Substance abuse experts assert that 75% of the U.S. population is affected by painkillers in some way, shape, or form. In fact, painkiller addiction tends to increase year after year, with Oxycontin one of the most frequent culprits. Sure, everyone encounters some physical pain now and then, but it is alarming that so many people take a prescription pill designed to help them, yet get addicted so easily.
How painkillers work
Pain pills come from a class of drugs known as opiates and essentially they have an effect on the central nervous system and brain. When you take a painkiller, instead of your brain getting a signal of the pain, the painkiller blocks the opioid receptors that usually tell the body there is pain, and instead of pain, you get a feeling of euphoria. What happens much of the time is that a tolerance to the medicine develops and people have to take more in order to reach the same effect, which can lead to a serious addiction. Additionally, there are people who simply like the euphoric feeling, so they begin taking pain pills for recreation.
How do you know if you’re addicted?
There are certain signs and symptoms if you are addicted to pain pills.
• Taking the pills more often than prescribed
• Continuing to take the pain pills even when the pain has subsided
• Seeing various doctors in order to get more pain pills
• Getting agitated or angry when you run out of pain pills
• Isolating from family and friends
• Getting defensive when someone asks you about your drug use
• Stealing pain pills from other people
• Experiencing blackouts
• Taking pain pills to cope with life’s stressful issues
What are the side effects of taking pain pills?
There are always side effects to taking medications and pain pills are no exception. Here are some side effects of such:
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
The extreme side effects can include loss of consciousness, coma, seizures, and death.
Overdose
Overdose is certainly possible with painkillers, as heart failure can occur with certain doses. It is important to understand that pain pills can be harmful and fatal when used outside of the doctor’s recommendations. Most people who overdose don’t want to, as it simply happens unintentionally. It is highly important that if you have an addiction to pain pills reach out for help as soon as possible.
There are plenty of options available to help wean you from your addiction and get you on the road to recovery. You can choose from detox and rehab centers, substance abuse professionals, 12-step groups, and more to get clean and sober from pain pills. Make a commitment to reach out for help and live a life free from addiction. The time and effort will be well worth it, as you will be able to get to a place in which you can live happily and freely.
