Painkillers are being used more commonly than we can imagine. From patients with chronic pain that is severe taking them chronically and long term, to patients who need to take them short term after surgery or an injury, they are being used on a daily basis by people in every stage of their lives.
As more and more patients use these prescription painkillers, their bodies are getting used to the strong painkillers, and do not respond well to regular over-the-counter painkillers, causing an increased risk of dependency and addiction.
If you or anyone you know is someone who takes painkillers regularly it might become a concern and question to know if there is any kind of dependency or addiction is developing.
If you find yourself questioning this issue, even if it exists, this is your first step towards becoming free from this dependency by learning more about it and finding out the ways it can be treated.
Recognizing the Signs of Painkiller Addiction
The first step towards answering the question “Am I addicted to my painkillers?” is being able to identify the signs and behaviors that can be related to dependency and addiction.
If you end up realizing that you have any one of these signs or a combination of them, it is important to seek professional help to prevent the worsening of dependence.
Increased Tolerance and Dependence
One of the first signs of getting dependent on a drug is when tolerance to the current dose increases and to get the same effect the dose needs to be increased.
This usually can lead to taking higher doses than was prescribed which is misusing the painkillers, and feeling withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not in the body such as physical symptoms of nausea or headache and mental symptoms such as irritability and anxiety.
Behavioral Changes
Addiction can cause changes in behavior that can be easily noticeable especially if you know someone.
Behavioral changes can be constantly thinking about the next dose and obsessing over it, going to different doctors and pharmacies to get more quantity than needed, and being irresponsible towards personal or professional responsibilities.
Physical Symptoms
When painkillers are used chronically and the user is dependent and addicted to the medications, they can start feeling these symptoms physically as well.
They can be:
- Drowsiness or confusion.
- Slowed breathing or respiratory issues.
- Gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation.
The Risks of Painkiller Addiction
Being addicted to any substance comes with dangers and risks that need to be mentioned. Learning about these risks can be something that encourages you to seek professional help.
Impact on Mental Health
As the painkiller affect our brain to increase pain threshold and perception of pain, they can affect the chemistry and also cause feelings of euphoria. Eventually this can cause:
- Depression or anxiety.
- Increased stress when unable to obtain medication.
- Difficulty enjoying activities that once brought happiness without the presence of that drug.
Physical Health Consequences
Chronic use of painkillers can lead to severe health issues, such as:
- Liver or kidney damage from prolonged medication use.
- Respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening.
- A weakened immune system.
Risk of Overdose
One of the most serious risks that addiction to painkillers can have is Overdose. It is crucial to be familiar with the symptoms of an overdose and get immediate medical attention when it happens.
Symptoms of overdose include:
- Extremely slow or stopped breathing.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Blue lips or fingertips.
Why Painkiller Addiction Develops
Different factors can contribute to someone becoming addicted to their painkillers.
When painkillers are used long-term the risk of addiction increases leading to patients taking more medication than prescribed or using them to deal with emotional distress rather than physical.
When choosing painkillers it is important to know the medical history of the patient. People who deal with mental challenges such as stress, trauma, unresolved emotions, or any other mental health conditions are at a higher risk of addiction as they may turn to painkillers for their euphoric effect.
And lastly, because painkillers increase dopamine in the brain which causes pleasure and euphoria, the brain can become dependent on the medication to produce dopamine. In this case, in the absence of medication, the patients will struggle to produce dopamine naturally, causing many physical and emotional effects, leading to a vicious cycle of addiction to the drug.
Steps to Take if You Suspect Addiction
When you suspect addiction, it is best to take action as soon as possible. Even if you are not sure about addiction, it is better to be safe than to deal with unwanted complications that would make you regret not taking action when you could.
Evaluate Your Usage
Reflect on your relationship with painkillers and be honest with yourself. Ask yourself questions about if you take more than prescribed if cutting back was difficult, or what feelings you have when the drug is not present.
These can help you have a clear idea of what your next step needs to be.
Seek Professional Support
Addiction is not easy to recognize and treat, most of the time it requires treatment by professionals.
At Capo Beach Recovery, we offer Medical detoxification to remove the drug from your body while safely managing withdrawal symptoms, and residential treatment programs that will help you recover with a treatment plan made specific to your needs and goals.
Explore Alternatives for Pain Management
Prescription Painkillers are not your only way to treat pain, they may be the fastest but are not the only ones.
Holistic treatments like physical therapy and acupuncture or non-addictive painkillers such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin can provide relief without the dangers of addiction.
Contact Us Today To Get Started
Painkiller addiction can feel overwhelming, but at Capo Beach Recovery, we recognize the challenges you face and are here to support you every step of the way. Our personalized treatment programs address the root causes of addiction and provide tools for lasting recovery.
Contact us today to learn more about our programs and how we can help you lead a life free from painkiller addiction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Early signs include increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms when missing doses, and obsessive thoughts about medication.
It’s not recommended. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe, and professional guidance ensures a safer recovery process.
It can lead to depression, anxiety, and difficulty finding joy in daily life without medication.
Yes, options include physical therapy, acupuncture, and non-addictive medications.
We provide comprehensive care, including detox, therapy, and holistic treatments, tailored to your unique needs.