Last updated : December 16, 2024
Across the country, drug addiction has become a common problem; few families are able to remain free from the clenches of addiction. Generally, if someone isn’t using drugs, they will still feel the affects of addiction among their family and friends.
With the ease of access, painkillers have become popular among those struggling with substance abuse. This article will explain why people become addicted to opiate painkillers and the effects of these dangerous drugs.
What are painkillers?
Painkillers include a wide variety of different drugs including household favorites like over-the-counter ibuprofen and aspirin, in addition to stronger prescription drugs such as morphine and hydorocodone. Although all painkillers come with some risks, over-the-counter pain relievers are generally safe if used correctly; however, prescription narcotic painkillers can be deadly and come with a high risk of addiction. Many doctors are quick to prescribe painkillers after surgeries, making it possible for even the most well-meaning citizens to become addicted to these drugs.
Short-term effects
Depending on one’s personal preferences, painkillers can be crushed and snorted, injected into the blood stream, or swallowed in tablet form. When the drug is taken, dopamine floods to the user’s brain, creating an intense high because opiate drugs block a chemical called GABA that controls how much dopamine and other neurotransmitters can be released. In other words, painkillers hold back the body’s natural floodgates and free a huge load of dopamine to affect the user.
When dopamine floods the brain, the user’s body immediately relaxes. The user may experience everything from small pupils due to a relaxation of the iris to jerky muscle reactions.
Dangers of painkiller use
When someone is under the influence of painkillers, they have a reduced ability to react and control their movements, making it impossible for them to safely drive or operate machinery. When someone is experiencing a drug high, it is easy for them to harm themselves or others.
The use of painkillers is not only dangerous but may have some unpleasant side effects. Some people complain that they experience vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and muscle spasms.
Depending on how the drug is taken, painkiller use can cause heart damage and increase the risk of a heart attack, raises the risk of infection, and makes it likely that one will contract blood-related illnesses such as HIV. Regardless of how safe a user tries to be when they do drugs, there is no way to avoid dangers when recreationally using painkillers.
Anyone who uses opiate painkilers runs a high risk of addiction. As time goes by, the user’s body becomes accustomed to the drug and quits releasing the same amount of dopamine; if one wants to feel the high, they will have to start taking more and more. In addition, the body starts to feel as if it needs the drug and will send the user into withdrawal whenever they try to quit using. Withdrawal generally includes flu-like symptoms such as headaches, soreness, vomiting, diarrhea, and random muslce spasms.
Because of the need to always have painkillers, addicts often ruin relationships with those they care about most, and may choose dangerous and illegal paths that will land them in jail or other legal trouble.
Regardless of how much a person may enjoy the high of drug use, painkiller addiction is damanging to the user’s body, mind, and over-all quality of life. If you or someone you care about struggles with painkiller addiction, don’t wait to get help. The path to sobriety is difficult but, ultimately, is worth every minute of the struggle.
