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. 

OxyContin Abuse Effects

Recent statistics show OxyContin sales at an all time high; outselling all other prescription pain medications. The drug is an opiate, similar to morphine and heroin, and as such, is extremely addictive. Users can ingest orally, smoke, snort and inject the substance, making it one of the more versatile drugs in use today. Continued OxyContin use can lead to a variety of negative effects, addiction being one of the worst.

Medical Use

OxyContin is typically prescribed to alleviate excessive pain. When the drug is taken as directed, users are able to utilize it to their benefit. Patients choosing to exceed the recommended dosage or use the drug recreationally put themselves at high risk for addiction and abuse.

Short Term Effects

The effects of short-term OxyContin use include vomiting, nausea, dizziness, perspiration, dry or “cotton” mouth, constipation, and extreme relaxation. A single large dose of OxyContin is enough to cause ventilation issues… and even death.

Long-Term Effects

After a long enough period, OxyContin addicts are able to develop a tolerance. As a result, users commonly use more at a time to achieve the same high. Long-term users who attempt to reduce or halt their intake abruptly will often begin going through withdrawal.

Withdrawal Symptoms

The symptoms associated with OxyContin withdrawal commonly include muscle aches, insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, goose bumps and chills. Those intent on overcoming an OxyContin addiction are encouraged to seek out admissions information for rehab treatment.

Rehab

When an addict has made the decision to seek help for their addictions, it’s important to locate a reputable facility to help them make the transition to sobriety. Where finances pose an issue, patients have the option of locating an addiction treatment that accepts Blue Cross, Value Options, Aetna or other common coverage plans.

Rehabilitation facilities not only help patients make the transition back to sobriety, but offer the tools and education needed to maintain it upon program completion.

If you or someone you know is suffering from an OxyContin addiction, it’s never too late to fight. Locate a reputable rehab facility that specializes in OxyContin addiction and contact them to find out about their health coverage options and philosophies.