How to Avoid an Addiction to Painkillers to Replace Your Drug of Choice
Many people who have recovered from an addiction are wary of taking any prescription or over the counter painkillers. This is often because many painkillers are opiate-based and have addictive properties, posing a potential risk for relapse.
There is also a concern that even monitored usage of painkillers during treatment can simply cause the person to trade one addiction for another. When you call 888-646-0865 (Who Answers?) to learn about your treatment options, consider the ways in which you can avoid an addiction to painkillers as a replacement for your drug of choice.
Be Honest with Your Doctor
The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that prescription and over the counter painkillers are one of the most commonly abused substances in the U.S. after marijuana. This is often because they can be easily accessible through doctors or other medical personnel. If you have a reason to legitimately use painkillers, speak with your doctor about it and be honest with them about your past drug usage.
They can usually determine the severity of your condition—injury, headache, surgery—and what your options are. They may be able to provide a non-medication remedy for your pain or identify and treat the cause of it.
Talk to Your Support System
Your support system can provide advice on how to avoid painkiller addiction.
Keeping your support system up-to-date with how things are going during recovery can be one of the best ways to avoid relapsing into addiction. If you do have to take painkillers for an injury, talk with your support group about your concerns.
They may be able to provide you with information and tips on how to avoid becoming addicted to the medication. If you feel like you are developing bad habits with your painkillers that could potentially lead to abuse, they can help you prevent it from becoming an addiction.
They can also help you make the decision to take the painkillers in the first place if you’re on the fence about it.
Take Non-Narcotic Painkillers
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a lot of opioids are present as prescription painkillers and it is these types of medications that often lead to addiction. However, there are some painkillers that are non-narcotic, yet still have the same capability of easing pain.
These types of painkillers are not as addictive and are often prescribed for recovering addicts. There is potential that they might not be as effective as opioid painkillers would be, as their active ingredient is usually at a lower dosage. A recovering addict may also have a higher tolerance to pain medication from their own addiction.
As a result, the recommended dosage may not be enough. In those instances, speak with your doctor or pharmacist before increasing the recommended dosage.
If you or a loved one has an addiction, please know that help is available. Call 888-646-0865 (Who Answers?) for the opportunity to speak with one of our caring specialists to learn more information about your treatment options.
