We’ve written a lot about the opioid crisis as a broad societal trend. But today we’ll be taking a look at the effect that prescription painkillers have on individuals, why they are so addictive, and why prescriptions for painkillers so often lead sufferers into addiction. As lawsuits are being settled for hundreds of millions of dollars, it’s clear that pharmaceutical companies have irresponsibly pushed addictive painkillers into thousands of medicine cabinets around the world. But opioid analgesics are still widely used because of their efficacy, and if you’re recovering from surgery or dealing with a crippling case of chronic pain, you’ll need advice on avoiding the prescription trap.
Why Are They Addictive, And Why Do We Use Them?
Opioids are extremely effective painkillers. They trigger your brain’s release of endorphins, chemicals that cause pleasure and euphoria. This property to mute your pain and induce feelings of well-being can be a powerful tool, particularly for those recovering from surgery who need rest and sleep in order to regain their health. But the very qualities that make opioids an effective painkiller also make them intensely addictive, as they rewire your brain’s capacity to produce pleasure. When the pill’s effects wear off, your sense of well-being will transform into renewed pain, and a craving for the sensations the opioid provided will set in.
As the medical establishment has come to recognize the horrifying dangers of opioid addiction, doctors are no longer advised to prescribe them for chronic pain, except in extreme cases. When used over long periods, the risks of abuse, dependence, overdose and addiction are simply too great. These days, opioids should only be prescribed for acute pain (surgery, broken bones), for those undergoing cancer treatment, and for the terminally ill. If you suffer from a condition that causes chronic pain, we would strongly recommend trying any and all alternative medications and therapies available before turning to opioids.
If I Need Opioids, How Can I Avoid Dependence?
According to experts, there are some precautions you can take to avoid prescription drug dependence. A prudent first step is ensuring that you are taking the minimum dose necessary for the shortest time possible. Acute pain usually only requires drugs as powerful as these for a few days, and the less you use these substances, the less likely you are to develop a dependence.
Many caregivers are also now requiring patients to submit to an opioid therapy agreement. These are contracts that are usually made with physicians, but it can be helpful to commit to them with loved ones as well. According to the Mayo Clinic, a typical contract will include an agreement to:
- use opioids only as prescribed and to obtain painkillers from only one physician and one pharmacy…
- acknowledge that you won’t receive additional medication… even if your medication is lost or stolen.
- You may be asked to submit to periodic urine tests and pill counts.
- You’ll agree to maintain all aspects of your treatment plan — such as physical therapy or behavioral medicine — and to keep all scheduled follow-up appointments.
These contracts are helpful because a pledge commits the user to honesty. It will allow you to recognize when you are breaking rules and promises, and let you catch on quickly to the changes your medications are creating in your behavior and personality. One of the keys to living a happy, healthy life is honesty, and a therapy agreement will help you maintain your personal sense of integrity.
How Do I Stop Using Painkillers?
You’ve reached the point where you no longer need your prescription medication, or you’ve realized that you’ve been abusing your pain pills and are committed to ending the cycle of dependence. That’s wonderful! But remember that most physicians would recommend that you don’t just flush all of your pills down the toilet or try to stop cold turkey. It’s recommended that you seek professional guidance and slowly taper your use of opioids in order to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms and side-effects. As the Mayo Clinic notes, attempting to quit cold turkey is “a recipe for failure and puts you at risk of serious health consequences.”
There is some good news here. Because of the higher tolerances and side-effects associated with long-term opioid use, these pills are actually ineffective painkillers over the long term. As scientists at Canada’s National Pain Center discovered, “many people who try a gradual taper to lower doses, report less pain, and better mood, function and overall quality of life. Sometimes, it is only after such a taper that patients appreciate how opioids were not helping.”
Dealing With Addiction
If you have profound withdrawal symptoms, and you notice that you have had changes in behavior, harmful consequences (whether physical, professional or personal), and damaged relationships with loved ones that can be traced back to prescription opioid use, it’s time to consider the possibility that you’ve fallen into the prescription trap and developed an addiction. The standard treatment for opioid addiction is medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which combines therapy with drugs like buprenorphine and naloxone, mixed opioid agonist/antagonists which can alleviate withdrawal symptoms while helping you deal with pain.
If you’re hoping to avoid becoming dependent on yet another drug, there are other alternatives out there for detox. One of the options you may want to consider is ibogaine, a substance derived from a West African shrub which has helped thousands end their addiction to opiates and opioids. Ibogaine therapy resets dopamine receptors in the brain to pre-addicted levels, and provides relief from withdrawal symptoms and cravings, along with a host of other benefits. If you fear that you’ve fallen into the prescription trap and are looking to break free, get in touch with us today to discuss the treatment options that are right for you!
For further information visit www.tabularasaretreat.com or call PT +351 965 751 649 UK +44 7961 355 530