Can I Get Addicted to My Prescription Painkillers?

Prescription painkillers, particularly opioids like oxycodone and tramadol, carry a significant risk of addiction, even when used as directed. The potential for developing substance use disorder (SUD) is real, with signs of painkiller abuse manifesting through behavioral changes, physical symptoms, and emotional instability.

Prescription opioids can lead to opioid use disorder (OUD), contributing to high rates of overdose and fatalities. In 2012 alone, 259 million opioid painkiller prescriptions were written by doctors in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Understanding the mechanisms of addiction, including physical dependence and withdrawal, is crucial for recognizing these risks. Treatment options for those struggling with addiction include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and self-help programs. Awareness of these issues is essential for safe medication practices and effective pain management.

Is It Possible to Become Addicted to Prescription Pain Medication?

Yes, it is possible to become addicted to prescription pain medications. Prescription opioids, even when used as directed, can lead to substance use disorder and potentially result in addiction and overdose, even after short-term use. Commonly prescribed opioids include oxycodone. Tramadol, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is also a pain relief medication that can lead to addiction. It’s crucial to follow the prescribed dosage and dispose of unused medication safely.

What Are the Painkiller Abuse Signs?

Painkiller abuse can manifest through various behavioral, physical, emotional, and social changes. Recognizing these signs is crucial for early intervention and support.

Here are all the signs of painkiller abuse:

• Behavioral Changes: Increased drug-seeking behavior, social withdrawal.
• Physical Symptoms: Tolerance and withdrawal, changes in physical appearance.
• Emotional and Mental Health Issues: Mood swings, cognitive impairment.
• Risky Behaviors: Using drugs in dangerous ways, obtaining drugs illegally.
• Impact on Daily Life: Neglecting responsibilities, legal issues.
• Physical Health Consequences: Respiratory problems, liver damage, increased overdose risk.

Why Are Prescription Painkillers Such as Opioids Dangerous?

Prescription painkillers, such as opioids, are dangerous due to their potential for addiction, the significant risk of overdose and death associated with their use, and the possibility of leading to opioid use disorder (OUD), which develops along a continuum of opioid use. According to Connors, N. J’s 2021 study, “Relative Addictive Potential of Opioid Analgesic Agents,” opioid overdoses and fatalities continue to be a major public health issue in the USA, with many cases linked to prescribed opioid analgesics.

Different opioids have varying levels of addictive potential; for example, oxycodone is the most widely abused opioid and is known to lead to chronic use due to its high likability among users. Other opioids, such as fentanyl and hydromorphone, can rapidly penetrate the central nervous system (CNS) due to their lipophilic nature, further increasing the risk of misuse.

Physical dependence on opioids can occur rapidly due to changes in mu-opioid receptors, leading to receptor desensitization, internalization, and signaling abnormalities. This physical dependence results in withdrawal symptoms when opioids are suddenly discontinued, creating both positive (relief from pain) and negative (avoidance of withdrawal) reinforcement for continued use.

Patients may meet the criteria for OUD when their opioid use causes significant impairment or distress, often characterized by an inability to control use and intense cravings. These factors contribute to the risk of addiction and underscore the dangers associated with prescription painkillers. The opioids most commonly associated with overdose deaths include methadone, oxycodone (such as OxyContin), and hydrocodone (also referred to as Vicodin). It is crucial to recognize the dangers of painkillers because, since they are often prescribed by medical professionals, many people assume they are not harmful or that addiction cannot occur.

What is Opiod use disorder (OUD)?

Opioid use disorder (OUD) involves a problematic pattern of using opioid drugs that leads to significant impairment or distress. This condition includes symptoms such as cravings, inability to control use, and continued use despite negative consequences. For example, a person with OUD may find it difficult to stop taking prescription painkillers even when they no longer need them.

