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Painkiller Addiction is Real

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A recent survey by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) suggests that – globally, 5.6% of people (i.e 275 million) use painkillers/ prescribed opioid/ tranquilizers on a regular basis. The average age of the users is 15-64 years of age.

Also, the World Drug Report suggests that painkillers/ prescribed opioid/ tranquilizers contribute to 76% of the deaths due to drug use. This devastating number is more than the deaths caused by illegal drugs.

How People Develop Painkiller Addiction?

Normally, a person uses painkiller when they have acute pain in their body. When used for a long time, it creates a feeling of euphoria. This intense pleasure develops an increased level of physical and psychological dependency with a higher level of tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. Ultimately, the person finds it difficult to stop consuming the painkiller.

What Are The Possible Signs of Painkiller Addiction

Some of the initial indications of painkiller addiction may include,

  • Heavy dose:

One of the notable symptoms of painkiller addiction is that the person consumes dosage higher than what is prescribed.  

  • Consuming often:

The person consumes the drug irrespective of the body condition. They may not care whether the body is in a condition (irrespective of pain or fever) to accept the drug or not.

  • Avoiding responsibilities

In order to consume the drug, the person may be ready to skip their work/ school/ personal responsibilities.

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  • Lying about the drug  

When people ask them their drug consumption, they tend to lie about it like “I stopped taking the pills” or “I forgot to take painkiller this morning, have to take now.”

  • Preoccupied thoughts

They may have preoccupied thoughts of the drug. Often they speak about the goodness of the drug.

  • Asking prescriptions

The person may ask for the new prescription after the completion of the period. They fake like have the same pain in order to get the medicine back. Sometimes they do seek other sources to get it (illegally or by , stealing).

  • Wanting money

They may frequently ask for money to buy the specific painkiller. In case if they don’t get, they may also engage in stealing behaviours.  

Some Of The Psychological Side Effects Of Painkiller Addiction

  • Mood swings
  • Poor judgement
  • Loss of appetite
  • Behavioural change
  • Sleep issues

Some Of the physical symptoms of painkiller addictions

  • Nausea
  • Seizures
  • Poor breath rate
  • Drowsiness
  • Constipation
  • Pinpoint pupils
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Some of the mental illnesses associated with painkiller addiction include

  • Depression
  • Stress
  • Anxiety disorder
  • Psychosis
  • Bipolar disorder

If you know someone with the symptoms of painkiller addiction, even if you aren’t sure. Seek professional and try to get more information about it. If you are in need of help call us at +91 97414 76476 or visit www.cadabams.org.

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