Painkiller Addiction and Rehabilitation

Painkiller Addiction Rehab Header
Last Edited: December 4, 2020
Author
Patricia Howard, LMFT, CADC
Clinically Reviewed
Mark Frey, LPCC, LICDC, NCC
All of the information on this page has been reviewed and certified by an addiction professional.

Dangers of Painkiller Abuse

Painkillers are the most commonly abused prescription drugs. There are several types of painkillers, but the most effective ones are part of the Opioid pain reliever family, and require a prescription to obtain. These painkillers are derived from Opium and are extremely addictive, both physically and psychologically. Many painkillers, opioids specifically work by affect the cerebral Opioid receptor system.

The painkillers’ tendency to cause addiction is thought to be due to their effect on the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is associated with pleasure and reward. Other prescription painkillers work in a variety of ways, often with an effect on a combination of neurotransmitters including Serotonin, Norepinephrine, Dopamine and others. Some Opioid painkillers contain different substances, such as Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen, which are non-addictive painkillers.

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All prescription painkillers are addictive and have great potential for abuse, addiction and overdose. If a doctor must prescribe a painkiller, there are strict guidelines that must be followed.

Street Names for Painkillers

There are a multitude of Painkillers your loved one could be abusing. If you are curious to what drug it is he or she is abusing, here are some street names for the most commonly abused Painkillers:

  • Vikes
  • Cotton
  • Blues
  • Percs

Effects of Painkillers

Signs and symptoms of prescription painkiller addiction is varied and numerous. Noticeable symptoms may include: insomnia, sweating, slurred speech, weakness, low energy, mood changes and irritability.

Any display of withdrawal symptoms indicates a problem, however if the person has been taking the drug for a prolonged period of time, then he or she will most likely be physically dependent. At this point the user may be displaying these behaviors to feel normal.

Another sign of a problem can include visiting different doctors for more prescriptions, as the person will need an increasing amount and would naturally run out too quickly. If someone you know is abusing Painkillers, he or she might start buying them off the streets surrounded by dangerous people.

Warning signs of Painkiller abuse in a loved one

There are many different types of Prescription Painkillers your loved one may be abusing. A few of common one’s are: Percocet, Oxycodone, Morphine and Fentanyl. All Painkillers will have similar effects, because they are Opioid drugs. Although some Painkillers are stronger than others a tolerance to the drug can occur, increasing the risk of an overdose. If you are worried about a loved one abusing Painkillers, here are some common signs:

One of the more common signs of a problem is if your loved one has a prescription and is lying about the frequency and rate it is being taken. If he or she were taking the drug as prescribed there would be no need to conceal the amount that is being taken.

If your loved one does not have a prescription for Painkiller’s, then there is a possibility that your loved one is buying them on the streets. If you notice cash, jewelry or electronics missing, it may be your loved one trying to support his or her habit.

Another clear sign of Painkiller abuse is a lack of motivation. Your loved one may end up losing his or her job or drop out of school because the only thing that is important to him or her is getting high, and may only leave their room to get more drugs.

Factual Dangers: Painkillers

Painkillers are some of the most abused substances in the world. Abuse can begin by getting into an accident and being prescribed a Painkiller, but instead of quitting, one would go back to get more. Also, you or a loved one could be introduced to Painkillers by a friend to relieve stress. Regardless of how it starts, the same signs of a Painkiller addiction will be present. Here are some of the most common signs of Painkiller addiction:

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