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Painkiller addiction: 7 Myths

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We have often heard of international celebrities dying of drug overdose or joining a rehab center to fight medicine addiction. It has ruined many a careers. However, there are few misconceptions associated with painkiller abuse in the country. And these can be extremely dangerous for those fighting against killer pain.

Certain myths surrounding painkillers may surprise you. We bust seven such myths that can leave you baffled.

1. Myth: Withdrawal symptoms on quitting or need for higher dose means addiction

Reality: That might sound like addiction, but it’s not how doctors and specialists see it.

Anybody can become tolerant or dependent to a medication but that does not mean that they are addicted. Needing higher doses or experiencing withdrawal symptoms is more of physical dependence, which is different from addiction. Addiction is compulsive and continued use of a harmful substance. Those who are addicted not only let this addiction interfere with their daily life but spend most of their time thinking about it.

Withdrawal symptoms such as acute pain could be due to adverse consequences in daily functioning, mood, sleep, overall quality of life, energy level, relationships. Sometimes when people stop taking a medication without consulting their physician, it can lead to unlikely symptoms.

2. Myth: Addiction is common if pain drugs are taken for an extended period of time

Reality: A vast majority of people use prescribed medication without developing addiction.

Addiction can be prevented by caring for your pain with responsible management. It’s incorrect to increase the dosage without consultation or even consuming medication prescribed by different physicians at the same time, without discussing other doses. You are addicted if you keep using a medication despite it causing problems. So try to diagnose early addiction signs.

3. Myth: As many elude addiction to painkillers, it means it’s safe to use them at leisure

Reality: You need to use prescription painkillers (and any other drug) as advised. It’s not something patients should meddle with.

Painkillers can make you addicted so be careful with them. It is also important to take your physician in confidence before altering your dose. You may feel that you need a higher dose, but never decide that in isolation.

4. Myth: Bearing pain is better than risking addiction

Reality: There are a set of people who under the risk of getting addicted completely banish the use of painkillers. And they keep suffering in the process. If you are suffering from pain, talk to your doctor and also discuss about your fears.

Don’t cause yourself needless suffering when your pain can be managed. Not dealing with pain can also have repercussions.

5. Myth: Top priority is easing pain, rest can be handled later

Reality: Pain relief is a key, but it’s not the only goal.

While pain relief is important, it’s not the only issue that needs action. Restoring function is equally important, lack of which can indicate a serious issue and might need to change the dose instead of overdoing it.

6. Myth: If you’re strong willed, you won’t get addicted

Reality: Addiction isn’t about willpower, and it’s not a moral failure either. It’s a chronic disease, and some people are genetically more vulnerable than others.

The main risk factor for addiction is genetic predisposition. Your genetic history can make you a potential victim of addiction so you should be extremely careful about using painkillers for an extended period of time.

7. Myth: The physician will ensure you don’t get addicted

Reality: Doctors certainly don’t want their patients to get addicted, but they may lack knowledge for handling painkiller addiction.

Know that not every doctor can spot painkiller addiction as they are not trained in that field. Hence, it is best for patients to educate themselves and team up with their doctor on a proper and safe plan for pain management.

At least 80 % of painkiller overdoses are actually caused by drug mixing. Having chronic medical problems-which includes chronic pain does not increase risk of addiction.

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