The current situation in the US
The healthcare industry and medical professionals view painkiller abuse as a serious public health threat. There are three aspects of painkiller abuse that everyone should be aware of which include:
Individuals can develop a physical and psychological addiction to or dependency on narcotic painkillers. When attempting to stop taking these painkillers abruptly, the individual will suffer with emotional and physical withdrawal symptoms.
Secondly, tolerance to narcotic painkillers build up quickly and eventually leads to addiction. This usually means that the individual will have to take increasingly larger doses of the painkiller in order to get high.
Finally, the more severe the addiction to painkillers get, the individual is at greater risk of overdosing on them. Tolerance builds up quickly, so the individual takes significantly larger amounts of the painkiller than what is prescribed which can eventually turn fatal.
Facts and statistics regarding painkiller abuse
The following facts and statistics about narcotic painkiller abuse, addiction, and dependency are clear indicators as to the seriousness of the problem in the US today:
- 6.2 million individuals claim to have abused painkillers within the past 30 days
- approximately 4.7 million individuals used narcotic painkillers in the past 30 days while 1.8 million used tranquilizers, 900,000 or more used stimulants, and nearly 235,000 used sedatives
- Of the 5 million individuals aged 12 and older in the US that entered an addiction treatment and recovery center for abuse, addiction, and dependency problems, 2.7 million of them received treatment from a self-help group and another 2 million entered intensive out-patient programs
- It is estimated that 50 million individuals are suffering with chronic pain which has created a dilemma for healthcare providers namely how to relieve their suffering without them developing a painkiller addiction
- a University of Michigan study in 2008 revealed that nearly 10% of school students had tried Vicodin while another 5% experimented with OxyContin by the time they had their senior year in high school
According to the ONDCP (Office of National Drug Control Policy), narcotic painkillers are now the second highest abused category of substances in the US behind marijuana and ahead of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamines.
The 7 signs of painkiller abuse
The following are the 7 signs of painkiller abuse that you should be aware of:
Withdrawing from those around you – this includes family members and friends as well as participating in activities you once found enjoyable.
Unethical behavior – “doctor shopping” or faking an illness to get painkillers from more than one doctor are examples of unethical behavior.
Irritability and mood swings – significant mood swings are common when the person is in between doses or experiencing withdrawal.
Euphoria – when an individual is taking painkillers such as OxyContin and Vicodin, they are likely to experience extreme euphoric side effects.
Criminal behavior – stealing becomes a common activity when the individual is experiencing the cravings for their favorite painkiller.
Chills or fever – these are common signs of withdrawal from painkillers. In many cases, the individual feels as though they have the flu.
Aches, nagging illnesses, and pain – the individual is likely to develop and suffer with a variety of aches, nagging illnesses, and pain when they are experiencing withdrawal.
The Freedom Center is here to help you
If you or a loved one is suffering with the signs of painkiller abuse and you are looking for an effective addiction treatment and recovery program that will address your clinical and personal needs. For more information regarding our facility and programs, contact the Freedom Center at the toll-free phone number listed above. We will be happy to assist you in any way we can.
