Key Takeaways
- Painkiller addiction most commonly involves opioid painkillers and may cause behavioral, physical, and emotional warning signs, including difficulty controlling opioid use, cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and continued use despite harmful consequences.
- Physical dependence on opioid painkillers is not necessarily the same as addiction. A person can become physically dependent while taking opioids as prescribed, while opioid use disorder involves a broader pattern of problematic opioid use.
- Painkiller addiction is treatable. Treatment for opioid use disorder may include medications, behavioral therapy, counseling, peer support, and treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions based on the individual’s needs.
Painkiller addiction can develop gradually, sometimes making the warning signs difficult to recognize at first. Changes such as taking opioid painkillers differently than prescribed, needing increasing amounts, experiencing withdrawal symptoms, seeking additional prescriptions, or continuing to use despite problems in everyday life may indicate that opioid use has become a problem.
Although the term “painkiller” can refer to several types of pain-relieving medications, addiction concerns most commonly involve opioid painkillers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, and fentanyl. Opioids are widely referred to as “painkillers” because they interact with receptors in the brain, blocking pain signals between the body and the brain.
Whether opioids are prescribed or illegally obtained, users can be at risk of developing opioid use disorder, particularly when these drugs are misused. Recognizing the symptoms of painkiller addiction is crucial for early intervention and treatment.
How Do You Know If Someone Is Addicted to Painkillers?
Signs of painkiller addiction can involve physical, behavioral, emotional, and social changes. A person may begin taking opioids differently than prescribed, become increasingly focused on obtaining or using them, experience withdrawal when they stop, or continue using despite problems with their health, relationships, work, or other responsibilities.
No single behavior necessarily means someone has an addiction. However, a pattern of warning signs, particularly when opioid use becomes difficult to control or continues despite harmful consequences, may indicate opioid use disorder.
Types of Painkillers
Painkillers consist of two main categories – opioid and non-opioid, with each offering potential risks and benefits.
- Opioids – Opioid painkillers, such as codeine, oxycodone, and fentanyl, act on opioid receptors in the brain and body to reduce the perception of pain. These medications can be highly effective for managing severe pain but also carry a risk of addiction and overdose if misused.
- Non-opioids – Non-opioid painkillers, such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, work differently from opioids to relieve pain and inflammation. These medications do not carry the same addiction risk as opioids, although improper or excessive use can still cause serious health problems.
Because searches for painkiller addiction typically concern opioids, the signs and symptoms discussed below primarily relate to opioid painkillers and opioid use disorder.
Signs and Symptoms of Painkiller Addiction
According to Mayo Clinic experts, common signs of opioid addiction, known clinically as opioid use disorder (OUD), may include:
Behavioral Warning Signs
- Taking an opioid other than as prescribed.
- Taking opioids “just in case,” even when not in pain.
- Taking larger amounts or using opioids more frequently than intended.
- Borrowing medication or “losing” medications so that more prescriptions must be written.
- Seeking the same prescription from multiple doctors for a “backup” supply.
- Poor decision-making, including putting themselves and others in danger.
- Becoming increasingly focused on obtaining, using, or recovering from opioid painkillers.
- Continuing opioid use even when it is causing problems at home, work, school, or in relationships.
Physical Signs
Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that physical dependence and other symptoms may occur with opioid use disorder. Possible physical warning signs include:
- Increasing tolerance to opioids.
- Withdrawal symptoms such as cravings, sweating, stomach cramps, and nausea when drug use stops.
- Drowsiness.
- Weight loss.
- Frequent flu-like symptoms.
- Changes in sleep patterns.
- Decreased libido.
- Lack of hygiene.
- Changes in energy, alertness, or coordination.
Emotional and Social Signs
Painkiller addiction can also begin changing how someone behaves around the people closest to them. Warning signs may include:
- Mood changes, including excessive swings from elation to hostility.
- Isolation from family members or friends.
- Changes in exercise habits.
- Stealing from family members, friends, or businesses.
