How to Avoid Getting Addicted to Painkillers – Painkillers are effective. When you have throbbing pain in your body, you need a pain killer, and it will go away. It’s the reason why many people turn to these drugs to feel better. The problem is that even when the problem already went away, some people continue using the drugs. It can be addictive, and you don’t want to face that problem. Here are some tips to avoid pain killer addiction.
Follow the prescription
If your doctor tells you to take the medication once a day, you should stick to it. Even if you feel bad later, you can’t go to your medicine cabinet and get one more. Doctors already know what your body needs, and you can’t go beyond the prescription.
Take painkillers earlier on
Another way to avoid getting addicted is by asking for help earlier on. Some people wait until the symptoms worsen before they go to the doctor and ask for a prescription. By then, the body needs more painkillers for the pain to go away. It also requires a longer time to medicate. It’s a reason why some people get addicted. If you start feeling pain in some areas of your body, you should see a doctor.
Notice the signs of addiction
Signs are telling you that you already start getting addicted. When you go to different doctors to get a prescription, it’s a bad thing. It shows that you don’t want to face reality and would instead go to another doctor to get the pill. When you lie about your medical condition, it’s also another sign. Being desperate to get what you need is the start of your addiction.
Notice the changes in your body
You started to take painkillers because of physical pain. Sometimes you continue taking painkillers even if the pain has already gone. If you keep going, it’s no longer physical pain that makes you want to take more. You might have mental health issues. Seek help from experts right away. Many people die of addiction since they decided against asking for help.
Be honest with yourself
Some people feel embarrassed to admit that they got addicted to painkillers. There’s no shame if you ended up on that path. As long as you admit it and ask for help, you can still recover. Mental health experts will take you to the road to recovery. You might also undergo therapy to help you forget drug dependence.
Next time, you have to be more careful with what you take. Even simple drugs like tablets for fungal nail infection require caution. If possible, ask for a prescription for pills before taking them. Avoid self-medication. You can’t rely on everything you read online, including videos from people who pretend to be experts in medicine.
The opioid crisis remains a problem in various parts of the world. You might feel ashamed about your decisions, but it’s never too late to ask for help. You can still recover and not get addicted to the pill.
Poppy Watt