Pain Pills – Long Term Abuse Effects

From OTC products like ibuprofen to prescription opioids, pain pill abuse is rampant throughout the United States. The effects associated with these substances vary based on the user’s general health, medication type, and an assortment of additional factors.

Tolerance

Tolerance is defined by the body’s response to continued use of a particular substance. When ingested regularly, a tolerance to pain pills will ultimately increase, resulting a diminished effect.

Addiction & Abuse

Medications in the opiate family are able to cause both psychological and physical states of addiction. Addiction and abuse are among the largest risks associated with long-term use of prescription pain pills.

Stomach Bleeding

OTC medications from the NASID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) family, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, heighten the risk of bleeding in the gastrointestinal region. Individuals at risk for stomach bleeding are typically those who abuse alcohol or NSAIDs, or older adults.

Constipation

Perhaps the most common side effect associated with opiate abuse; constipation occurs once intestinal movements are slowed. Treatments for this type of condition typically include laxatives and supplements.

Liver Damage

Excess pain medication abuse will ultimately result in long-term liver damage, up to and including cirrhosis. Once an individual hits this mark, available treatment options become limited.

Warning

The number of potential outcomes associated with long-term pain pill addiction is many. In order to avoid these types of consequences, it’s important that addicts consult with a California drug rehab specialist to devise a proper plan of action.