Addictive Painkillers

Most people automatically assume that all painkillers are addictive but this is not true.  The fact is, most painkillers do not carry a high potential for abuse and are not habit forming as long as they are taken as prescribed or as recommended by the manufacturer.  However, addictive painkillers such as opiates can cause disaster for the individual who take them without realizing their potential for causing dependence or who uses them recreationally.  Addictive painkillers account for as much as 80% of all prescription addictions.

Types of Addictive Painkillers

The most common type of addictive painkillers is the opiate.  There are three distinct classes of opiates which include natural opiates, semi-synthetic opiates and synthetic opiates.  Each of these drugs carries a wide potential for abuse and for causing physical and psychological dependence for the individual who uses the drug.

Unfortunately, many people believe that when they are prescribed an opiate or opioid by a doctor for a valid pain complaint that they are no longer at risk of becoming addictive.  The sad truth is that as many as 80% of individuals who are prescribed opiates for a valid pain complaint are at risk of becoming mildly or more severely addicted to the drug.  Despite using painkillers as prescribed, these drugs do have a significant potential for causing addiction that is physically and mentally difficult to cope with.

Common Addictive Painkillers

The most common addictive painkillers include Oxycodone, Oxycontin, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, methadone, Lortab, Demerol and a whole list of other potentially dangerous drugs.  Opiates and opioids as well as some non-narcotic painkillers all carry a wide potential for abuse.  While narcotics are the most addictive, especially those which are natural such as morphine or codeine, many non-narcotic painkillers such as Tramadol can also become habit forming.

Treatment for Painkiller Addiction

If you or someone you love is addicted to painkillers, the time to seek help is now!  Treatment for painkiller addiction can reduce the likelihood of overdose, minimize the effects of withdrawal and lead you on the right path to recovery rather than destruction.  Painkiller addiction is a dangerous and potentially deadly disease but there are various treatment options available to provide you with the right level of care and support for your individual condition.  Inpatient treatment and outpatient treatment programs are available to assist you in getting the hope, help and support that you need to make a full recovery from painkiller addiction.