Understanding Why Painkillers Become So Addictive
Opioid painkillers produce a short-lived euphoria, and they are also highly addictive.
Long-term use of painkillers can lead to physical dependence, where the body adapts to the drug and withdrawal symptoms occur if usage stops. Tolerance can develop, requiring higher doses for the same effect.
Like all drugs, painkillers simply mask the pain for which they are taken. They don’t cure anything. Someone continuously trying to dull the pain may find himself taking higher and higher doses—only to discover that he cannot make it through the day without the drug.
Symptoms of withdrawal can include intense nausea, elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, restlessness, irritability, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes with goose bumps and involuntary leg movements.
One of the serious risks of opioids is respiratory depression—high doses can cause breathing to slow down and possibly stop, leading to death.
Mental & Physiological Effects of Painkillers
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Addiction
- Unconsciousness
- Respiratory depression
- Increased risk of heart attack
- Coma
- Death
How much do you really know about painkillers?
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