Sponsored
Despite warnings from doctors, scientists, and government agencies, many people still do not understand the dangers of a variety of drugs. The typical media view of a person with a drug addiction standing on a street corner or in a crack house does not apply in many cases. It is important to understand why some seemingly normal people become addicted to drugs. One potential risk associated with surgery is exposure to prescription opioids, which can lead to persistent opioid use or opioid use disorder in some patients.
Medications Used During and After Surgery
Doctors use a variety of medications during surgery and to prevent pain after surgery, some of which can cause physical dependence and have the potential for misuse. These medications include:
- hydrocodone
- oxycodone
- morphine
- meperidine
- ketamine
- fentanyl
- hydromorphone
- tramadol
- nitrous oxide
- codeine
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, as of 2014 almost 2 million people reported prescription painkiller or anesthetic addiction.
Regular use of these medications can lead to physical dependence or misuse, and some people who take them develop a substance use disorder. Treatment is available for people who develop addictions or have difficulty stopping use. For more information on finding a treatment center for any of these drugs, call
800-914-7089
(
Sponsored)
.
Recognizing the Signs of Painkiller or Anesthetic Addiction
According to the Mayo Clinic, prescription pain killer and anesthetic abuse has definite signs and symptoms.
-
Painkiller or opioid abuse signs:
- Taking more medication or taking it more often than prescribed
- Taking opioids longer than originally planned
- Asking for early refills or seeking prescriptions from multiple providers
- Using someone else’s prescription opioids
- Feeling unable to cut back or stop using opioids
- Continuing to use opioids despite problems at home, work, or in relationships
-
Anesthetic abuse signs:
- Unusual confusion, disorientation, or memory problems
- Unsteady movements or difficulty coordinating movements
- Unusual drowsiness or changes in alertness
- Using anesthetic medications without a medical reason or prescription
- Seeking anesthetic medications from multiple sources
- Using higher doses or using them more often than prescribed
On top of these signs, there are more generalized signs of drug abuse and addiction. Some of these are:
- theft
- poor decision making and increased risk taking
- drug seeking behavior
- doctor shopping
- changes in sleep patterns
If you or someone you know has recently recovered from surgery and has these signs of abuse or addiction, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. The faster the abuse is caught and dealt with the greater the chance of recovery. As you compare programs, it is worth considering whether a rehab far from home is the right fit for your situation.
How Do Surgery Patients Wind Up Addicted?
Although many patients go through surgery and do not find themselves addicted to their pain medication, many of them do. It usually starts with legitimate pain. Doctors often prescribe a painkiller after surgery. These pain killers are often opioids, which act on the same opioid receptors as heroin.
If you have a predisposition to addiction, you are at a higher risk after surgery. Some people become addicted simply from the initial pain killer prescription. Others have lasting pain from the surgery, so the doctor writes them another prescription for pain killer or possibly a prescription for a different pain killer. You can also ask your doctor about managing chronic pain without opioids.
As this practice goes on the surgical patient builds a tolerance to the pain killers, sometimes requiring more of them or higher dosages. Long-term use leads to physical dependence at the very least and addiction at the very worst.
Finding Addiction Treatment After Surgery
If you have become addicted to prescription painkillers or anesthetics after a surgical procedure, call
800-914-7089
(Sponsored)
to find the addiction treatment you need.