Opioid use disorder (OUD) can vary from dependence on opioids to full-blown addiction. According to Dydyk, A. M’s 2024 study, ‘Opioid Use Disorder’, OUD affects over 16 million people globally and more than 2.1 million in the United States. The number of people using opioids regularly is similar to those diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, psoriatic arthritis, and epilepsy in the U.S. Each year, opioids are linked to over 120,000 deaths worldwide.

How to Know If You’re Addicted

Sometimes it’s hard to know when you’ve developed an addiction, especially to a drug that you’re supposed to be taking according to your doctor’s recommendations. Addiction can control our brains in more than one way and requires a combination of professional services to treat, from detox to behavioral therapies.

Our team has compiled a list of red flags – if any of the following warning signs sound familiar to you, it’s possible you have an opioid addiction and should consider getting help as soon as possible:

• You’re spending more time alone and avoiding loved ones
• You’re losing interest in hobbies and activities you once loved
• You’re taking more of your painkillers than prescribed to achieve the same pleasurable feelings as before
• You’re doctor shopping, or attempting to get prescriptions for opioids from several doctors
• You’re stealing or lying to get opioid painkillers
• Your schedule has become erratic
• You’re eating more or less than usual
• You’re sleeping at odd hours or experiencing insomnia
• You rely on your painkillers to get you through the day or through difficult situations

If you discover you’re addicted to your painkillers, you may feel tempted to immediately quit using the drug and dispose of it. However, withdrawal from opioids can be challenging and even just as dangerous as addiction, especially if you’re trying to quit cold turkey. Opioid withdrawal symptoms can last up to 10 days and include intense cravings, abdominal pain, vomiting, and tremors.

What Are Some Potential Treatment Options For Prescription Pain Killer Addiction?

Treatment options for prescription painkiller addiction such as opioids include medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with methadone or buprenorphine to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, and naltrexone to block opioid effects and support abstinence. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and group therapy provide psychological support, while self-help programs like Narcotics Anonymous encourage peer engagement in recovery.

According to Dydyk, A. M’s 2024 study, ‘Opioid Use Disorder’, here are the potential treatment options:

• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): MAT is a comprehensive approach that combines medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone with counseling and behavioral therapies to effectively treat opioid use disorder and support recovery.
  Common medication used in treatment are:
• Methadone: A long-acting oral mu-receptor agonist used in opioid replacement therapy, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
• Buprenorphine: A partial mu-receptor agonist available in various forms (sublingual, transdermal, etc.) that helps manage withdrawal and cravings.
• Naltrexone: An opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids and helps maintain abstinence; available in oral and intramuscular forms.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a psychological approach that helps patients change their thought patterns and behaviors related to drug use, minimizing the risk of relapse.
• Group Therapy: Group therapy rovides support and accountability through shared experiences, promoting self-control and cost-effective treatment.
• Self-Help Programs: Community-based initiatives, such as Narcotics Anonymous, that promote peer support and shared recovery experiences to help individuals overcome addiction.
• Education and Motivational Enhancement: Involves educating patients about the effects of opioids and motivating them to change their behaviors.
• Physical Therapy and Nonopioid Pain Management: Alternatives to opioids for managing pain, helping to reduce reliance on opioid medications.

Call Us for Opioid Rehab in Las Vegas

The Nestled Recovery Center knows that painkillers can be just as addictive and dangerous as illegal substances, which is why one of our drug treatment programs specifically treats opioid and opiate drug addiction. Our medical staff offers 24/7 service so we can monitor your withdrawal symptoms when you check into our detox program and help you begin your recovery in a safe and comfortable environment.

Our goal as a facility is to give you the personalized treatment you need, as no two addictions are alike. Thanks to our 10-resident cap, our facility is intimate, private, and gives you the space you need to reflect and think about the future you want. Life without opioids is possible with us.

Call (702) 299-6406 to reach a caring professional at The Nestled Recovery Center who can get you the help you need for your drug addiction, or fill out our online form. We have specific treatments for individuals battling opioid addiction and can help you manage your withdrawal symptoms.