Last Updated:

May 16th, 2025

Pain Killer Addiction | Signs, Effects and Causes

What are painkillers?

Painkillers are medications designed to relieve discomfort caused by a variety of conditions, such as injuries, surgeries, chronic illnesses, or everyday aches. They work by blocking pain signals in the nervous system or by reducing inflammation, depending on the type of painkiller.

Painkillers are generally divided into two categories: over-the-counter (OTC) medications, which can be purchased without a prescription, and prescription painkillers, which require a doctor’s approval due to their strength or potential side effects.

woman-taking-pain-killer-pills

Over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers

OTC painkillers are commonly used for mild to moderate pain and are widely accessible at pharmacies and supermarkets. Here are four examples:

Paracetamol
Effective for relieving mild headaches, muscle aches, and fever. It’s gentle on the stomach and often recommended for general pain relief.
Ibuprofen
A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps reduce inflammation, making it ideal for conditions like arthritis or menstrual cramps.
Aspirin
Often used to reduce pain and inflammation, aspirin is also known for its ability to thin the blood, which can help prevent heart attacks in some cases.
Naproxen
Another NSAID, Naproxen, is stronger than ibuprofen and is often used for conditions like joint pain or sports injuries.

Prescription painkillers

Prescription painkillers are designed for more severe or chronic pain and are carefully managed to avoid misuse. Examples include:

Codeine
A mild opioid often combined with paracetamol for short-term relief of moderate pain.
Oxycodone
A strong opioid is prescribed for severe pain, such as after surgery or injury. It works by altering how the brain perceives pain.
Hydrocodone
Another opioid used for managing severe pain is often in combination with acetaminophen to enhance its effectiveness.
Tramadol
A synthetic opioid that treats moderate to severe pain by affecting how pain signals are processed in the brain.

Can painkillers become addictive?

While it’s unlikely for someone to become addicted to over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers when used as directed, prescription painkillers are a different story. These medications are designed to manage severe pain and are far more potent, which is why they’re only available with a doctor’s prescription. The strength that makes them effective also brings a risk of addiction, as they can cause feelings of euphoria or relaxation that some may begin to rely on.

Here are a few examples of some of the most addictive prescription painkillers. This isn’t a complete list, but it highlights how powerful these medications can be:

Oxycodone
Oxycodone is often prescribed for managing post-surgery or chronic pain. It’s highly addictive because it produces intense euphoria by stimulating the brain’s opioid receptors. Over time, the brain may crave these effects, leading to dependency.
Hydrocodone
Used for moderate to severe pain, hydrocodone can quickly become addictive because it not only dulls pain but also creates a sense of calm and relaxation. The combination with acetaminophen enhances its effects, increasing the risk of misuse.
Codeine
Codeine, typically used for mild to moderate pain or as a cough suppressant, becomes addictive due to its calming and sedative properties. Even at low doses, prolonged use can lead to tolerance, making individuals take more to achieve the same effect.
Tramadol
Tramadol is unique because it’s both an opioid and affects serotonin and norepinephrine levels. This dual action can make people feel a mix of pain relief, mood elevation, and calmness, which increases its potential for addiction, particularly if misused.

Signs of painkiller addiction

Recognising the signs of painkiller addiction is crucial for taking action, whether for yourself or a loved one. Addiction to painkillers can develop gradually and often goes unnoticed until it begins to affect daily life. Spotting these signs early can help prevent further harm and ensure that appropriate support is sought.

While the exact signs can vary depending on the specific painkiller, there are common behavioural, physical, and psychological indicators to look out for.

Behavioural signs of painkiller addiction
  • Taking higher doses than prescribed: Increasing the dosage without medical advice suggests growing tolerance and a potential dependency.
  • Doctor shopping: Visiting multiple doctors or pharmacies to obtain additional prescriptions is a clear sign of misuse.
  • Obsessive focus on obtaining painkillers: Constantly worrying about running out or prioritising painkillers over responsibilities indicates addiction.
  • Neglecting daily responsibilities: Ignoring work, family, or social obligations due to painkiller use shows how addiction disrupts life.
  • Using painkillers for non-medical reasons: Taking painkillers to relax, cope with stress, or feel euphoric rather than for pain relief is a common behavioural sign.
Physical signs of painkiller addiction
  • Drowsiness or fatigue: Constant tiredness, even at inappropriate times, can indicate misuse.
  • Slurred speech: Difficulty speaking clearly often occurs with excessive painkiller use.
  • Pinpoint pupils: Opioid painkillers, in particular, can cause the pupils to constrict noticeably.
  • Nausea or vomiting: Chronic misuse of painkillers can lead to digestive upset and frequent nausea.
  • Withdrawal symptoms: Physical discomfort, such as sweating, chills, or muscle aches, when not taking painkillers signals dependency.
Psychological signs of painkiller addiction
  • Mood swings: Rapid shifts between euphoria, irritability, or depression may be linked to the effects of painkillers on the brain.
  • Anxiety or restlessness when doses are missed: Heightened anxiety between doses can indicate psychological dependence.
  • Difficulty concentrating: Mental fog or trouble focusing may result from the way painkillers affect cognitive function.
  • Using painkillers to cope with emotions: Relying on painkillers to handle stress, anxiety, or sadness shows emotional dependency.
  • Obsessive thoughts about painkillers: Constantly thinking about when or how to get the next dose is a hallmark of addiction.

Recognising these signs early is vital for addressing painkiller addiction and seeking the right help. Addiction can affect anyone, but professional support can make recovery possible and sustainable.

How can I get help for painkiller addiction?

If painkiller addiction is severe, it’s important to seek help through a specialised rehab programme. The treatment approach should match the type of painkiller involved. For instance, someone addicted to Codeine would typically follow an opioid addiction programme tailored to their specific needs.

Painkiller rehab often begins with detox, where the body safely adjusts to the absence of the drug while managing withdrawal symptoms. This is followed by therapy, including one-to-one counselling, group therapy, and evidence-based methods like CBT, which address the root causes of addiction. Aftercare support ensures long-term recovery, offering guidance and relapse prevention tools to help individuals maintain sobriety.

By choosing the right rehab programme, you can receive the support you need to regain control of your life and work toward a healthier, addiction-free future.

old-man-taking-pain-killer

What’s next?

If you or a loved one is struggling with painkiller addiction, don’t wait to seek help. A specialised addiction rehab centre can provide the tailored care needed for recovery. Take the first step today by reaching out to professionals who can guide you toward a healthier, painkiller-free future.

Reclaim Your Life Today

Our compassionate team are ready and available to take your call, and guide you towards lasting the lasting addiction recovery you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can painkiller addiction cause a distorted sense of reality?
Painkiller addiction may alter perception and thought processes, potentially leading to confusion, detachment, or a distorted sense of reality, particularly with prolonged misuse of certain medications.
Can painkiller addiction cause skin sensitivity or itching?
Painkiller addiction could result in skin sensitivity or itching, as opioids and some other painkillers can trigger histamine release, leading to these uncomfortable sensations.
Can painkiller addiction cause trouble with fine motor skills?
Painkiller addiction may impair coordination and fine motor skills, as these medications can affect the nervous system, slowing reflexes and making precise movements more difficult.