How to Avoid Dependence on Painkillers
Dr. Leon Reyfman, MD, is an injury doctor and pain relief specialist. He is recognized as the best-in-class pain specialist in New York with a long history of excellence. Dr. Reyfman is board-certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology in both Anesthesiology and Pain Management. Recognized as 2019 NYC Top Pain Management... more
Your back pain does not go away and simple medicines do not bring relief. The doctor wants to prescribe a strong painkiller which is sold only by prescription, but you have doubts. And you ask yourself, “Can I become addicted to these painkillers?”
Indeed, this kind of addiction is becoming more common. But problems arise in cases where the patient does not take these medications for medical reasons. Dependence on painkillers is increasingly found in adolescents. However, if you take a painkiller as prescribed by a doctor, the likelihood of addiction is very small.
Patients who are prone to some kind of addiction or have relatives suffering from such problems should be especially careful. The likelihood of developing an addiction increases in people suffering from depression, anxiety or loneliness. If you belong to one of these groups, ask your doctor for a less addictive painkiller. In such cases, the doctor will also more closely monitor your condition.
How do painkillers work?
Painkillers (opiates or opium derivatives) block receptors in the brain and spinal cord through which signals that make the person feel pain are transmitted. Opiates not only block pain but also act on pleasure centers in the brain. That is why they cause opiate addiction. If you take an oxycontin pill or give yourself an injection, you cease to be aware of ordinary reality. A large dose of this drug can cause a state of euphoria, as well as serious respiratory distress and even death.
But if painkillers are necessary, the rejection of them can lead to other problems. Severe pain places extra strain on your body and causes hypertension. It can lower your immunity, slow your recovery after an illness, and cause depression or disability.
The safe use of medications
If you take painkillers as prescribed by a doctor, then even prolonged use of the drug will not cause dependence. The body will develop a tolerance to the medication and you will need to sometimes increase the dosage to relieve pain.
Moreover, you should not stop taking painkillers when you feel better. The body is already used to the medication and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms may occur. The doctor will help you stop taking the medicine gradually and correctly.
When taking painkillers you need to:
- Talk to your doctor if your pain medication stops helping. Do not increase the dose without consulting your doctor.
- Take the painkillers as directed. Do not chew or grind the pill before swallowing.
- If you forgot to take the medicine and the time for the next dose has come, just skip it once. Never take a double dose.
- Never use other people's pills.
- Take only medications prescribed by one doctor.
- Do not take painkillers to relieve symptoms of stress, depression, or nervousness.
- Do not take opioids at the same time with alcohol or other pills that have a depressing effect on the nervous system (sleeping pills, sedatives, etc.) This is very dangerous.
What is painkiller dependence?
Dependence means that you cannot refuse to take the medicine, even if you have a desire to stop. Listen to your friends or family members if they say that you are developing an addiction. If you think you have a problem, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. It is much easier to recover from addiction in the early stages.
