Most people take aspirin or other pain-relieving drugs occasionally. However, after injuries requiring prescriptions some people develop addictions to stronger painkillers. In other cases, people may get addicted to drugs prescribed to other patients. In any case, addiction to prescription drugs used to manage chronic pain can be every bit as dangerous as an addiction to illegal drugs like heroin.
If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to painkillers, reach out for help from a painkiller addiction treatment program today.
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What Are Painkillers?
Drugs called opioids, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, are used to relieve pain. Prescription medicines such as Oxycontin, Percocet, and Norco are used to treat pain from sicknesses like cancer or painful injuries. While many people are able to use these drugs without issue, a small percentage of people develop problems related to addiction or dependence. Illegal drugs like heroin are also opioids.
While there are other medications outside of opioids that can be used to relieve pain, most abuse and misuse issues relate to this class of drugs.
Painkiller Dependence vs. Addiction
The use of opioids for 30 days or longer creates a risk of dependence. The term basically means an abrupt end to the use will result in symptoms of withdrawal. Extended use can also result in the user developing a tolerance for the drug. They might require increasingly larger doses in order to feel the same effects. Fortunately, the vast majority of users only need prescriptions for a few days, after which they can end use without problems.
The signs of painkiller addiction include:
- Going to more than one doctor for a prescription
- Using the drugs in a way other than prescribed
- Lying or hiding behavior from friends and family
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop using
People with existing substance addictions are often more likely to develop addictions to painkillers. Mental illnesses and post-traumatic stress disorder can also make a person more likely to develop an addiction.
How to Avoid Painkiller Addiction
Patients that are prescribed painkillers can take some steps to avoid becoming addicted. In most cases, short-term use is safe if prescribed for less than a week. After that point, non-opioid pain relievers may be used. If painkillers are prescribed for the long-term, the drugs should be used according to the schedule and dose indicated by the medical professional. Any concerns about the potential of addiction should be discussed with the doctor on an ongoing basis at a drug addiction treatment program.
The Risks of Painkiller Addiction
In addition to relieving pain, certain drugs can also provide a feeling of euphoria. That feeling of well-being can encourage continued use of the drug beyond the prescription. Opioid tolerance also creates a greater risk of overdose. Because opioids can slow breathing and lower blood pressure, overdoses can be fatal.
Substitution is another risk of untreated addiction. If a user can no longer receive legal prescriptions for painkillers, they may steal pills or begin using illegal drugs like heroin.
Contact Ethan Crossing for Addiction Treatment
For many people, painkiller rehab or an opioid rehab center is the best way to recover from an addiction. Finding the right treatment center can help the user overcome the physical dependence and habit-forming elements of painkiller abuse. Success in both areas is necessary to promote full rehabilitation.
Treatment centers have access to medications to ease the symptoms of dependence, including withdrawal. They can slowly reduce the dose or provide safer substitutions. Rehab centers also have experience and expertise in helping people to overcome the addictive aspects of the drugs.
Don’t let addiction win. The right medical detox program can help you conquer painkiller addiction and get back to your life. Call Ethan Crossing at 937-646-7795 to get started on the road to recovery.