Are Pain Medications Always Addictive
It is estimated that nearly 20 percent of the population in the United States use prescription pain pills for non-medical reasons. The most commonly abused pain medications are OxyContin, Percocet and Vicodin. We also hear about benzo addiction issues and issues related to anxiety relief medications. Many people will go to great lengths to get these types of painkillers. But are pain medications always addictive?
Before we make the assumption that pain medications are addictive it is important to define the difference between addiction and dependence. For years pain doctors have known that patients can take opiates for a long period of time and not exhibit addictive behavior. However, others can take pain medications for just a short period of time and start exhibiting addictive behaviors.
A study that was conducted by a neurologist named Russell Portenoy reviewed the files of over 25,000 cancer patients. Almost all of these cancer patients were on some type of pain medication for a number of years. The majority of these patients did not exhibit any signs of drug seeking behavior. They exhibited no evidence of drug cravings or addiction.
However, these individuals were dependent upon their pain medications. The best way to define dependence is the body needs the drug to function. If the drug were withdrawn suddenly, the body would have a reaction. An easy way to explain dependence is to think about coffee. Millions of people drink several cups of coffee every day. Their body becomes dependent upon the caffeine. If coffee is suddenly stopped, the individual could experience physical symptoms such as headaches.
Understanding Dependence Versus Addiction
Dependence is not a bad thing if the individual has real pain for which the medication is prescribed. Pain medication for a cancer sufferer or other type of chronic pain can give the individual a new lease on life. When they have their pain under control, they can finally function as a productive individual and enjoy life.
What Is Addiction
As we try to answer the question are pain medications always addictive we must first define addiction. When a person is addicted, he has a compulsion to use the drug no matter what. He has a need that must be satisfied regardless of the consequences that could happen as a result. A person who is addicted to pain medications will never find relief from what they perceive as pain. This is because the pain medication is being used without the presence of a condition that is actually causing pain.
So are pain medications always addictive? The answer is no, but one must be careful. Pain medications certainly have their place. They can be a life saver for those with cancer or other chronic conditions. However, for a growing number of individuals who have addiction problems or those who are looking for a way to numb their psychological pain, these medications can spell trouble.
Honesty and close monitoring with a physician is important. Counseling is also a good idea to work out stress instead of relying on medications for the psychological comfort.