Painkillers and the risks of developing a dependency on them.
The non-medical abuse of prescription drugs is a serious public health problem. In the United States, the situation has reached such a point that it is described as a crisis. More than one hundred Americans die almost daily due to the abuse of painkillers.
Opioid painkillers—codeine, Vicodin, morphine, etc.—are used therapeutically to treat severe episodes of pain. The problem lies in the high risk these substances have of becoming addictive. This is why prescriptions without proper monitoring can lead the patient to develop a strong dependency on the painkiller.
Among the most frequently abused opioids, we can find:
- Morphine: Medically, morphine is used to treat very intense pain and is commonly used in surgery. It is administered intravenously and produces a state of well-being in the patient.
- Fentanyl: Like morphine, this medication acts on pain receptors. It is used as an analgesic in the treatment of chronic pain and is applied in the form of transdermal patches.
- Tramadol: This medication is presented in tablet form to treat pain. It does not require a narcotic prescription, making it very accessible to anyone wishing to acquire it. This fact increases the risk of consumption.
- Codeine: This drug, in addition to being an analgesic, has antitussive effects. It is easily acquired in pharmacies in the form of syrup or tablets.
There is a solution for everything
The possession and consumption of some of these medications is therefore relatively easy. For this very reason, one must be aware of the dangers of self-medication. The prescription and dosage must be the result of therapeutic guidelines provided by a specialist.
Ultimately, it is about being aware that the aforementioned substances and medications provide solutions but can turn into a serious addiction problem.
At CC Adicciones, we understand that painkillers are a great help in treating pain. Even so, it is important to warn of the risk that their consumption can pose outside of a treatment monitored by a professional. You can consult our services by calling, without obligation, 977809523.
