For those living with chronic pain, dependence on medications can be a part of life. However, experts at our Minneapolis Pain Clinic warn that this dependence carries the risk of drug dependence.
Suffering from persistent pain may not seem like a life-threatening medical problem, but chronic pain is a growing public health problem because it is often linked to painkiller addiction. According to JAMA Online, one in five adults in the United States suffers from some form of chronic pain.
Chronic pain and painkiller addiction
Painkillers such as opioids are often used to treat chronic pain. Opioids, such as Vicodin, are actually in the same class as heroin or morphine. These types of drugs often release large amounts of dopamine, which can alter brain function. These drugs also produce a feeling or euphoria that may be addictive in some patients, especially those who do not follow proper prescriptions.
Over time, the body’s tolerance to these painkillers kicks in, and when this happens, some chronic pain patients ask for a higher dose or take higher doses themselves against their doctor’s orders. Unfortunately, there is no easy way for doctors or even family members to predict whether a chronic pain patient will become addicted to medications, unless there is a history of substance abuse.
Recognize the signs of addiction
Doctors at our Center for Addiction Medicine in Minneapolis ask patients and their relatives to watch for the following signs that may indicate dependence on painkillers:
- Taking more medication than prescribed
- Shop a doctor or see multiple doctors to get more prescriptions
- Changes in personality, mood, and energy levels, including being away from family or friends
- Neglect of work and family responsibilities
- Neglect of appearance and body hygiene
- Defensive behavior, especially when asked about prescription intake
Chronic pain and substance abuse factors
Not all people with chronic pain will eventually become dependent on medications. However, some patients may be prone to substance abuse due to a variety of factors:
- They may have a family history of dependence or addiction
- They may have had mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) long before chronic pain develops
- Chronic pain itself can take such a toll on their mental, emotional and physical health that medication is the only way to relieve it.
If you suffer from chronic pain and are concerned about the risk of developing drug dependence, feel free to contact our pain and addiction medicine experts in Minneapolis.
Our friendly and experienced addiction treatment experts use a multidisciplinary approach to guide you on the road to recovery. We have clinics in 3 convenient locations to better serve you: Burnsville, Minneapolis, and Woodbury. If you have questions, please call (612) 444-3000.
The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute the provision of medical advice and does not substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
