Painkillers play an important part in modern medicine, and yet they are also the source of much controversy because of the issues around addiction that they’re responsible for creating.

As our understanding of these drugs has grown over time, so too has the potential for abuse. Let’s talk a little more about where pain medication has its roots, how this ties into its addictiveness, and what steps you can take to free yourself from its grasp for good.

A Brief History Of Painkillers

Painkillers were first introduced in the early 1800s, when they were derived from opium plants found in Asia, hence why medications in this category are commonly referred to as opioids.

Since their discovery, opioids have been commonly prescribed to treat severe pain associated with surgery or illness, and once their addictive properties were better understood, their use became more limited.

In recent years however, there has been a surge in opioid prescriptions as doctors attempt to find ways of better managing chronic pain complaints without resorting to surgery or more invasive treatments. This in turn has caused an epidemic of overdosing, as well as a prevalence of addiction.

What Makes Them Addictive?

Opioids work by blocking certain nerve receptors that send signals of pain throughout your body and reducing inflammation at these sites, which helps relieve discomfort quickly and effectively – but this is also what makes them so dangerous.

When taken regularly over long periods of time, they can cause changes in your brain chemistry that make it difficult for you to stop taking them even if you want to; this is known as physical dependence which leads to addiction if left unchecked.

The added problem is that we’re not talking about culture-driven addiction, but rather one that comes from medical necessity, and healthcare policies.

What Steps Should You Take To Detox From Pain Medication?

If you’ve become dependent on prescription medications like opioids, it’s important not to try quitting cold turkey. Doing so could lead to serious health complications, such as seizures or cardiac arrest, depending on how much medication was being taken prior. Instead here are some steps you should take:

  • Participate in drug treatment programs, like those offered at Allendale Treatment, to get advice and treatment tailored specifically towards safely managing withdrawal symptoms, and working toward recovery
  • Seek out support groups online or in-person where you’ll meet people who understand what it's like living with an addiction. Having someone available 24/7 who can relate & offer guidance during tough moments can be invaluable
  • Practice healthy coping mechanisms such as meditation, exercise or yoga to help your body & mind relieve stress in a healthier way than taking drugs
  • Make sure you’re getting enough rest and eating nutritious meals to give your body the energy it needs during this taxing period
  • Try additional therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which can help address underlying issues that may have led to drug abuse and painkiller dependence in the first place

Taking these steps will not only improve your chances of successfully detoxing from painkillers but also give you the tools needed so that you never need to rely on them again. With support and dedication, anyone can overcome an addiction – even one caused by prescription medications.

Wrapping Up

The problems with pain medication need to be tackled at a societal level, but individuals have to focus on keeping their own lives on an even keel, and recognizing the dangers of opioid addiction as well as being proactive about detoxing will put you in the best position.