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Danger! Are You Addicted To Painkillers?

Are you addicted to painkillers? Well, it could be very dangerous to your health and your future as well. Read on to know more...

Yes, even painkillers are addictive and like any addiction, even painkiller addiction has some adverse effects.

Of course, nobody willingly becomes an addict to painkillers. But statistics claim that the number of people using painkillers frequently has almost doubled up in the past decade.

Popping in a painkiller has become a normal scene in our lives. Whenever you are tired, or suffer a mild headache or experience any other pain in the body, you would first think of a pain killer. But its dangerous. Read on to know about a few facts...

Fact #1

Fact #1

Just like drugs, even the painkillers do alter the brain chemistry a bit in order to stimulate pleasure and mask pain. Some of them also release dopamine to make you feel good and forget the pain.

This could make you use it frequently. But frequent usage may turn into an addiction without knowing.

Fact #2

Fact #2

Some pain killers (when they interact with alcohol) may even cause breathing issues and sudden death. Abuse of stimulants and depressants may disturb the heart and may cause death.

Fact #3

Fact #3

Who may get addicted? People suffering from anxiety are prone to get addicted to painkillers. Other health issues that may increase the risk of addiction are depression, alcoholism, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Fact #4

Fact #4

Even genetics play a role. People who have ancestors who were addicts to various substances might have higher chances of developing an addiction.

Fact #5

Fact #5

Some people are born with a deficiency of dopamine levels. They may seek to balance those levels. Some of them could turn to painkillers too.

Fact #6

Fact #6

Abuse of painkillers could cause mood swings, nausea, constipation, sedation, seizures, breathing problems, slurred speech, cardiovascular problems, depression, anxiety and even death.

Social isolation, inability to pass the day without using painkillers and risky behaviour are some side effects that may soon follow.

Fact #7

Fact #7

What happens if you suddenly stop taking painkillers? Well, withdrawal symptoms include irritability, restlessness, lack of appetite, tremours, insomnia, muscle pains, nausea, diarrhea, abnormal breathing patterns.

That is why it is better to to use painkillers only in rare cases when the doctor prescribes you.

Story first published: Tuesday, February 21, 2017, 9:13 [IST]
Read more about: pills nausea pain body brain health