Pain medication addiction
A recent study found that between a third and half the population of the UK, around 28 million adults, are living with persistent pain. But we know most medicines for long-term pain, only benefit around 1 in 4 people and on average only provide a 30% reduction in pain.
Living with and managing persistent pain, every, single day can be exhausting. Unfortunately, there simply isn’t a medication that will remove all pain. Taking opioid pain medication in the hope it will relieve most of the pain is not the answer. And opioids can often cause more problems than they resolve when taken for longer than three months. Why? Because the way our bodies react to pain medication changes over time.
There is no simple answer. Each person’s experience is unique to them. A good place to start is acknowledging that regular, high-dose prescribed pain medication may be adversely affecting your life more than the pain itself!
“The way our bodies react to pain medication changes over time…”
Dr Aitken , Sunderland GP
Unfortunately, there simply isn’t a medication that will remove all pain. There is no simple answer. Each person’s experience is unique to them. A good place to start is acknowledging that regular, high-dose prescribed pain medication may be adversely affecting your life more than the pain itself!
Types of pain medication
There are four main types of pain medication. Each works in a different way. Most people only need to take pain medication for a few days or weeks.
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Paracetamol
Paracetamol is the most common form of pain medication. It works for headaches and non-nerve pain.
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Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
Are medicines that are widely used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and bring down a high temperature.
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Opioid pain medication e.g. Tramadol and Morphine
Opioid-based pain medication is used to treat moderate to severe pain, for example after an operation or a serious injury.
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Other types of medication
For some types of pain, for example nerve pain, other medicines may be used that are mainly used for other conditions. Anti-depressants such as amitriptyline or duloxetine may be prescribed, or anti-epileptic medicines such as gabapentin or pregabalin.
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Short term versus long term painOver time, the body changes the way it responds to persistent pain and pain medication. It is important to recognise what is acute, short term pain and what is persistent pain, to enable you to make informed decisions about how to manage your pain effectively.Read more
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Pain medicationHigh dose, opioid pain medication are very strong drugs that should only be used as a short-term measure to help combat acute pain. If taken over a period of time, individuals can develop serious side effects that can have a negative impact on quality of life.Read more
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How to recognise addictionPain medication addiction is often completely unintentional. It is not advised to stop taking painkiller medication. It should be managed in a slow and controlled manner as withdrawal should be gradual.Read more
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Other ways to manage painPain medications are not the only option to managing pain. Gentle exercise, physiotherapy, yoga, meditation, improved sleep, mindset and many other elements will contribute to your overall physical and mental well-being.Read more
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How you can take actionIf you are worried or would like to discuss your current pain medication prescription and how to manages persistent pain more effectively, please book a pain review with a pharmacist or GP at your practice.Read more
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Get help and supportIf you’re worried that you or someone you know could be dependent on pain medication, visit our support page.Help and support
Have you been on pain medication for more than 3 months?
It’s time to book a pain review with a pharmacist or GP at your practice.
Could you or someone you know be dependent on pain medication?
A recent study found that between a third and half the population of the UK, around 28 million adults, are living with persistent pain. But we know most medicines for long-term pain, only benefit around 1 in 4 people and on average only provide a 30% reduction in pain.
Living with and managing persistent pain, every, single day can be exhausting. Unfortunately, there simply isn’t a medication that will remove all pain. Taking opioid pain medication in the hope it will relieve most of the pain is not the answer. And opioids can often cause more problems than they resolve when taken for longer than three months. Why? Because the way our bodies react to pain medication changes over time.
There is no simple answer. Each person’s experience is unique to them. A good place to start is acknowledging that regular, high-dose prescribed pain medication may be adversely affecting your life more than the pain itself!
Are you a healthcare professional?
Help us raise awareness of the potential dangers of prescription pain medication.
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