The Truth About Painkillers

The powerful drugs commonly referred to as painkillers are designed to interfere with the nervous system and the signals we decipher as pain. The drugs are also designed to stimulate the brain with feelings associated with pleasure. So, in addition to producing a "high," they work by blocking pain.

A Commonly Abused Drug

Painkilling drugs are a medical marvel and, when used in the proper settings can work wonders. Unfortunately, they are not always used properly. When abused, the drugs can become habit forming and can even kill.

The most commonly abused painkillers are:

• oxycodone
• meperidine
• hydrocodone
• propoxyphene
• hydromorphone. 

These opioid painkillers are addictive and produce a euphoria that is short-lived, making them desirable to drug abusers. Someone who abuses pain killers will need to take more increased dosages as their body becomes addicted to the drug. Once the drug is not taken, withdrawal symptoms will occur and can range from muscle and bone pain, restlessness, diarrhea, insomnia, nausea, leg cramps and feelings of coldness to more serious risks such as respiratory distress, slowed breathing or death. The ease of obtaining painkillers through prescriptions have increased the number of people addicted to them. One in 10 high school seniors in the United States have admitted to abusing painkillers. They represent three-fourths of the drug abuse problem, with hydrocodone being the most commonly abused pharmaceutical drug. The problem not only effects teens, but a growing number of older Americans show a dependence on pain and anti-anxiety drugs such as OxyContin and Xanax.

Types of Painkillers

There are generally four broad classes in which opioids are divided. There are other drugs included in each category, but these are the most commonly known:

• Endogenous peptides that are produced in the body, such as endorphins;
• Opium alkaloids such as codeine and morphine;
• Semi-synthetics such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, heroin and oxymorphone;
• Fully synthetic which include demerol, tramadol, methadone and pethidine. 

Signs of Abuse

The signs of painkiller abuse are sometimes subtle, but recognizable. They include:

• Pupils that appear to be pin-point small
• Constipation
• Insomnia
• Nervousness
• Dry mouth
• Hallucinations
• Hives
• Itching
• Confusion
• Delirium
• Slow or rapid heart rate
• Increased intracranial pressure 

When abusers snort, smoke or inject painkillers, a stronger reaction occurs in the body than if they swallowed the pill, which is the prescribed way of taking them. The high from abusing painkillers will be stronger and more dangerous, which could bring on breathing problems. Once the drug is abused and taken improperly, the abuser will need more and more of it to continue getting the high that is desired. Those who abuse painkillers often see more than one doctor or secretly visit several doctors and pharmacies in order to obtain prescriptions for them. This often keeps officials from realizing they are filling prescriptions for an abuser or someone wanting to sell the drugs. This act is referred to a "doctor shopping" and is considered unsafe and sometimes is tied to criminal cases for abusers or drug sellers who are arrested.

Getting Help

There are many cases of painkiller abuse and addiction that occur accidentally. Many times, after a debilitating accident or surgery, the patient becomes dependent on the painkillers during the healing process. The dependency is not only a physical one, but also can be a mental dependency. The user may be afraid that the pain will return if they discontinue the painkilling drug. Whether the addiction is caused because of a legitimate reason, or the user has a history of drug abuse, the only way to break the addiction and lead a normal life is to get professional help. A rehabilitation center or clinic can provide all types of treatment and professional care for the person dependent on drugs. Once the abuser is clean of the substance, the chances of relapse can also be treated through a rehabilitation center. Most professional rehabilitation programs can be customized to fit the person's addiction and lifestyle. Many people can be harmed by painkiller abuse. It is important to obtain help and by doing so, find a better quality of life.