Preventing Painkiller Addiction
December 8, 2009
We are all aware of the dangers of cannabis or heroin addiction. However, not many of us know that the seemingly innocuous pain relief medications can also increase the risk of addiction. In recent years, there is gradual rise in prescription drug addiction. If we are a bit cautious while taking pain relief drugs, addiction to these medicines could be easily prevented.
Pain relief medication and addiction risk
Not all types of pain relief medications prescribed by doctors cause addictions. Medicines prescribed for treating chronic pains are usually non-addictive. If you are suffering from back pain, it is unlikely that you will be recommended a medicine that entails addiction risk. Over-the-counter pain relief medications and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are not known to cause addictions. Steroids, usually prescribed for treating inflammation and pain, though non-addictive, should be used according to your physician’s advice. It is the opioid narcotics recommended for treating pain that can increase the risk of addiction. These drugs are usually prescribed for treating acute pains that could not be treated satisfactorily with non-narcotic pain relief medications.
How to prevent pain killer addiction
Since the benefits of opioid narcotic painkillers outweigh their addiction risks, doctors prefer these drugs for treating severe pains. However, you will not be addicted to these drugs only if you follow your doctor’s advice. These medicines are prescribed only for a brief period. These drugs help to reduce the debilitating pain, making the patient fit enough to undergo physical and behavioral therapies to lead a pain free life. The risk of painkiller addiction is greater among a small group of people with chronic pain that does not respond to other medications.
Certain risk factors are also responsible for causing addiction to painkillers. Emotional or psychological problems and stress increase the risk of painkiller addiction. People with a recent history of substance abuse have a greater risk of developing addiction to prescription drugs. Risk of painkiller addiction also depends on how your body reacts to a prescription drug. People who experience a high after taking a prescription painkiller tend to become addicted to it. However, people who experience side effects such as nausea, confusion, dizziness or drowsiness are least likely to overuse these drugs.
Comments
Got something to say? Join the conversation and leave a comment below.