What is a Painkiller Addiction?

Painkiller addiction occurs when someone who is prescribed opioid or narcotic pain medications become physically dependent upon them. Painkillers are also misused by those with addictions to other substances, like heroine or morphine, as they are all in the same drug family and produce similar effects. Painkiller addicts seek a higher amount of the painkiller than they need to control pain, compulsively despite its destructive affects on their body and lives.

What Kind of Painkillers are Most Often Misused?
Opioid drugs that contain either codeine or morphine are more likely to be abused, as both substances are highly addictive. Other prescription drugs that are often misused by addicts include, Xanax, Hydrocodone, Vicodin, Lorcet, Lortab, Oxycodone, OxyContin, Percocet, Percodan, Tylox, Dexedrine, Klonopin, Valium and more.

Is Physical Dependence the Same as Addiction to Painkillers?

No. Those who are dependent upon painkillers may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking the drug. Many non-addictive drugs can cause dependence with regular use. Gradually decreasing the dosage rather than stopping cold turkey usually takes care of the problem.

Symptoms of Addiction to Painkillers

There are a number of symptoms of painkiller addiction. These include:

• Mood swings from extreme belligerence to extreme calm
• Sensitivity to sight and sound
• Hallucinations
• Sleeping for extended periods of time or frenzied periods of activity
• Significant pain when painkillers are not available

Treatment for Addiction to Painkillers

Like all drug addiction, treatment for painkiller addiction starts with a detox off the drug of choice. When done in a treatment center, the detox is typically more successful and less painful than if undertaken without help. Medical treatment may be provided to ease symptoms and moral support helps addicts through the depression.

Both outpatient and inpatient treatment is appropriate for addicts who struggle with painkillers. Those who use painkillers for pain management have an especially high success rate if their medication is properly controlled and changed if necessary.