- Financial difficulties.
- Loss of interest in activities or relationships that were previously important.
- Increasing secrecy surrounding medication or drug use.
- Difficulty keeping up with responsibilities because of opioid use.
These signs can have many possible causes and do not by themselves prove that someone has an addiction. What is often more concerning is a growing pattern of changes alongside increasing or difficult-to-control opioid use.
Painkiller Dependence vs. Addiction
Physical dependence and addiction are related, but they are not the same thing. A person who takes an opioid as prescribed for a period of time can develop physical dependence, meaning the body has adapted to the medication and withdrawal symptoms may occur if it is suddenly stopped.
Opioid use disorder involves a broader pattern in which opioid use becomes difficult to control and continues despite harmful consequences. Someone should not be assumed to have an addiction simply because they have developed tolerance or physical dependence while taking prescribed medication.
People who have been taking prescription opioids regularly should speak with their healthcare provider before reducing or stopping them rather than abruptly changing their medication on their own.
Risk Factors for Painkiller Addiction
Several factors can increase the risk of developing painkiller addiction, including a personal or family history of addiction or substance abuse, mental health disorders, chronic pain conditions, and trauma or adverse life events.
Additionally, individuals taking higher doses of painkillers or using them for extended periods are more likely to develop tolerance, dependence, and addiction.
1. Genetics – Research suggests that genetics can play a role in the risk of developing opioid addiction. Certain genetic variations can affect how the body processes opioids, making some individuals more susceptible to their addictive properties. Scientists have analyzed the genomic data of more than 1 million individuals and discovered shared genes commonly inherited across addiction disorders, irrespective of the type of substance used.
2. Environment – When individuals are exposed to various stressors and triggers, such as peer pressure, social isolation, and exposure to trauma or adverse life events, their risk of substance abuse and addiction increases. Access to addictive substances, such as prescription opioids or illicit drugs, can also increase the risk of addiction.
3. Mental Health – Individuals who struggle with stress, physical or emotional pain, or mental health conditions like depression or anxiety are more at risk for addiction. Pain often causes emotional distress, leading some individuals to self-medicate with opioids.
Some mental health conditions can co-occur with substance abuse disorders, resulting in a cycle of addiction and worsening mental health symptoms. Therefore, addressing mental health issues promptly and effectively is essential to reduce the risk of developing addiction.
4. Age and Gender – Studies have shown that younger individuals, particularly those in their teens and early twenties, are at a higher risk of developing opioid addiction due to ongoing brain development and increased impulsivity.
Gender differences can also affect the risk of addiction, with men more likely to misuse opioids and women more likely to experience chronic pain conditions that require pain management with opioids.
Long-Term Effects of Painkiller Addiction
Chronic use of opioids can lead to changes in brain structure and function, which may result in cognitive impairment, mood disorders, and other adverse effects. Long-term opioid misuse can also increase the risk of overdose and other serious health consequences.
Non-opioid pain relievers carry different risks. Although medications such as acetaminophen and NSAIDs are not associated with opioid use disorder, excessive or prolonged use can cause serious health problems depending on the medication, dose, and individual.
Risks of Non-Opioid Painkillers
Non-opioid OTC and prescription painkillers include Aleve, Advil, Motrin, Tylenol, COX-2 inhibitors, some antidepressants, and anticonvulsants like Neurontin and Lyrica. These medications differ considerably in how they work and the risks they carry.
The Cleveland Clinic notes that risks associated with pain relievers can include:
- Liver damage.
- Kidney damage.
- High blood pressure.
- Bruising and bleeding.
- Heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems with certain medications and risk factors.
- Gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration.
- Skin rashes or blisters.
These risks are distinct from opioid addiction, which is the primary focus of this article.
Physical Effects of Opioid Addiction
- Organ damage – Opioids can cause respiratory depression, leading to decreased oxygen supply to the body’s organs, which can become dangerous when breathing is severely suppressed.
