Many people are prescribed medication for pain by a doctor. In some cases, however, this legitimate use of medication can descend into prescription drug abuse. At Baltimore Detox Center, we understand that drug addiction is a disease, not a choice. We have programs that are specifically designed to help you end prescription drug abuse or an addiction to painkillers.
What Are Painkillers?
Painkillers, also known as an analgesic, are a group of drugs used to relieve or manage pain. There are three categories of painkillers: opioids, paracetamol, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are also known as NSAIDs. Some painkillers belonging to NSAIDs and paracetamol are bought easily from the pharmacy, such as codeine or dihydrocodeine. There is a need to discuss with a healthcare provider if the drugs prescribed contain a weak opioid, and they are consumed for more than three days.
Effects of painkillers can be felt because they obstruct pain transmission in the nervous system. They also interfere with the part of the brain responsible for pleasure. Thus, while easing pain, painkillers give the user a “high” feeling.
Effects of Painkillers
When anti-inflammatories are taken in the short term, they have no side effects, and the benefits achieved outweigh any potential danger. However, uncontrolled and prolonged use can cause stomach and gut bleeding, as well as cardiovascular issues. Severe cases of this type of drug addiction result in a permanently damaged liver, which would cause death.
Other effects of painkillers or prescription drug abuse include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Confusion and drowsiness
- Insomnia
- Lack of appetite
Effects of Painkillers on Body Organs
Our organs are essential to the function of our bodies. If you have a drug addiction that involves painkillers, almost all of your body’s organs are affected negatively. Some of the organs that can be damaged by painkiller addiction include:
- Central nervous system — Continued intake of painkillers will significantly affect the central nervous system. Some analgesics depress the central nervous system to choke pain. A continuation of this choking will substantially lead to slowed body reactions, impaired speech, and slowed breathing.
- Liver — The liver is responsible for breaking down and processing what the body consumes. Continued storage of toxins produced by drugs will lead to life-threatening liver damage.
- Stomach — Painkiller addiction usually causes bowel obstructions, constipation, abdominal distention, hemorrhoids, and bloating.
- Heart — Some people crush or inject themselves with these drugs for the immediate effect of painkillers. By doing so, the drug enters into the bloodstream, directly affecting the heart. This type of continued use will cause heart attacks, heart diseases, and other cardiovascular issues.
- Veins — In most cases, victims of painkiller abuse will most likely be sharing needles or using them unsterilized to the veins. Such comes with high risks of blood-borne infections and diseases or even collapsed veins.
At Baltimore Detox Center, we understand that the clients seeking recovery from this will face withdrawal. Common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Muscle aches and pains
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Vomiting
We ensure that our clients have the medical support that they need to endure withdrawal symptoms and end dependence on painkillers.
Free Yourself from the Effects of Painkillers Today
At Baltimore Detox, we have the resources that you need to enjoy life without the effects of painkillers. We are dedicated to helping you rebuild your life by teaching you healthy coping skills and simple, workable strategies to ensure there will not be a relapse.
We use proven therapeutic models to treat our clients and also encourage group therapy for accountability partnering, ensuring you are on a recovery path. Contact our team today at [Direct] or complete our convenient online form, and our specialists will answer any questions that you may have.
