Painkiller addiction has hit the news pretty hard this year, shocking the nation with triple digit statistics about the prescription drug epidemic. If your someone who has just been prescribed pills from your doctor, you might be wondering what your chances are of getting addicted to them.
The data out there is confusing with studies citing vast differences, ranging from 1% to 40%. WebMD‘s estimates roughly between 3% and 16%.
Remember, it’s not the pill that makes an addiction. Addiction, like any disease, rises from a number of physiological, psychological, and social factors.
Who is at a higher risk for addiction?
Those at a higher risk for addiction include those with
- a family history of substance abuse.
- a personal history of substance abuse.
- a lower tolerance for resistance. (Some people will experience more of a high than others, which could increase the risk for addiction.)
Because 70% of those who abuse prescription drugs obtain them from family or friends, prescription drug addiction happens first to those who choose it. By the time they ask their doctor for pills, they’re already addicted. If you enter the hospital with no intentions of abusing the medications, then your chances of addiction are very minimal.
You should always compare the risk of addiction with the benefits of pain relief. Untreated pain will significantly lower your quality of life and lead to further health complications.
Drug Cocktails: A more likely cause to worry
With the average patient, the danger of taking addictive pills increases more often when drugs are mixed together knowningly (or unknowingly.
For example, taking painkillers and sedatives together creates dangerous adverse effects. Combining depressant drugs, like Xanax or Valium, with alcohol could result in coma and death. These kind of serious side effects can be avoided simply by adhering carefully to your doctor’s instructions.
Prescription Abuse in California
The majority of people checking into treatment centers are for substances other than prescription drugs. In fact, in Northern California,
- 34% of treatment admissions were for methamphetamine
- 20% of treatment admissions were for alcohol
- 19% of treatment admissions were for marijuana
- 12% of treatment admissions were for heroin
- 11% of treatment admission were for cocaine, and
- 4% of treatment admissions were for other drugs (including various illicit drugs and prescription drugs)
Less than 4% of people enter treatment for prescription drugs. Of course, this stat can be taken in two ways: the majority of people who use their meds are using them responsibly, or the majority of people who abuse prescription drugs are not getting treatment.
Addiction is may not be imminent, but it’s real
For the small amount of people who develop an addiction to their prescription meds, addiction is devastating. Nobody should ever underestimate the powerful hold of addiction or the havoc it could wreck. Although the risk is relatively low, you also need to be aware that addiction is still real–and it happens, though it may not happen to you.
The Doctor’s a Good Guy
Remember your doctor is not trying to get you addicted, and they’re extremely careful of over-prescribing powerful opioids. Having a trusting relationship with a knowledgeable doctor is key. And expert won’t have unfounded worries about the risk for addiction, but will also know how to help those at high risk for developing a problem.
If you have a past history of substance abuse, your doctor may not feel comfortable prescribing a powerful drug for you; in that case, seeking a doctor with expertise in pain management or a specialty center is especially important. You may be able to get an accountability partner who will hold and dispense your medication for you. It’s not hopeless to achieve good health; you just have to be willing to do it.