- Respiratory failure – Prolonged use of opioids or high doses can increase the risk of respiratory depression and failure, which can be life-threatening. Additionally, combining opioids with other drugs that depress the central nervous system, such as alcohol or sedatives, can increase the risk of respiratory depression and further complications.
- Chronic pain – Prolonged use of opioids can sometimes be associated with opioid-induced hyperalgesia, a condition in which sensitivity to pain increases rather than improves.
- Increased risk of infection – Injection drug use can increase the risk of skin infections and abscesses as well as infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C.
Psychological Effects of Opioid Addiction
Individuals with painkiller addiction may experience depression, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, and changes in sleep patterns and appetite. Painkiller addiction can also interfere with concentration, judgment, relationships, responsibilities, and overall quality of life.
Over time, the person’s attention may become increasingly centered on obtaining and using opioids, even as other parts of life become less important. That change can sometimes be easier for friends and family to recognize than it is for the person experiencing it.
“I’ve seen people who started taking pain medication for a completely legitimate reason and never imagined it could become something they would struggle to control. Sometimes the first signs aren’t dramatic. It’s realizing that more and more of your day, your decisions, and eventually your life are starting to revolve around that medication.”
— Taylor Brown, CRADC
Treatment Options for Painkiller Addiction
Stopping opioid use and undergoing the accompanying withdrawal without professional help can be uncomfortable and may carry additional risks depending on the person’s health, pattern of opioid use, and use of other substances. A healthcare or addiction professional can evaluate the safest approach.
Treatment for opioid use disorder is individualized and may include medications for opioid use disorder, behavioral therapies, counseling, peer support, and treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions.
For people who need withdrawal management, health professionals can administer medications to keep the individual more comfortable and monitor their physical and mental well-being.
Once withdrawal management is complete, when needed, ongoing addiction treatment can address both opioid use and the circumstances that contribute to it. Depending on the individual, this may involve an outpatient or residential treatment program where addiction specialists help identify triggers, develop healthier coping skills, and build a plan for continued recovery. Participating in a support group during and following rehab may also provide additional recovery support.
With the right help and support, individuals can overcome painkiller addiction and reclaim their lives.
Why Choose Midwest Recovery Centers?
Offering a world-class medical detox program and proven extended care treatment model, Midwest Recovery Centers has helped countless people recover from alcohol and drug use and transform their lives. Our team works with individuals to address opioid addiction through treatment designed around their needs and their long-term recovery. Contact us to learn how we can help you or a loved one overcome addiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of painkiller addiction?
Signs of painkiller addiction may include taking opioid painkillers differently than prescribed, developing strong cravings, seeking additional prescriptions, becoming secretive about opioid use, experiencing withdrawal, and continuing to use opioids despite problems with health, relationships, work, or other responsibilities.
How can you tell if someone is addicted to painkillers?
Look for a pattern of behavioral, physical, and emotional changes rather than relying on a single symptom. Increasing opioid use, difficulty controlling use, withdrawal symptoms, changes in responsibilities or relationships, and continued use despite negative consequences may indicate opioid use disorder.
Can you become addicted to prescription painkillers?
Yes. Prescription opioids such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine have legitimate medical uses but also carry a risk of opioid use disorder, particularly when they are misused. Taking opioids exactly as prescribed does not automatically mean someone has an addiction.
What is the difference between opioid dependence and addiction?
Physical dependence means the body has adapted to an opioid and may experience withdrawal when the medication is reduced or stopped. Addiction, clinically diagnosed as opioid use disorder, involves a problematic pattern of opioid use that may include difficulty controlling use and continuing despite harmful consequences.
What happens when someone stops taking opioid painkillers?
A person who has developed physical dependence may experience opioid withdrawal after reducing or stopping use. Symptoms can include cravings, sweating, muscle aches, nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, restlessness, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. The severity and duration can vary considerably from person to person.
Reviewed and Assessed by
Taylor Brown, B.A.Com., CRADC
Tim Coleman, M. of Ed.