Chronic pain can be quite distressing. Many people go to the doctor’s office to get help for their ongoing struggle. One of the best ways to combat discomfort is with opioid pain-relieving medications. Unfortunately, these medications are very addictive and can easily be misused. It’s important to know what drugs to use and which ones to avoid should you ever be faced with agonizing pain that won’t go away.
How Do Pain Relievers Becoming Habit-Forming?
While pain can ruin your life, taking a drug that you can become addicted to will do the same. Even if you take a medication as it’s prescribed, you can still quickly develop a habit. When the medications enter the bloodstream, they block pain receptors. Not only does the discomfort subside, but many get a euphoric feeling too. It’s that sensation that people want to experience again and again.
Many are shocked to discover that the misuse of pain medications is the number one form of drug abuse in America. It can happen because a doctor prescribed something too strong, prescribed too much, or prescribed them for too long of a period. Another common factor is that the person had a predisposition to addiction, and they didn’t know the drug would affect them this way.
The Opioid Crisis Intensifies
The number of people addicted to opioids continues to rise. When the doctors stop prescribing, and the supply runs dry, then people turn to the black market to find a compatible solution.
Shockingly, as many as eight out of 12 people that are prescribed an opioid pain reliever will become addicted, and four of those 12 people will use heroin as their drug of choice. Is it any wonder that more than 115 people die each day in this country from drugs? While efforts are in place to reduce the number of opioid prescriptions, the problem has become so out of control that it has little effect.
The Most Addictive Painkillers
As your body adjusts to the medication, you will need more to get the same effects. What was once therapeutic has crossed the lines into an addiction. Many painkillers can become addictive, but here are the top ten:
•OxyContin
•Oxymorphone
•Demerol
•Fentanyl
•Dilaudid
•Hydrocodone
•Percocet
•Codeine
•Morphine
•Methadone
Signs of Addiction
Though these medicines are prescribed for legitimate reasons, they should be used with caution. How do you know if being properly medicated is turning into an addiction, well it can start as simple as not feeling the same benefits from the smaller dose, so you adjust the amount you take to enhance your experience.
If you are taking more than prescribed, then it’s is a significant warning sign. Another thing you may notice is that you feel like you always need to have the drug with you. It becomes a safety net, and you can’t live without it.
You may find yourself calling the doctor’s office asking for more medication because you’ve used more than the allotted amount. Medical centers are very wise to drug-seeking behaviors, and they will stop giving these medications to anyone displaying concerning signs. If you have asked friends or family if they had any opioid prescriptions, or have turned to the black market, then you know the problem is getting out of control.
How long it takes to become addicted to a pain killer? The answer varies depending on the person, the amount their taking, and other genetic factors. However, you can build a tolerance to the drug in as little as eight days. The longer you take the medication and the higher the amount you take can all impact these timelines.
Some folks say they develop an addiction after the first dose, and others can take them for a month or more without issue.
Knowing When To Get Help
If you’ve seen any of these signs, and you use prescription opioids, then you need to get help. You cannot simply stop taking these medications safely. You need the help and support of a medical rehabilitation center that is trained in the detox process from these harsh drugs.
South Florida is the perfect area to get clean. You are surrounded by Mother Nature and the loving care of a staff that knows what you’re going through. Each team member is strategically placed to enhance your visit and help you get better. If you realize that you have an addiction to opioids, and you’re ready to get help, then call today at 844-903-2111. Our support staff is standing by 24/7 waiting for you!
