Can Taking Narcotics for Chronic Pain Lead to Addiction?

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Many individuals need to take narcotics to treat their chronic pain. However, this can sometimes lead to certain issues, especially if the individual begins to abuse their medication. If you are experiencing problems with chronic pain and addiction to opioids, seek help today by calling 800-934-1582(Sponsored) .

Chronic Pain Treatment and Its Issues

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, healthcare providers have long wrestled with how best to treat patients who suffer from chronic pain. Roughly 24% of American adults have chronic pain, as reported by the CDC. Unfortunately, there are many problems associated with treating this condition, especially when it is treated with a narcotic.

• Addiction can result from treating chronic pain issues with narcotics. Some individuals abuse their medication and fall into dependency. However, it’s difficult to be certain how often this occurs, as estimates of those who do become addicted vary from 3-40%.
• Doctors are often hesitant to treat patients suffering from chronic pain by prescribing narcotics. Patients themselves sometimes refuse treatment as well, whether it’s because they’re concerned about addiction or another possible side effect like constipation or nausea.
• Taking narcotics for a long period of time usually isn’t recommended. According to the National Library of Medicine, don’t take medications past 3-4 months, unless you’re directly supervised by your provider. Those with chronic issues, however, and are in pain are unlikely to stop taking this medication so soon after they start it.

How Does Chronic Pain Lead to Narcotic Addiction?

Developing a tolerance often leads to narcotic abuse and addiction.

Anyone who takes narcotics to treat a chronic pain issue and ends up over-taking the drug is likely to become addicted. There are many safeguards put into place to ensure this doesn’t happen, but it’s impossible for a doctor to watch their patients at all times.

But how and why do people taking the medication as prescribed sometimes become addicted?

• Over time, a person’s tolerance for the drug grows higher, and they won’t be able to experience the same effects they once did from the same dosage. Sometimes, these individuals begin taking higher prescription doses without telling their doctors. This is abuse and often leads to addiction.
• Another issue that can occur with taking opioids over a long period of time is that someone can actually grow more sensitive to pain. To treat their discomfort, which has become worse, some individuals turn to substance abuse.
• If the doctor and patient aren’t constantly working together to treat the pain, it’s easy to slip. This is why both parties must take the prescription seriously and for the patient to be honest with the doctor about what they’re feeling.

Of course, some individuals take narcotics for chronic pain without experiencing any issues with abuse or addiction. But the longer someone stays on these drugs, the more problems and side effects are likely to arise and increase the individual’s chances of experiencing these issues.

How Can I Avoid Addiction When Taking Narcotics for Chronic Pain?

Some studies have shown that the advantages of using opioids to manage chronic pain can outweigh the drawbacks. Despite the risks of addiction, treatment with narcotics is still the only option for a large number of individuals living with chronic pain. So, it’s important to do all you can to avoid addiction if you’re taking these drugs to live a pain-free life.

Make sure to always talk to your doctor about any side effects that you experience and to never stray from your prescription’s instructions. If you believe you’re becoming tolerant to opioids, ask your doctor for guidance, and the two of you can decide together if it’s safe to move to a higher dosage or if you’ll need to stop taking the medication entirely.

Can Pain Be Treated Without Narcotics?

Narcotics aren’t the only option for pain management. Alternatives such as massage, acupuncture and physical therapy have proven effective at relieving pain.

Are You Abusing Your Opioid Medication?

It’s vital to seek help immediately if you’re suffering from issues with chronic pain and addiction. Call 800-934-1582(Sponsored) now and let us match you with the best rehab option for your needs.

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