How to avoid becoming addicted to prescription painkillers. Most people who use pain medicine according to their doctor's instructions do not become dependent on it, even if they are taking it for a longer time. It is not a reason to fear becoming addicted to narcotics. If you have had a history of drug or alcohol abuse or if your family has, you might be more at risk.
To avoid becoming addicted to pain medicine, take the prescribed medication exactly as directed by your doctor. Inform your doctor about any history of drug abuse, addiction, or personal problems. This will enable them to prescribe the most effective medication.
After making an effort to cease taking drugs, someone who relapses will start using them again. A relapse is an indicator that more therapy or a different therapeutic method is necessary.
Can substance abuse or addiction be prevented or treated
Important things to keep in mind: Addiction to drugs is a chronic disorder that is defined by obsessive drug seeking and use, which occurs despite the fact that the negative effects of drug use are difficult to manage.
It's common for a person to relapse, but relapse doesn't mean that treatment doesn’t work. As with other chronic health conditions, treatment should be ongoing and should be adjusted based on how the patient responds. Treatment plans need to be reviewed often and modified to fit the patient’s changing needs.
What happens to the brain when a person takes drugs?
Most drugs affect the brain's "reward circuit," causing euphoria as well as flooding it with the chemical messenger dopamine. A properly functioning reward system motivates a person to repeat behaviors needed to thrive, such as eating and spending time with loved ones. Surges of dopamine in the reward circuit cause the reinforcement of pleasurable but unhealthy behaviors like taking drugs, leading people to repeat the behavior again and again.
There are many factors that will determine if someone develops a dependence on drugs. Many factors can influence whether someone becomes addicted. These include their genes, how they grow up, and their environment. A person's risk factors will increase the likelihood that they will become dependent on drugs.
It is important that you remember that some people develop a tolerance to painkillers. To get the same pain relief, they will need to take more of the drug. This is completely normal and does NOT indicate an addiction. You don't need to take more if you don't have an addiction. If this happens, however, you should consult your doctor.
Get help right now; don't wait. Your doctor should be consulted if you feel your drug use is becoming too much or causing problems. Recovering from drug addiction can take time. Even though there is no cure for drug addiction, therapy can be helpful in drug abstinence or long-term sobriety. One option is to take medication or have therapy sessions with a professional. Your healthcare practitioner can help you determine which course of therapy will work best for you.