Understanding Why Painkillers Are So Addictive

Painkillers are powerful ways to relieve physical pain, but taking them for an extended time can have negative effects. Most strong painkillers are opioids that can be highly addictive. Knowing why painkillers and opioids have these qualities can help people be aware of their potential and take precautions when using them.

Why Are Opioids Addictive?

When you take an opioid, the drug attaches to nerve receptors and blocks pain. This lack of negative sensation provides pain relief. However, these substances can also encourage dependence and abuse, as people may rely on them to feel good even if they have no pain.

Opioids also trigger your brain to release endorphins. These chemicals help you feel pleasure and pain relief temporarily. Once the good feelings are gone because the drug’s effects wore off, people may seek out the same high they felt while taking the medication. Other feelings painkillers can cause are:

• Euphoria
• Tranquility
• Relaxation

People who build tolerance can become addicted as they continually seek pleasure from the pills. Individuals can also become addicted when they use prescription drugs differently than directed. This behavior includes taking the medications longer than prescribed and changing the consumption method to receive faster or more intense effects. For example, some people crush the pills to snort or inject.

How to Overcome Painkiller Addiction

Are you worried about you or a loved one’s prescription drug abuse? Take the first steps to beating addiction today:

• Address your addiction: The most crucial step to beating an addiction is admitting you have one. When you accept that you need to make life changes, you can take steps toward getting help.
• Be kind to yourself: Recovery doesn’t happen overnight. A successful journey requires you to be kind to yourself and practice empathy while you heal.
• Seek professional help: Receiving professional treatment is the best way to curb your addiction and help you stay sober. At DreamLife Recovery, we offer support and resources throughout your recovery.

Come to DreamLife Recovery for Help

Beating painkiller addiction can help you reclaim your life. DreamLife Recovery is here to help you begin your recovery. We offer medical detoxes, prescription drug addiction treatment, therapy sessions and other practices. You’ll have support from our team to help you beat your addiction.

Learn more about our treatment plans or get help today by calling 844-402-3592. You can also contact us through our online form or chat function.