Overview

Headache is common in all age group and almost eighty percent adults experience it. Once a patient suffers from headache, he/she tries to ease out his pain by using quick relief medicines. If headache persists for a longer period of time, dependence on medicines increases gradually. As time passes by and headache persists, this increased dependence on medicines turns in to an addiction.

In order to overcome headache, people usually take analgesics, whose excessive use could lead to disastrous consequences. Opioids is one such analgesic that is used to lessen the pain. Doctors suggest that constant use of this medicine can result in physical dependence. But, physical dependency must not be confused with addiction. In certain chronic headaches physical dependence on drug is ok. Although excess dosage must be avoided, as it gives way to addiction.

Patients in order to reach their desired level of relief, decide dosage on their own. They bluff their doctors on dosage due to the fear of reduction in dosage. It often gives way to complications and side effects.

Solution to this addictive behavior of patients lies in educating them about horrible consequences of excessive usage. With the help of mass media campaigns, the correct jargon needs to be spread. A clear difference between physical dependence and addiction should be given to people. Pseudo addiction has been noticed as a result of

doctors reluctance to prescribe these medicines. So, these pseudo addicts should be provided adequate tips to manage their pain.

Pain management techniques in consultation with doctors would help in checking addictive tendencies.