Painkiller addiction occurs to some individuals taking prescription painkillers but does not occur to others. What exactly causes painkiller addiction to occur when it does? Why isn’t it the same for everyone?
How Does Painkiller Addiction Begin?
Prescription painkillers can quickly become addictive due to their chemical makeup as well as for the effects they have on clients who take them. It’s important to note that these drugs are very important and very useful to individuals who are truly in need of them. Painkillers and other drugs should always be taken as specifically directed by a physician. Clients who take painkillers other than the way they were prescribed – such as higher doses, higher frequencies or alternative ways of ingesting them – are at high risk for developing painkiller addiction. Individuals with histories of substance abuse are also at high risk for developing painkiller addiction, as well as clients with other addictions.
The chemical risk for dependency and addiction varies between each type of painkiller, but the most addictive painkillers are from the opiate family. Opiates are in the same family of drugs as heroin. These painkillers must be taken exactly as directed, as they pose many of the same dangers as heroin if taken incorrectly or abused including a serious addiction.
Signs of a Possible Painkiller Addiction
Here are some signs that you or someone you know may have a painkiller addiction.
- Taking more and more painkillers due to a growing tolerance
- Not being able to stop taking painkillers
- Continuing to take painkillers even though they are affecting you badly (health, mental health, et al.)
- Hiding your painkiller use and frequency
- Going to different clinics or doctors to source more painkillers than your prescription allows for
- Having serious withdrawal symptoms when you don’t take your painkillers
- Painkillers are affecting your relationships
- Painkillers have become the focus of your life
Painkiller Addiction: A Growing Epidemic
Due to the fact that painkillers are legally prescribed medications, many individuals are unaware of the risks associated with them and decide to take them in ways not recommended by physicians opening up the risk of painkiller addiction. Addiction to prescription medications such as painkillers is rising each year and becoming something of an epidemic. Female clients are most at risk for painkiller addiction for various reasons, such as the tendency for women to be more aware of the inner workings of the medical health care system. With treatment, painkiller addiction can be overcome.
If you or a woman you love is having problems with drug abuse, alcohol dependency and mental illness, women’s drug rehab may be the answer. Remember that recovery from addiction and alcohol abuse treatment means learning how to cope with intensely emotional situations, and identifying when you need help and support. Treatment for addiction relapse, counseling, and aftercare can help you do this, so please call us today. Destination Hope is a full service addiction and women’s health treatment facility in Florida for women who suffer from substance abuse and behavioral health issues.
