PainKillers Are Effective, but They Can Also Lead to Addiction

by Fusion 360 Studios Digital Marketing Specialists

Almost all surgeries result in pain during recovery. Due to this, doctors often prescribe different painkillers after a more serious procedure. Painkillers often make a patient more comfortable, but some patients risk being addicted to these drugs, which may eventually land them in drug rehab. It’s important for patients to talk to their doctors about these risks before their surgery and during their recovery.

Not all pain killers put patients at a risk for addiction. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like ibuprofen and aspirin are not addictive. Some patients need stronger painkillers, though. Doctors prescribe opioids like morphine, codeine, fentanyl or oxycodone for acute pain after surgery.

Opioids block pain receptors and can give patients a feeling of euphoria, which is where the risk of addiction comes in. These painkillers are effective, but painkillers frequently cause addiction. Once a patient is addicted to painkillers, he or she might need to look at rehab options. According to a Harvard Medical School study, doctors prescribe opioids ten times as frequently as they did in 1990, and addiction rates have increased accordingly.

During recovery, a patient can experience withdrawal symptoms after he or she stops taking the drug their doctor prescribed. Symptoms of withdrawal from painkillers include flu-like symptoms, excessive sweating, insomnia, depression and anxiety, and joint and muscle aches. These symptoms are normal, and they don’t necessarily mean the patient is addicted.

Patients can develop a tolerance to pain medications two to four weeks after surgery. Once a patient is tolerant to the medication, they might feel like they need more medication, which increases the risk for addiction. Once a patient is tolerant, he or she should stay aware of the symptoms of addiction. Another risk factor for addiction is hyperalgesia, which is when painkillers increase a patient’s sensitivity to pain.

The symptoms of addiction to painkillers include continued use after the pain has ceased, mood or behavior changes, increased dosage without a doctor’s recommendation and more. If a patient experiences these symptoms, he or she might want to discuss rehab options with his or her doctor.

It’s also important that the patient does not stop using the drug immediately after a drug addiction has developed. If a patient goes cold turkey, their withdrawal can become dangerous. Luckily, rehab will help the patient detox and overcome their dependency.

If you or someone you know is addicted to painkillers, you deserve the proper treatment. Feel free to reach out to one of your local drug rehabs that can address your questions and determine the proper path for treatment.

Kathleen Stone is a health writer reporter for Fusion 360, a Content Marketing Agency. Information provided by Miramar Recovery Center.

*Image Credit: Flickr.