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.
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.
One of the notable symptoms of painkiller addiction is that the person consumes dosage higher than what is prescribed.
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.
In order to consume the drug, the person may be ready to skip their work/ school/ personal responsibilities.
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.”
They may have preoccupied thoughts of the drug. Often they speak about the goodness of the drug.
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).
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.
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
