Are Pain Medications Always Addictive?

January 23,2013

The epidemic of pain pill addiction throughout the entire world has raised alarm across every state in America, touching nearly every household across the nation.

The epidemic of pain pill addiction throughout the entire world, which started booming out of control nearly a decade ago, has raised alarm across every state in America, touching nearly every household across the nation. The dispute of whether it is still ethical to allow these drugs to be used in patients is a constant œtug-of-war between supporters on each opposing side. While the local and national governments try to rein the problem in, and medical scientist continue to search for a method to eliminate the addictive property of these (beneficial pills), the question remains as to whether the pills always lead to addiction.

Some believe that the issue is only that œcertain types of people are more susceptible to the addiction, while others are nearly immune to it. This idea roots back to an individual's family health history, or one being œgenetically inclined for certain kinds of diseases (and addiction is a disease). Others believe the power such chemicals embedded in pain relieving medications are all too powerful, and can snare addiction upon every user who abuses them.

It is estimated that today, over 20% of the United States population uses painkillers in a non- prescribed and illegal manner. That number is higher than the amount of people addicted to cocaine and heroin put together. However, before anyone is able to point fingers at addiction, it is important to define the line between addiction and dependency.

For some patients, prescription pills like oxycodone, Percocet and Vicodin are a vital part of the day. In one study, 25,000 cancer patients were observed and studied to see whether or not they were actually addicted to the painkillers that they used on a daily basis for years on end. Most of the patients exhibited no drug-seeking behavior. These patients however, were definitely dependent on the drugs in the sense that the painkillers were necessary to allow normal daily functioning without chronic pain.

On the other hand, those who are addicted feel physical symptoms from withdrawal, which has nothing to do with existing chronic pain. Those addicted to pharmaceuticals experience a necessity to continue taking the medication, which has more to do with mental and physical cravings for the desired effects than just pain management. The compulsion to use the drug prevails no matter what, and will take control of the person's life almost entirely.

The resolute answer to the question of whether pain pills are always addictive is no. However, due to the high level of addicted brought on by the illegal availability of the substance on the streets, and the high amount of overdoses, death, drug-related arrests, and rehabilitation admittance, prescription drugs are still highly potent and dangerous. Because of these circumstances, communities need to be on high alert for illegal drug activity, provide education for young adults to better address the dangers of drug abuse, and an overall awareness of newly-emerging drugs.

__________________________________________________

A Center for Addiction Recovery's Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Program provides education on the cycle of addiction, in an effort to help each individual identify behaviors in the cycle and side-step relapse before it occurs. When an individual recognizes behaviors such as non-compliance with medication, excessive stress, denial or reduced effort in recovery groups such as NA, then the individual can STOP the relapse before it begins. It is vital that you or your loved receive professional treatment at a medically-supervised private facility center; it is safe, reliable, and effective. For more information on our addiction treatment programs, reach us at:

Center for Addiction Recovery “ Addiction Treatment Center: 1-800-570-4562

Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Recovery

399

views

PDF Print Email Report

Contact

A Center for Addiction Recovery

800-570-4562

MARK KILLAR

Featured Sections