There are many different types of painkillers on the market. At the safest end of the spectrum are painkillers available over the counter, such as aspirin or acetaminophen. However, the most powerful painkillers often contain opiates, which make the drugs effective, but addictive. Take a closer look at some of the most addictive painkillers in the world, all of which are opiates.
Oxycodone
The drug oxycodone is a painkiller that can actually change the way you perceive pain. By interrupting communication in the central nervous system, oxycodone can reduce the pain that a person feels. Unfortunately, the drug can also lead to an addiction with serious physical, emotional, and psychological side effects.
Most people are familiar with the brand name version of oxycodone, which is OxyContin. When oxycodone mixes with acetaminophen, it becomes the brand name Percocet. In fact, oxycodone is one of the most popular painkillers in the world. In America alone, nearly 60 million prescriptions are written for oxycodone each and every year.
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid painkiller. In fact, fentanyl is more than 100 times more powerful than morphine. Fentanyl is usually only for people experiencing severe pain.
When fentanyl is sold illegally, it’s often mixed with other dangerous substances. Therefore, this makes it even more dangerous to users. In as many as half of all opioid-related overdose fatalities, fentanyl is involved. Because fentanyl is so strong, even a slight overdose can have devastating effects.
Codeine
Codeine is one of the most common types of painkillers in the United States. Moreover, it’s also found in countless medications. You might find codeine in cold medicine or cough syrup, for example.
While codeine can be harmless in small doses, it’s still an opiate. That means users can still develop an addiction to the drug very quickly. Specifically, there is no completely safe way to take codeine.
Fight Back Against All Types of Painkillers
Prescription painkillers can serve a legitimate purpose, but they are not without risk. If you or someone you love is dependent on painkillers, then professional support has to be a priority. From detox to rehab and continuing care, clients deserve comprehensive treatment that puts them on the path to recovery. For example, effective addiction treatment programs include:
- Group therapy
- Trauma and grief therapy
- Gender-specific treatment programs
- Family therapy
- Behavioral therapy
Painkillers can reduce pain, but they can also lead to addiction. At Ashley Addiction Treatment in Havre de Grace, Maryland, you can find freedom from prescription drugs. Call 866-313-6307 to embark on your journey to health, happiness, and sobriety.