Addiction to Pain Pills: Symptoms and Treatment
Familiarizing Yourself with Addiction to Pain Pills
Addiction to pain pills is a serious problem that is plaguing this country. The opioid epidemic has claimed many lives thus far. Painkillers are addictive, they produce short-lived euphoria in the user. If used over a long period of time, tolerance will develop which leads to addiction. If you are struggling with addiction to pain pills, call Drug Treatment Centers Jacksonville at 902-239-3457 to locate a rehab facility.
Over time, the body becomes accustomed to the presence of the opioids. When the individual attempts to cease use abruptly, withdrawal symptoms will begin to manifest. Additionally, if the individual is taking the drug over a long period of time, a tolerance develops and the person needs higher doses in order to achieve the same effects. Painkillers are not the cure to pain. They simply mask the pain.
Painkiller Addiction Symptoms
Symptoms of withdrawal may include muscle and bone pain, diarrhea, restlessness, vomiting, insomnia, cold flashes with goosebumps, and involuntary movements of the legs. Opioids carry with them a serious risk of respiratory depression. If large doses are taken, it is possible for breathing to completely stop and the user can die.
Symptoms vary by the individual. Symptoms vary based upon frequency of abuse, genetics, and length of the addiction. Mood symptoms include euphoria and mood swings. Behavioral symptoms include social isolation, stealing to obtain more pills, lying, and doctor shopping. Psychological symptoms include anxiety, psychosis, depression, and worsening mood states.
Physical symptoms include:
- Death
- Coma
- Constipation
- Vomiting and nausea
- Seizures
- Tiny pupils
- Tolerance
- Sedation
- Respiratory depression
- Slurred speech
- Cardiovascular complications and risk for heart attack
- Flushed and itchy skin
Addiction to Pain Pills
Addiction to pain pills is involuntary. Nobody decides to become an addict. Opiate narcotics stimulate areas of the brain associated with pleasure. When you use these drugs, feelings of happiness and euphoria are experienced. The same feelings that are experienced when you engage in pleasurable activities such as sex, drinking water, and eating. Basically, the functions necessary for sustaining life. These activities stimulate the reward system in the brain and release a neurotransmitter called dopamine.
Because these drugs are prescribed by a physician, people assume they are "safe." Because a doctor prescribes it does not mean it is safe to abuse. Alcohol is a legal substance, it also implicated in many deaths per year. Just because the substance is legal does not mean it is ok to abuse. Something else that is common is mixing substances. People may choose to mix their pin pain pills, with alcohol, for example, to increase the pleasurable feelings.
The effects of prescription painkiller abuse can yield scary consequences. No area of your life is spared. The following are painkiller addiction facts:
- Addiction may lead to homelessness.
- Addiction may lead to social isolation and financial ruin.
- Addiction may lead to overdose, suicidal thoughts, and/or death.
- Addiction may lead to legal issues and/or incarceration.
- Addiction may lead to crumbling relationships and/or joblessness.
- Addiction may lead to inability to quit use on your own.
- Addiction may lead you to have to face to consequences of risky behavior.
Painkiller addiction facts should be taken seriously. Withdrawal symptoms are severe and intense and may include:
- Cold flashes and involuntary leg movements
- Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea
- Restlessness and irritability
- Drug cravings
- Large pupils
- Increased respirations
- Tremors and shaking
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Muscle and bone pain
- Loss of appetite
If you or someone you know is displaying signs of painkiller addiction, seek help immediately.
Sources: