Painkillers are a category of semisynthetic and natural substances made up of the opium poppy plant. These painkillers are typically used to treat acute and chronic pain for legitimate medical purposes. However, sometimes painkiller addiction occurs in some people.
The term “painkiller” refers to various substances, including all legal prescription drugs and illegal Class A drugs, including heroin.
Painkiller Addiction
The use of each substance depends on the type of painkiller. The patient can smoke, inject, snort or swallow in the form of a tablet. When a person takes a painkiller, it interacts with the brain receptors that are associated with the feelings of reward, pleasure, and pain.
As a result of this interaction with the brain receptors, the person experiences mood elevation, relaxed euphoria, and pain alleviation effects that can be greatly addictive to some people.
Furthermore, the receptors that are triggered by the painkillers are present in the brain cells that also control various automatic functions such as respiration and heartbeat. If a person does not take the appropriate medication dosage, the results can be dangerous and even deadly.
The prescription drugs most often addictive include opioid painkillers, sedatives and stimulants, and anti-anxiety medications.
Painkiller addiction can create havoc in your life, including your performance at work, your relationship with your loved ones, and your general health and wellbeing. Therefore, it is essential to know the signs and symptoms of addiction and ask for help and support as soon as possible.
Signs And Symptoms Of Opioid Painkillers Addiction
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Confusion
- Slow breathing rate
- Feeling high (euphoria)
- Drowsiness
- Poor coordination
- Increase in dose for pain relief
- Increased or worsening sensitivity with higher doses (hyperalgesia)
Signs And Symptoms Of Sedatives And Stimulants
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Feeling high
- Increased alertness
- Irregular heartbeat
- High body temperature
- High blood pressure
- Reduced appetite
- Insomnia
- Paranoia
Signs And Symptoms Of Anti-Anxiety Medications
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Problems with memory
- Poor concentration
- Slurred speech
- Slowed breathing
- Unsteady walking
Risk Factors
Some people feel that they can become addicted to painkillers prescribed, particularly after surgery. But this is not always true. You can reduce your risk of becoming addicted to painkillers by following your doctor’s instructions on how to take medicine.
Moreover, prescription drug addiction can occur at any age, but it is most common in young adults and teens. Thus, risk factors for prescription painkiller addiction include:
- Present or past addictions to other substances such as tobacco and alcohol.
- Certain pre-existing mental conditions.
- Family history of drug addiction or substance use.
- Exposure to a social environment or peer pressure where there is abundant drug use.
- Lack of information about prescription painkillers and their potential harm.
What To Do?
If you recognize that you or your loved ones have such signs and symptoms, your first step should be to ask a doctor for help. Even if you are not sure whether it is an addiction, you need to see your doctor and get more information.
It is easy to misuse your prescribed painkiller even when you try not to do so. So, you need to be honest with your physician and talk freely about your signs and symptoms. Then, the physician can refer you to an addiction specialist or a treatment center.
Remember, it is easy to tackle the problem early before it becomes an addiction and wreak more-serious consequences.
