Doctors prescribe a range of drugs to treat mild to severe pain. However, sometimes these painkillers are addictive even if the patients don't abuse them. Knowing which ones are addictive and when painkiller withdrawal symptoms begin can help people avoid becoming dependent on these drugs.
Some of the most addictive pain meds are opiates and opioids. The difference between the two is that opioids are synthetic drugs, while opiates are natural. Despite this, doctors may use these terms for both. Although these are prescription drugs, they’re considered narcotic painkillers.
Some examples of these pain meds include codeine, hydrocodone, methadone, morphine or oxycodone. Heroin is also an opiate substance but is illegal.
All of these drugs and other opiates can lead to physical dependence. This means that users begin to rely on the drugs to avoid experiencing withdrawal. Their bodies build a tolerance at the same time, so they need more and more of the drugs to stave the symptoms.
How long it takes to become physically dependent varies. However, it could happen in a matter of weeks. When users stop taking the drugs or reduce their dosage, their bodies go through withdrawal. This is a natural response as the body tries to function without the chemicals that it’s grown used to.
An opiate user could experience early painkiller withdrawal symptoms within 24 hours of stopping use. Some people might not have symptoms for up to 30 hours. When the symptoms start depends on the dosage and how long they were taking it. Some of the early symptoms include:
When withdrawal sufferers don't take more pain meds, their symptoms become worse. They’re usually more intense and start after the first day of not taking the drugs. Some of these symptoms are:
The symptoms of withdrawal from painkillers aren't dangerous but are very painful and uncomfortable. Due to this, many users who stop taking pain meds go to detox centers. This is where they can get medical help to lessen the severity of the symptoms.
Many detox centers use methadone to ease symptoms and help users stop taking drugs. Buprenorphine is an alternative that they use for acute cases and may combine with other drugs to ease withdrawal symptoms. Detox centers might also give medicines that help with blood pressure, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms.
Most symptoms improve within 72 hours and disappear within a week. Afterward, the users aren't physically dependent on the pain meds anymore. However, they could still be mentally dependent and need treatment.
Pinnacle Peak Recovery has many treatment programs for dependence on pain meds. Along with primary care, we help opiate users learn how to transition from living with drugs to living without them. Call us now at 866-377-4761 for more details.
