Painkiller abuse

These are great questions! Opioid analgesics (a.k.a. prescription painkillers) are a family of substances that act on the central nervous system (CNS) to change the way the brain perceives and responds to painful stimuli. When these painkillers are used in a different way than they were prescribed (i.e., taking more at a time than indicated or for longer than originally prescribed) or for long term use (more than one to two weeks), the user may experience both physiological and psychological side effects, including severe withdrawal symptoms (such as anxiety, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain) if they try to discontinue using suddenly. Because these effects can be quite serious or even life-threatening, it's recommended that detox from these substances be completed under the supervision of a health care provider. Unfortunately, even after someone has successfully stopped using prescription painkillers, they may continue to feel long-term effects, such as an increased sensitivity to pain, greater vulnerability to stress, and a decreased ability to feel pleasure (more on this later). But, the good news is that once someone has safely stopped using prescription painkillers, there are many resources they can turn to that can help them stay off. Recovery from substance misuse can be a difficult journey, but there are many different support options to choose from, including individual and group-based strategies.