Painkiller Addiction Signs, Symptoms, and Causes

Throughout the years, multiple prescription drugs have been produced to alleviate pain. Unfortunately, as these medications emerge, so does the rise in potential prescription drug abuse, posing heightened risks to individuals.

While pain medication can be an effective solution to manage discomfort, misuse can lead to dependence that escalates into addiction with long-lasting consequences.

Being aware of the tell-tale signs and symptoms of painkiller addiction is crucial to mitigating the situation safely for yourself or someone you care about and ultimately preventing it from becoming a severe health issue.

What are the Most Common Painkiller Addictions?

While not all painkillers are addictive, some of the most commonly abused drugs include:

Opioid Addiction

Opioids are prescription medications derived from the opium poppy plant. Prescription opioid medications primarily alleviate moderate to severe pain following surgery or injury. Common examples of opioid painkillers include oxycontin, hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone, fentanyl, and morphine.

However, opioids tend to induce feelings of euphoria and relaxation in addition to their pain-relieving properties, rendering them highly addictive and making opioid use disorder highly prevalent.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, commonly referred to as tranquilizers, are proven medications for addressing anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. Examples of benzodiazepine drugs are Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin. However, taking these drugs in the appropriate dose and duration is crucial, as overusing them can result in addiction.

Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)[3] are commonly used over-the-counter solutions for mild to moderate pain management. Aspirin, Advil, and Aleve are popular NSAIDs. However, despite their generally safe reputation, prolonged or excessive usage of these drugs may result in severe side effects, including kidney damage, stomach ulcers, or even heart attack or stroke.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Acetaminophen is another commonly used pain reliever found in various over-the-counter medications. While less hazardous than opioids or benzodiazepines, consuming more than 4,000 milligrams daily may lead to liver damage or failure. Chronic use of acetaminophen can also cause physical reliance, possibly inducing withdrawal symptoms.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Painkiller Addiction?

Developing a painkiller addiction isn’t always obvious. Most individuals who misuse painkillers don’t even know they are addicted and may be in denial about the severity of their substance use disorder. However, here are some common symptoms to look out for:

Physical Symptoms

Indicators of addiction to painkillers often manifest as physical alterations in an individual. These changes could include narrowed pupils, incoherent speech, infrequent bowel movements, sleepiness, and reduced motor skills.

Behavioral Changes

Addiction to painkillers may lead to pronounced shifts in behavior in individuals who consume these substances. For example, they may start taking more significant quantities of the drug or more frequently than the authorized dose.

Furthermore, the usage of these drugs may become a high priority, surpassing other important activities or relationships that were once crucial for them, including family members and employment.

Mood Changes

The progression of addiction to painkillers is often accompanied by notable alterations in the mood of the individuals who misuse these substances. They may demonstrate increased irritability, anxiety, or depression. Occasionally, they may also experience inexplicable euphoria or appear more intoxicated than is typical.

Social Changes

The grip of painkiller addiction can lead to profound social alterations in individuals. They may tend to withdraw from social bonds with family and friends and relinquish involvement in socially engaging activities. Furthermore, they might encounter financial strife due to the expenditure involved in accessing prescription drugs.