The misuse of narcotics can very well lead to having a pain medication addiction. It is likely that an individual will develop a substance abuse disorder from the constant perversion of prescription pain killers.
Addiction to pain medication is one of the main causes of the Opioid Overdose Crisis that is still a huge problem in the world today. Approximately 21-29% of patients misuse their prescribed opioids, according to data from 2018.
Continue reading to learn which of these drugs might put you at risk to become addicted after taking prescription pain killers.
What Is Pain Medication Addiction?
Pain medication addiction is the result of misusing prescribed painkillers for an extended period of time. Pain medication like this changes the brain’s response to pain. Addiction to pain medication can happen after just one use.
The line gets crossed between use and misuse when you find yourself taking more than prescribed, you take someone else’s medication, or you’re preoccupied with taking it to get high.
It is likely that suddenly stopping the misuse may lead to withdrawal symptoms. It is important to follow a complete guide like this one when ready to wean yourself off of the medications.
1. Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a pain medication that is stronger than even morphine. It has a similar chemical composition to heroin and produces a high when used improperly. Patients who become addicted to Fentanyl will likely turn to heroin as it is cheaper and easier to obtain.
2. Oxycodone
OxyContin, Percocet, and Percodan are all types of oxycodone that are prescribed as a pain medication. OxyContin is merely oxycodone while the other two are mixed with acetaminophen (Percocet) and aspirin (Perodan).
3. Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone (Hysingla ER and Zohydro ER) and hydrocodone with acetaminophen (Vicodin), are medications that need to be taken on a schedule, as prescribed by your doctor. They are generally safe to take as long as they are being taken properly.
4. Codeine
Codeine, or a mixture of codeine and acetaminophen (Tylenol #3), is another medication that may put you at a higher risk of developing an addiction to painkillers. Codeine also works to change the way that your brain reacts to pain.
5. Meperidine
Meperidine, or Demerol, is commonly used to treat pain. It can also be used before and after a major surgery or procedure. It works in a similar manner to morphine in the sudden onset of pain.
Meperidine is a medication that is given through injections into a vein or muscle. It can also get injected under the skin.
Pain Medication Addiction Treatment
Drug addiction can ruin lives. Usually, drug addiction starts as a means to stop pain after major surgery.
Breaking free from a pain medication addiction will be one of the toughest things that a person may ever go through. The idea of relapse is scary and being able to stay away from their drug of choice is going to be an uphill battle.
Nothing in life worth having is easy to maintain. If you found this post to be useful, check out our other popular posts.
