The Complete Guide to Painkillers Addiction: Effects and Solutions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

• Anxiety and depression

• Avoiding Responsibility

• Change is physical appearance

• Strong craving for painkillers

• Unable to function normally without painkillers

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.

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.

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: -

• Anxiety

• Unable to sleep

• Restlessness

• Muscle aches

• Vomiting and nausea

• Blurry vision

• Rapid heartbeat

• High blood pressure