Several medicines used for the pain treatment can be addictive. Addiction is one of the forms of physical dependence or tolerance, however. As far as dependence is concerned, symptoms appear when a substance is immediately stopped. Tolerance arises when the first dose of a substance loses its effectiveness as the time runs. Addiction and physical dependence frequently arise together. However, addiction can exist without physical dependence and vice versa.
Patients who take a class of medications known as opioids for an extended period of time may develop tolerance and even physical dependence. However, this does not mean, that an individual is addicted. Generally, the likelihood of addiction is extremely small when narcotics are used under appropriate medical supervision.
Addictive Pain Medicines
Opioids, a family of medications that have effects similar to those of opium or morphine, can be addictive. They include:
* Codeine
* Oxycodone (including brand name OxyContin)
* Morphine (including brand name MS Contin)
* Meperidine (including brand name Demerol)
* Hydrocodone (including brand name Vicodin)
Who Is at the Greatest Risk of Addiction?
The majority of people who take their pain medications as recommended by their healthcare providers do not become addicted, even if they take the medication for an extended period of time. However, some people may be at a greater risk of becoming addicted than others. People who have been addicted to substances in the past or those with a family member(s) who are or have been addicted to drugs or alcohol may be at higher risk of becoming addicted to drugs.
How to Prevent Addiction
The crucial way to avoid addiction is to take your medication precisely as your healthcare provider recommends.
Discuss with your physician any personal and/or family history of chemical abuse or addiction. Your healthcare provider needs this information to prescribe the medication that will be the most effective for you. Any worries about addiction ought not to prevent you from using narcotics to alleviate your pain effectively.
Keep in mind, it is common for people to develop a tolerance to their pain medicines and to require higher doses to achieve the same level of pain relief. This kind of situation is typical and doesn’t constitute a sign of addiction.
