It’s not possible to go through life without experiencing physical pain. Some types of pain are manageable, while others require intervention from medication. The various types of painkillers range from over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen to prescription-only medications such as Vicodin. Unfortunately, sometimes the use of prescription painkillers gets out of hand and leads to addiction and dependence. It is at that moment when you may need the services of an Ohio drug rehab or similar type of facility closer to where you live.
Prescription opioids helped spark the nation’s opioid epidemic, including the abuse of heroin, resulting in an estimated 15,000 overdose deaths in 2018 alone. Let’s take a look at some of the different types of painkillers and how you can protect yourself from the spiral of addiction.
Types of Painkillers
While acetaminophen and ibuprofen have their risks, the most dangerous types of painkillers are those derived from the opium poppy plant. These drugs fall into the category of narcotics, in that they are carefully regulated and only prescribed under the care of a physician. Narcotics are typically reserved for the most severe pain. These types of painkillers work by altering brain chemistry to block the sensation of pain.
The most common types of painkillers include:
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Fentanyl
- Tramadol
- Hydrocodone
- Oxycodone
Other types of painkillers in the non-narcotic category include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, otherwise known as NSAIDS. These all can play a role in addressing pain, and all have side effects, but the most concerning types of painkillers are in the opioid category.
Why are Painkillers Dangerous?
Over-the-counter medications have their own risks, typically at a lower level. For instance, taking acetaminophen while drinking can cause liver damage or stomach upset. Overuse of aspirin or other NSAIDs can lead to kidney damage. Aspirin isn’t good for children.
But it’s opioid painkillers that cause the most significant problems. According to Consumer Reports, opiates send some 80,000 people a year to the emergency room, while causing 17,000 deaths from overdose.
The dangers lie in their addictive qualities. Opioids create the strong potential for physical dependence — even when prescribed by a physician. Their use creates a false sense of well-being, almost a high, leading you to crave the sensation. Once hooked, you begin to crave more and more. It skews your judgment as you seek doses not approved by a physician. Short of a prescription, you might opt for use of heroin, an illegal opioid.
The opioid epidemic has not discriminated, causing significant addiction problems for millions in communities across the United States. If you’re struggling with opioids, you may want to consider assistance from opiate addiction treatment programs in Ohio, or similar facilities closer to where you live.
Getting Help for Painkiller Abuse
Painkiller abuse can affect anyone. The key to stopping your slide is knowing when and how to get help. Addiction treatment programs are designed to help you safely stop using and understand how to guard against relapse.
Treatment usually begins with a thorough initial consultation, where clinical professionals will seek to understand your history of use — how it began, and how it progressed over time. Based on that information, the professionals will build you a treatment plan, which likely includes medically supervised detox. After detox, expect periods of individual and group counseling, followed by aftercare as a way of guarding against relapse.
Stopping the Madness
Experiencing pain is difficult. Experiencing addiction in addition to pain may be even harder. Medical science has produced excellent medications to help people with their pain, but they unfortunately can be prone to abuse. Whether opioids or some other substance, know that help for addiction is available. Get counseling and other services at our Ohio addiction treatment center, or another facility close to you. Call for a consultation today to address your problems and start living.
