Chronic Pain Opioid Addiction

Answer:

I was talking to a client a few days ago. They’ve been dealing with some pretty severe chronic pain. To help, the doctors prescribed strong opioid painkillers, but with everything they’re reading in the news lately, they’re worried about getting addicted to the drugs.

Addiction to opioid painkillers is real and it’s not something to take lightly. Almost anyone can get addicted to these powerful medications if they’re misused, and sometimes even when they’re used properly.

On the other hand, when they’re used as prescribed and directed, they can be amazing tools to help control pain and to help you heal. The key is to listen to your doctors, be open with them, and listen to your body.

Opioid dependence or addiction is a physical change in your brain. It’s a response to taking too much medication or taking it too often. If you find yourself wanting to take more medicine just for the feeling that you get rather than for the pain, or if you need to take more just to feel better, you might have an issue. If you’re worried about it, talk to your doctor. The sooner you deal with what’s happening, the better off you’ll be.

If you’re having chronic pain issues because of an accident or injury and want to talk about it, give me a call. I’d love to answer any questions you might have.