Analgesics, also known as painkillers or pain medication, are available by prescription or over the counter. There are two kinds of analgesics – those considered to be narcotics and those that are non-narcotic. They are drugs or medicine used to relieve pain of varying degrees. Examples of over-the-counter analgesics include aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen and naproxen. Examples of narcotic analgesics, which can be habit-forming and are available only by prescription, include: morphine, oxycodone and hydrocodone. These opioids are included in prescription medications and sometimes combined with other active ingredients such as non-narcotic analgesics. These include Vicodin, Percocet and Percodan. Pain medications are used to treat a range of illnesses, injuries and conditions, some which can be chronic in nature.
Risks of Narcotic and Non-Narcotic Pain Relievers
Pain management is universal and something we all need at one time or another. Most people have used an analgesic to treat conditions from headaches to minor pain and injuries. Some seek relief from chronic pain due to cancer. Both narcotic and non-narcotic pain relievers can pose health risks if misused or taken in conjunction with other substances. Acetaminophen is the most widely used non-narcotic pain reliever but can lead to overdose and liver damage if taken in excess. It’s important for patients to know exactly how much acetaminophen they are getting each day from all sources as it is found in hundreds of over-the-counter cold, sinus and cough medicines.
Narcotic analgesics offer pain relief for millions and can be used safely. However, the potential for addiction and other problems exists. Narcotic drugs contain opiates which bind to receptors in the brain and block pain signals. Taking them regularly over time can lead to the development of tolerance which means the body has become used to the drug. The drug’s effects become diminished at this point, leading some to escalate use. This can be dangerous and often leads to physical and/or psychological dependence. These medications can also cause adverse reactions, side effects, the need for detox, withdrawal and overdose.
Where to Find Help for Prescription Painkiller Addiction
The number of prescription painkillers written each year has increased in the U.S. in recent years, as does the number of people reporting problems with addiction. Waismann Method treatment offers a safe and discreet medical detox and rapid detox for opiates including OxyContin, Percocet, Darvocet, methadone, heroin, and Duragesic. Patients can be in and out of the hospital in days with our medical procedure. When anesthesia assisted rapid detox is indicated, intravenous medications are used to cleanse opiates from patients’ opiate receptors. The withdrawal phase is accelerated and occurs while patients are under light sedation. They awake opiate-free and are given a prescription for a daily dose of the opioid antagonist Naltrexone for up to a year. We also have an inclusive aftercare retreat for a few days, where treatment is individualized and includes massage, biofeedback, counseling and services of a private chef.
