Overview
Increased Dependence On Pain Killers Gives Way To Addiction
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.