Painkiller Addiction Signs, Symptoms and Treatment Options

Throughout the years, multiple prescription drugs have been produced to alleviate pain – ranging from minor aches to chronic, long-term illnesses. 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, it also poses substantial risks when taken in higher than recommended doses or abused. Misuse can lead to a dangerous level of reliance, escalating 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.

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What Causes Painkiller Addiction?

Prescription painkillers are meant to relieve pain and improve the quality of life for those who experience it. However, excessive use of these medications can lead to harmful consequences like addiction, negatively impacting a person’s health. This situation is influenced by various factors, including:

Physical Dependence

The human body can develop a tolerance to pain medications[1], leading to a heavy reliance on the drugs. With this dependence, larger doses are needed to achieve the same pain relief effects as before, making individuals more susceptible to addiction.

Moreover, discontinuing medication can cause serious cravings and withdrawal symptoms, posing potential discomfort and health dangers. The physical dependence created by this cycle could prompt individuals to seek more painkillers to ease their pain.

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Psychological Factors

Painkiller addiction often starts due to mental illness issues like excess stress, anxiety, or depression. As a result, some people may turn to painkillers to cope with their negative emotions, which can then develop into addiction. People with previous mental health problems tend to follow this pattern more frequently.

Exposure to High-Risk Factors

Certain factors, such as cohabiting with opioid users, higher prescription dosages, and greater availability of these medications at home, can amplify the probability of addiction to painkillers.

Prolonged use of analgesics in excessive quantities may foster addictive tendencies, especially in patients with previous substance abuse issues. Furthermore, societal norms and expectations can compel people to depend on medication for social affirmation, elevating the likelihood of addiction.

Genetics

New studies show that genetics is a significant factor[2] in developing an addiction to painkillers. In addition, people with a family history of drug addiction might be more prone to addiction because of their genes, and those with genetic mutations have an even greater chance of becoming addicted. Therefore, it’s crucial to acknowledge and deal with the influence of genetics in preventing and treating addiction.

Overprescription of Painkillers

Medical practitioners frequently prescribe painkillers without adequately evaluating the potential long-term repercussions. This over-prescription inclination, in conjunction with a lack of information regarding the possible side effects of overuse, has decisively contributed to the steady surge in addiction levels.

As painkiller addiction is presently at an epidemic scale nationwide, it is of utmost importance to prioritize responsible utilization through meticulous distribution and monitoring.

What are the Most Common Painkiller Addictions?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Treatment Options for Painkiller Addiction

Managing a dependence on painkillers may seem impossible, but hope and help are within reach. Effective interventions exist to support individuals in their journey toward recovery. Below are several common treatments that can help individuals break the chains of painkiller addiction.

Detoxification

The initial stage of recovery from addiction to painkillers is detoxification. Discontinuing prolonged medication usage may evoke severe withdrawal symptoms. The detoxification procedure can be grueling and arduous, and it is advisable to carry it out under medical supervision.

However, medically guided detoxification is a viable option to ease withdrawal. This treatment method entails utilizing medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and offers emotional sustenance to the patient throughout their detox journey.

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Inpatient Treatment

Incorporating inpatient medication rehabilitation is valuable for treating those struggling with painkiller addiction. Designed specifically for individuals with severe dependencies, this plan entails a comprehensive residency program providing round-the-clock medical supervision in a hospital or rehabilitation treatment center.

Inpatient treatment programs offer numerous benefits by separating patients from the trigger that led to their addiction.

Outpatient Treatment

Individuals with moderate painkiller dependency may opt for outpatient treatment, which entails multiple rehab center visits or clinics. This treatment approach primarily focuses on counseling and developing strategies to prevent relapse. It is less controlled than inpatient treatment and enables patients to continue their everyday routine while receiving therapeutic advantages.

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Counseling and Therapy

In addition to medication-based approaches, personal counseling and behavioral therapy represent valuable avenues for addressing addiction to painkillers. These methods support persons dealing with the emotional and psychological aspects of their dependence on painkillers.

In treatment, individuals work to identify the root cause of their addiction, such as prior trauma or domestic issues. This process enables the person to develop effective coping strategies for situations that may stimulate their desire to use painkillers, ultimately leading to lasting recovery.

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Support Groups

Support groups play a crucial role in the treatment of painkiller addiction. They offer invaluable emotional and social support to individuals struggling with this addiction. These groups consist of people who have experienced addiction and continue to succeed in their recovery journey. This support system prevents individuals from feeling isolated and provides a strong sense of community.

Painkiller Addiction FAQs

What are the health risks associated with painkiller addiction?

The abuse of painkillers poses various life-threatening hazards. These include but are not limited to respiratory depression or failure, kidney or liver damage, gastrointestinal problems, heightened pain sensitivity, compromised immune system, hormonal imbalances, and an elevated likelihood of overdosing or dying.

How does painkiller addiction develop?

The doors to painkiller addiction are often opened with a valid prescription for pain relief. However, as time passes, the body can get accustomed to the medication, necessitating higher doses. With prolonged use, the individual can develop a physical and psychological dependence, leading to addiction irrespective of negative consequences.

Can painkiller addiction be treated?

Treating painkiller addiction through a combination of medical and behavioral therapies is possible. A multifaceted approach may include medically supervised detoxification, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) utilizing methadone or buprenorphine, counseling, and participation in support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous. In light of each person’s unique needs and situation, individualized treatment plans are recommended.

Is painkiller addiction considered a chronic disease?

Painkiller addiction is classified as a chronic ailment due to enduring changes within the brain’s structure and function. Comparable to other persistent conditions like diabetes and heart disease, ongoing management and attention is essential to prevent relapse and uphold recuperation.

What are the long-term effects of painkiller addiction?

Painkiller addiction can have long-term detrimental effects, encompassing physical, psychological, and social consequences. Physically, it may lead to organ damage, chronic pain, and escalated risk of overdose.

Psychologically, it can cause depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. Socially, it may result in damaged relationships, financial hardship, and legal troubles. However, recovery from this addiction is feasible with continuous treatment and support.

Sources

Opioid addiction – statpearls – NCBI bookshelf. (n.d.-j). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448203/ on May 25, 2023

01

Bevilacqua, L., & Goldman, D. (2009, April). Genes and addictions. Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2715956/

02

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (nsaids) – statpearls – NCBI bookshelf. (n.d.-j). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547742/on May 25, 2023