Jamie Lee Curtis recently revealed to People magazine that she struggled with opioid addiction for 10 years during most of the 1990’s. The 59-year-old actress best known for starring in the movies Halloween, True Lies, and A Fish Called Wanda said absolutely nobody knew about her addiction during that time — including her husband. Curtis’ forthrightness about addiction and recovery has inspired fans around the globe who are currently battling their own problems with substance abuse.
When and Why Did Curtis Start Using Opioids?
Curtis says she underwent cosmetic surgery in 1989 to improve the appearance of her hereditary puffy eyes and was prescribed opiates following surgery. The actress admitted she became addicted to her painkillers shortly afterward and obtained them in any way she could during the years that followed. Curtis added she even stole pain pills from family and friends — including her older sister Kelly.
Kelly Curtis found out about her younger sister’s opiate addiction in 1998, but it wasn’t until 1999 that Curtis attended her first recovery meeting. That same day, Curtis confided in her husband Christopher Guest about her years-long struggle with opiate addiction. Today, Curtis proudly admits she has been abstinent from opiates for 20 years, and considers sobriety her single greatest life accomplishment over her marriage, children, and career.
Is Your Loved One Secretly Addicted to Opioids?
Secretive and suspicious behavior are common warning signs of substance abuse and addiction. People choose to keep their addictions secret for many reasons — such as to avoid feelings of shame and guilt when others find out, or so they can continue abusing drugs without interference.
Other signs your loved one may be addicted to opioids:
- Using painkillers for recreation or to get high
- Constricted pupils
- Extreme drowsiness, or the inability to stay awake
- Withdrawing from friends, family, and social activities
- Sudden, dramatic, unexplained mood swings
- Visiting multiple doctors to get multiple opioid prescriptions (doctor shopping)
- Poor and impulsive decision-making
- Loss of interest in favorite long-held hobbies and activities
- Poor attendance at work or school
- Decline in performance at work or school
- Legal problems
- Relationship problems
- Financial hardship
- Withdrawal symptoms when stopping opioids abruptly
How Can Opioid Addiction Be Safely Treated?
Opioids are highly addictive drugs that can be difficult to stop using due to the way they change brain chemistry, behaviors, and thought-processes. However, opioid addiction can be safely treated using medical detox and therapy at an inpatient drug rehab center.
Medical detox treats physical dependence on opioids and involves the use of medications that reduce and relieve opioid withdrawal symptoms — including drug cravings. Therapy addresses the root causes of opioid addiction and teaches patients how to navigate through life more confidently so they don’t need drugs and alcohol to fit in, feel better about themselves, or to cope with negative emotions and mental health disorders. Some therapies used at drug rehab include cognitive-behavioral therapy, individual and group counseling, support group meetings, and recreational therapy.
America’s Rehab Campuses offer medical detox and inpatient rehab programs designed to safely and effectively help you or your loved one recover from opioid addiction. Contact us to receive a free insurance benefits check and begin the treatment process today.
