The Effects of Drug Abuse of Pain Medication
Prescription pain medication includes drugs from the opiate family such as methadone, morphine and oxycodone. Opiate pain medications can cause a plethora of mental and physical effects, including physical and psychological addiction. According to DrugFree.org, one in five teenagers has abused opiate pain medication, while 11 percent of 12- to 17-year-olds report having used opiates nonmedically at least once.
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Physical Effects of Opiate Abuse
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While not known to cause chronic organ damage in the way that some other drugs do, opiate pain medications can still cause unwanted physical effects. One of the most common side effects of opiate abuse is constipation, which can sometimes be severe. Constipation may result in bloating, water retention or, in severe cases, intestinal obstruction. Erectile dysfunction is also a common effect of pain med abuse, as are weight gain and urinary retention. Some people experience itching, nausea and vomiting while on opiate medications as well.
Mental and Emotional Effects
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The psychological effects of pain medication abuse are often more severe than the physical effects. Opiate abuse inhibits the body's ability to produce endorphins---the chemicals responsible for feelings of happiness and contentment--causing a reliance on the drug for pleasure and well-being.
Commonly reported psychological side effects of opiate pain medications include reduced sex drive, mental clouding and vivid dreams. While they're known for their euphoric effects, opiates may sometimes cause dysphoria and agitation in users. Drowsiness, emotional blunting and mood changes are also common with opiate abuse.
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Tolerance
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Tolerance is the main factor leading to addiction with pain medications. Tolerance occurs when more of a drug is required to achieve desired effect, leading to decreased effectiveness over time. Opiate tolerance builds faster with higher, more frequent doses. The only way to regain the desired effect is to discontinue use until tolerance diminishes or to increase the dose, which can lead to addiction and dangerous side effects such as respiratory depression and overdose.
Addiction and Withdrawal
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Aside from overdose, addiction is the most serious consequence of pain medication abuse. Opiates can cause both physical and psychological dependence, making it doubly hard to quit after extended periods of use. Physical withdrawal symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, joint and muscle pain and cold and flu-like symptoms. These are often followed by weeks or months of depression as the brain readjusts to life without opiates.
Recognizing the Signs of Abuse
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Pain medication abuse is a serious problem among American adolescents and adults. You can help prevent addiction and other problems by learning to recognize the signs of abuse.
Opiate abusers are often preoccupied with obtaining and taking their drug of choice. They may become introverted and reclusive, losing interest in regular hobbies. They sometimes engage in illegal activities, such as prescription forgery or doctor shopping to acquire the drug they desire and may run out of medication before the refill date. Changes in mood, behavior, weight and sleeping patterns may also signal an opiate abuse problem.
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