Painkiller Treatment Program

The painkiller treatment program at Hickory Trail is lead by Manoochehr Khatami, M.D. A clinical professor at UTSW Medical School in Dallas, Dr. Khatami has 25 years of experience in helping clients with pain management problems and painkiller addiction. Dr. Khatami and our team of professionals, including nurses and therapists, will help clients in our secure, confidential, therapeutic environment.

Opiates and their Effects

• Opiates are a class of drugs that includeing heroin and pain killers. Some examples of pain medications are: hydrocodone (Vicoden), codeine, morphine, oxycodone, methadone, Percocet and Demerol
• Opiates are drugs that relieve pain but can also cause an addictive euphoria, or "high."

Developing an addiction

• Regular use of opiates can lead to an addiction. Addiction occurs when someone increases opiate use to a point where it is incredibly difficult to stop, resulting in painful withdrawal symptoms. Addiction dramatically changes one's behavior, resulting in compulsive behavior, unmanageable mood changes and continued use despite experiencing negative consequences.

Withdrawal Symptoms

• Difficulty sleeping
• Nausea and vomiting
• Anxiety and irritability
• Muscle aches
• Depression

Breakthrough treatments are available, such as Suboxone, a medication that is used to help patients through withdrawal.