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Physical pain is something that we all have endured at least once in our lifetime, either through injury or surgery. Some pain fades away without any medication. However, some are chronic and may need medication.
To get relief from severe and chronic pain doctors prescribe painkillers which can help individuals manage the discomforts. Unfortunately, painkillers are also one of the most abused drugs and according to American Medical Association (AMA), approximately 3% - 19% of people who take prescribed painkillers develop addiction to them.
What is Painkiller?
In simple terms, painkillers are medicines that help reduce pain which can be caused by various factors such as injuries, inflammation, muscle strain, surgery, kidney stones, and more.
There are different types of painkillers and based on the severity of the pain one experiences, doctors prescribe medications ranging from over-the-counter analgesics like acetaminophen and ibuprofen for mild pain to stronger prescription opioids like oxycodone and morphine for severe pain.
Effects of Painkiller on the Body
Painkillers can impact our bodies in both negative and positive ways. For example, if a person takes a painkiller as per the guidance of a doctor they benefit from its usage.
However, suppose the person exploits the dosage of painkillers or becomes addicted. In that case, these medications can severely affect their body and may lead to conditions such as kidney problems, fluid retention, ulcers, etc.
Short-Term Effects of Painkiller Addiction
Some of the short-term risks of painkillers are: -
Painkiller addiction can lead to severe long-term effects on an individual's physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. Here are some of the significant long-term effects of painkiller addiction:
- Sleepiness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Quivering
- Slowed breathing
- Dry mouth
- Sweating
Long-Term Effect of Painkiller Addiction
- Addiction
- Liver damage
- Respiratory problems
- Hormonal imbalance
- Stomach bleeding
Risks of Painkiller Use
Painkillers are needed sometimes and are quite effective in controlling pain. However, long-term use of painkillers can affect various aspects of life mainly physical, mental and emotional. So, let’s understand how it impacts these three aspects of life.
Physical Risks
Some of the most common physical risks of painkillers are gut troubles, heartburn, and irritation. However, a longer duration of misuse of painkillers can even lead to much more severe physical conditions like heart problems, liver damage, gastrointestinal bleeding, etc.
Mental and Emotional Risks
Long-term usage of opioids can cloud one’s memory, impact thinking ability and can lead to mental conditions like mood swings, anxiety, and depression.
The more the person is dependent on opioids, the more it becomes difficult for them to deal with emotional distress in healthier ways.
How Painkiller Addiction Develops
Addiction to painkillers is also known as opioid use disorder, and it develops through factors that affect the brain, behaviour, and environment. It starts as a legitimate pain reliever, prescribed by doctors to manage discomfort.
These drugs block the pain signal to the brain, producing a sense of euphoria. However, the more one takes these medications, the more the brain adjusts, leading to higher tolerance; compelling the person to take a higher dosage to get the same pain relief or pleasure.
This is when the body starts relying on drugs to function normally and if the person stops taking it, he or she may experience withdrawal symptoms.
How is Painkiller Addiction Diagnosed
Diagnosing opioid use disorder involves multi-stage approaches and generally involves a detailed medical history, wherein the doctor gathers the person's medical history such as pain symptoms, type of medication the person using, duration, previous history of substance use, or any other related history.
This is followed by a physical examination, where the doctor looks for certain signs and symptoms which can give indications of physical dependence or withdrawal symptoms.
Psychological evaluation is also an important part of painkiller diagnosis. This evaluation is conducted to understand one’s mental health condition and to identify factors contributing to addiction. The psychological evaluation involves questionnaires and clinical interviews.
When to Seek Help for Painkiller Addiction?
Overuse of painkillers manifests in the body in different ways and these symptoms are indications that one needs immediate professional intervention to prevent further deterioration of the condition. Here are a few signs and symptoms that help one recognise the need for urgent medical attention.
- Taking a higher dosage of painkiller
- Taking painkillers for pleasure
- Experience withdrawal symptoms
- Isolation from family and friends
- Avoiding Responsibility
- Change is physical appearance
- Strong craving for painkillers
- Unable to function normally without painkillers
Treatment Options for Painkiller Addiction
Opioid use disorder or painkiller addiction is a chronic condition that can affect and make changes in the brain. Fortunately, there are treatments that can aid individuals in breaking the cycle of painkiller addiction.
Detoxification
Generally, detox is considered as the first stage of the treatment where the professionals clear the painkiller residue from the body and manage withdrawal symptoms. The process is done under strict supervision.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Also called MAT, it is a method wherein professionals use medications to control withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Naltrexone are some of the medications used under MAT.
Counselling and Behavioural Therapies
During counselling and behavioural therapies, individuals struggling with addiction learn various coping strategies to manage cravings and triggers. Cognitive behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing, family therapy, support groups, and contingency management are some of the methods used in this category.
What Type of Doctors Can Treat Painkiller Addiction?
Based on specific needs, goals, and resources, different types of doctors can help with painkiller addiction. Some of the common options are: -
Psychiatrists and addiction Psychiatrists are categories of doctors who focus on evaluating, diagnosing, and treating people with mental health disorders and mental conditions associated with substance abuse. They can also provide diagnostic assessments and treatment plans.
Addiction Medicine Specialists are certified physicians specialised in the prevention, screening, intervention, and treatment of people who are addicted to various forms of addiction including painkiller addiction.
Psychologists and Counselors, though not medical doctors, these professionals play an important role in treating people with addictions. They use various strategies to determine factors contributing to addiction.
They also employ different types of evidence-based therapies such as CBT, MI, family therapy, etc., to treat people with addiction.
What are the Effects of Painkiller Withdrawal?
Painkillers are beneficial in treating pain; however, using them for a longer time makes the body tolerant to their effect, leading to increased dependence on opioids.
If the same person decides to stop taking them, his or her body reacts to this change in the form of withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms usually begin within the first 24 hours and may be evident as: -
- Restlessness
- Muscle aches
- Vomiting and nausea
- Blurry vision
- Rapid heartbeat
- High blood pressure
How Cadabam’s Rehabilitation Center Can Help
As the country's first de-addiction center with over 30 years of experience helping thousands overcome addiction, Cadabam's can be a perfect choice to begin your journey to sobriety.
At our state-of-the-art painkiller rehab centre, we offer a pool of experienced professionals, cutting-edge infrastructure, and evidence-backed treatment programs that ensure the best recovery experience for individuals with addiction issues.
If you are searching for a solution to your problem, Cadabams Anunitha’s De-Addiction Centre can help you with its team of specialised experts. We have been helping thousands of people live healthier and happier lives for 30+ years. We leverage evidence-based approaches and holistic treatment methods to help individuals effectively manage painkiller addiction. Get in touch with us today. You can call us at +91 96111 94949.