How painkillers affect addicts
Painkillers help ease minor and chronic pain, but the recommended dosage must be adhered to in order to avoid becoming addicted.
Moderate to mild pain is normally cured by painkillers available at pharmacies, health shops, clinics and medical practitioners.
Medical professionals offer advice on painkillers as they help ease and manage general pains. But what happens when you find yourself unable to go through a day without painkillers – even if you are not in pain?
These drugs are risky because opioid painkillers (a class of illegal and legally prescribed drugs) produce a short-lived feeling of elation and are addictive.
Gabisile Ngema, a 32-year-old woman from the Krugersdorp CBD admits that a day does not go by without her taking an over the counter (OTC) known brand.
“I started using the tablets, then one day I tried powder sachets which worked faster, I felt energised until the end of my shift – I have a demanding job and I often work night shifts, so I never start working unless I take some painkillers,” she said.
Like other drug users, people who suffer from painkiller addiction are either psychologically or physically dependent on these legal, yet dangerous drugs.
Akhona Simunye, a pharmacist at Westgate Mall, said people should never make taking painkillers a habit. It may make you feel refreshed at the time but an overdose could cost you your life. Rather admit that you have a problem and act on it.
Many people who become addicts struggle to cope with depression, anxiety and abuse.
Signs to look out for if you or someone stops taking prescription or OTC drugs include sweating, enlarged pupils, desperate drug cravings, always feeling tired and loss of appetite.
The effects of painkiller addiction include confusion, dizziness, constipation, depression, nausea, and vomiting.
If you or someone you care about needs help, contact Narcotics Anonymous on 083 900 6962, or send an e-mail to fjhb-womenshelpline@na.org.za (women) or jhb-menshelpline@na.org.za (men).
To find a support group in your area, phone the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) on 0800 21 22 23.
Alternatively, you can call Assisted Recovery Centres of Africa (Arca) on 011 656 0705 or 062 277 0911. If you prefer to send an e-mail, you can do so by mailing info@arcajhb.com.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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