery.  And although the success rates may be lower it does allow you to maintain a ‘normal’ routine.  

2. Location

Location is important when deciding on the right rehabilitation centre. Do you want to be close to home? This option can be beneficial during the aftercare phase of treatment as you will be able to return to the centre. Or would you prefer to be further away? Distance from home can be very helpful to other people as you are removed from your home environment which can give you some clarity to help with your recovery.  

3. What Type of Treatment and Therapy Do You Want?

Once you have decided if you want an inpatient or outpatient experience and where you want to go, you can then consider the type of treatment and therapy. There are a number of psychological and physical options available from different rehabilitation centres.

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
• Group Therapy Sessions
• Art and Music Therapy
• Holistic Treatments
• Alternative Addiction Treatments

 

4. How Much Does It Cost

Although it is important to prioritise your care requirements, the cost is obviously important. A lot of rehabilitation centres offer payment plans and a range of treatment packages to fit any budget. If you are unsure if you can afford a particular provider, contact them, they may have an option available for you.  

5. Aftercare Options

An important step in your recovery is relapse prevention planning and aftercare, each rehabilitation centre will offer a different type. During your treatment most rehabs will create a relapse prevention plan with you; this will give you tips and tools to recognise your relapse triggers. And the majority of rehabilitation centres will offer some form of aftercare. These are maintenance sessions to reinforce your recovery and increase your chances of long term sobriety.  

I’m Still Unsure

If you have worked through these 5 tips and are still unsure of what you want, contact us and we can discuss your current situation and what you want from your recovery journey.

Accepting you need help for a drug or alcohol addiction is one of the biggest decisions you can make. But once you have decided you need help how do you pick the right rehabilitation centre. To help you during this difficult time we have created our top 5 tips to consider whilst selecting the right rehabilitation centre.

1. Inpatient vs Outpatient

There are many advantages and disadvantages to both inpatient and outpatient treatment. Inpatient can be slightly more expensive but you are removed from your home environment which many find to have a higher success rate for long-term recovery.  And although the success rates may be lower it does allow you to maintain a ‘normal’ routine.

 

2. Location

Location is important when deciding on the right rehabilitation centre. Do you want to be close to home? This option can be beneficial during the aftercare phase of treatment as you will be able to return to the centre.

Or would you prefer to be further away? Distance from home can be very helpful to other people as you are removed from your home environment which can give you some clarity to help with your recovery.

 

3. What Type of Treatment and Therapy Do You Want?

Once you have decided if you want an inpatient or outpatient experience and where you want to go, you can then consider the type of treatment and therapy. There are a number of psychological and physical options available from different rehabilitation centres.

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
• Group Therapy Sessions
• Art and Music Therapy
• Holistic Treatments
• Alternative Addiction Treatments

4. How Much Does It Cost

Although it is important to prioritise your care requirements, the cost is obviously important. A lot of rehabilitation centres offer payment plans and a range of treatment packages to fit any budget. If you are unsure if you can afford a particular provider, contact them, they may have an option available for you.

 

5. Aftercare Options

An important step in your recovery is relapse prevention planning and aftercare, each rehabilitation centre will offer a different type. During your treatment most rehabs will create a relapse prevention plan with you; this will give you tips and tools to recognise your relapse triggers.

And the majority of rehabilitation centres will offer some form of aftercare. These are maintenance sessions to reinforce your recovery and increase your chances of long term sobriety.

 

I’m Still Unsure

If you have worked through these 5 tips and are still unsure of what you want, contact us and we can discuss your current situation and what you want from your recovery journey.

There are many ways to decide if a rehabilitation centre is appropriate and the Care Quality Commission report can be a great place to start. CQC is the Care Quality Commission which monitor, inspect and regulate social care services and providers like; GPs, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and care homes. All inspections are performed by highly trained experts who create a report which is graded as either, outstanding, good, requires improvement or inadequate.  

What Is The Purpose Of The Care Quality Commission?

Their purpose and values are to make sure people are receiving effective, compassionate, high-quality care. And they strive for excellence, care, integrity and teamwork, which is particularly important when selecting a rehabilitation centre. Most rehabilitation providers will share their latest report and results on their websites or can provide you with the full report if you ask for it.  

What Does The CQC Report Cover?

The report will cover everything they check during the inspection. The CQC make sure that all patients are treated with respect and care at every stage of treatment. They also check the quantity and quality of any food and drink and all the facilities and equipment are well maintained. The CQC are aware that there may be issues from time to time, so the report also covers how any complaints are handled and how they continuously have plans to maintain high levels of care. They also check the quantity and quality of all the staff.  

Why Are CQC Reports So Beneficial?

Care Quality Commission reports are so beneficial when choosing a rehabilitation centre because it is an unbiased evaluation of service providers. And because the providers are continuously inspected you know the care you will be receiving is the care reflected in the report. We know it could feel overwhelming reading a full report for every rehabilitation centre you are considering but thankfully any centres that have a CQC rating will normally display it clearly; like the traffic light system below. The rating will be displayed in any waiting areas or communal and service rooms. They must also show their rating on their website. So you will know at a quick glance if you should consider your chosen rehabilitation centre.

I'm Still Unsure

If you are still unsure about how to pick the right rehabilitation centre contact us and we can talk you through the selection process and begin your recovery journey.

CQC is the Care Quality Commission which monitor, inspect and regulate social care services and providers like; GPs, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and care homes. All inspections are performed by highly trained experts who create a report which is graded as either, outstanding, good, requires improvement or inadequate.

What Is The Purpose Of The Care Quality Commission?

Their purpose and values are to make sure people are receiving effective, compassionate, high-quality care. And they strive for excellence, care, integrity and teamwork, which is particularly important when selecting a rehabilitation centre.

Most rehabilitation providers will share their latest report and results on their websites or can provide you with the full report if you ask for it.

What Does The CQC Report Cover?

The report will cover everything they check during the inspection. The CQC make sure that all patients are treated with respect and care at every stage of treatment. They also check the quantity and quality of any food and drink and all the facilities and equipment are well maintained.

The CQC are aware that there may be issues from time to time, so the report also covers how any complaints are handled and how they continuously have plans to maintain high levels of care. They also check the quantity and quality of all the staff.

Why Are CQC Reports So Beneficial?

Care Quality Commission reports are so beneficial when choosing a rehabilitation centre because it is an unbiased evaluation of service providers. And because the providers are continuously inspected you know the care you will be receiving is the care reflected in the report.

We know it could feel overwhelming reading a full report for every rehabilitation centre you are considering but thankfully any centres that have a CQC rating will normally display it clearly; like the traffic light system below.

The rating will be displayed in any waiting areas or communal and service rooms. They must also show their rating on their website. So you will know at a quick glance if you should consider your chosen rehabilitation centre.

I’m Still Unsure

If you are still unsure about how to pick the right rehabilitation centre contact us and we can talk you through the selection process and begin your recovery journey.