Painkiller Addiction - Treatment, Symptoms and Causes

Addiction to Prescription Painkillers is increasing among the individuals in the country. Painkillers like OxyContin and Vicodin are prescribed by physicians to reduce chronic pain in the individuals following surgery or injury. These painkillers don’t cure the pain but only serve as a means to alleviate the pain. Sometimes individuals continuously take the medications and become physically addicted till they no longer can resist them. These drugs stimulate the sensations of the brain and give the individuals a sense of euphoria which they crave for.

Though painkillers are prescribed by doctors, they are only safe if taken according to prescriptions and not abused. Abuse of the drugs makes the person totally dependent on them and then there is a crave to take more drugs. Taking the drugs regularly makes one tolerant to the them which causes the person to take more amounts of the drug to achieve the desired effect. This increased intake turns into an addiction and affects the person psychologically and physically. The work and family life is affected and the person can no longer resist its desire. The only way to overcome the abuse is with the help of medication and counselling.

There is no one identifiable cause of painkiller addiction. Painkiller addiction is caused by many factors. Researchers have found certain factors to be the causes of addiction in individuals:

• Genetic- Your genes can play an important role in telling if you are going to abuse drugs later in life. If one of your family members is undergoing drug addiction there are higher chances you can suffer from addiction too.

• Environment- The environment can too play a major role in drug addiction. Social and Economic factors play a major role. If you brought up in a high-risk family then you are more likely to develop an addiction later in life.

• Brain Chemicals- Painkillers increase the dopamine in the brain which causes increased pleasure while doing certain activities like eating food. This rush causes increased craving for the drug

• Negative Emotions – Painkillers can also be taken to combat negative emotions like depression and low mood.

The symptoms are depended on the type of painkiller used. Some of the symptoms associated with painkiller addiction are as follows-

Behavioural Symptoms

• You take more drugs than needed

• You lie to your family members

• You are socially isolated from family and friends

• Visiting multiple doctors to obtain more drugs

• Avoiding enjoying hobbies and neglecting work

• Stealing medications from others

Psychological Symptoms

• Depression or Anxiety

• Mood Swings

Physical Symptoms

• Slurring Speech

• Itching skin

• Constipation

• Muscle Aches and Stiffness

• Dilated and Enlarged Pupils that appear black and oversensitive to light

• Nausea and Vomiting

• Heart-related issues like cardiac arrest which may lead to death

Cognitive Symptoms

• Euphoria

• Confusion

Recovery of substance abuse can be done by medication and therapy. The treatment includes a physical examination to assess your health and to check any diseases. A rehab center can help you to overcome your addiction. There are two types of rehab centers: an in-patient rehab and an outpatient rehab. In an in-patient rehab, the user is moved to a rehab center and provided with an environment which causes him to reduce his intake till he completely stops it. An outpatient rehab is better suited for those who want to stay with their families and friends while being monitored by trained professionals. Counselling can also help the addict to learn how to cope with his addiction and lead a better life. The recovery to drug abuse requires time since it is a long-term process. Certain medications like Methadone can help eliminate the symptoms of drug abuse by acting the same way as narcotic drugs but not causing withdrawal symptoms and euphoria.

Following directions: The patient should always follow the prescriptions given by doctors and take the appropriate dose. One should not take more dosage than needed and should consult a pharmacist if one wants to change their medicines.

Understanding an addiction: There are certain signs that can lead to a full blown addiction like patients taking multiple prescriptions or stealing medicines from friends or family. A doctor should look into these signs and alert the patient about the misuse.

Find alternatives: A person should look for other alternative to painkillers to reduce the pain he is experiencing. There may be other medications or therapy that can help the person.

Counselling: A rehab center can help a person to overcome his addiction. Their centers have environments where a person can learn to resist the addictions.

Withdrawal occurs once the addict completely stops the drug intake. The withdrawal symptoms can be mild to severe. The symptoms can be physical as well as psychological in nature. The symptoms can be depended on whether the withdrawal was early or later or the type of drug used. The symptoms can occur for several months after the drug intake is stopped. The withdrawal symptoms can also depend on how much dosage of the drugs was taken and for how long.

The physical symptoms can include the following

• Fatigue

• Nausea and Vomiting

• Running nose

• Increased craving for the drug.

• Muscle Aches

• Sweating

The psychological symptoms can include the following

• Depression or Anxiety

• Irritability

• Confusion

• Agitation

Painkiller withdrawal can be difficult and it is necessary to always seek the advice of trained professionals.