Painkiller Addiction: More Opioids for individuals experiencing post-viral syndrome

For many people experiencing post-viral syndrome, the recovery process was very simple and took only a few weeks. But for others, side effects of individuals experiencing post-viral syndrome persist. Known as post-viral syndrome, these individuals can experience symptoms and side effects after their body has stopped fighting the virus. And in some contexts, this can increase their risk for painkiller addiction.

This is especially true in individuals, who already face a predisposition toward opioid dependence. As physicians prescribe opioid pain medications to treat long-term effects, individuals who receive these prescriptions will need support to avoid and to treat painkiller addiction. But first, let’s examine post-viral syndrome and why they’re using opioid medications and narcotic painkillers to deal with their residual symptoms.

Individuals experiencing post-viral syndrome

Known commonly as long clinically as “post-acute sequelae, this condition refers to symptoms that last for weeks, months, or longer after recovering from it. These can include normal symptoms like:

• Shortness of breath
• Coughing
• Fatigue
• Headaches

However, this can also present with less common symptoms, such as:

• Chest pain
• Brain fog
• Muscle or joint pain

This issue is fairly common, with more than three million Americans (out of 31 million Americans infected).. Given how common this issue is, many doctors are trying to find ways to help mitigate these negative health effects.

In cases where chronic pain appears as a result of post viral syndrome, opioid painkillers may be prescribed. In fact, one study found that in 1,000 cases, doctors wrote nine more opioid prescriptions than they normally would have. This is in addition to 22 more prescriptions for benzodiazepines, which are addictive medications that are used to treat anxiety.

While there are legitimate uses for these medications, there is a real concern that individuals experiencing post-viral syndrome may now face increased risk of painkiller addiction due to their new medications. This fear is bolstered by opioid addiction statistics, which show that more than 20 percent of people who receive opioids for chronic pain misuse their medications. Veterans in particular are at increased risk of developing opioid use disorders due to issues like post-traumatic stress disorder, combat exposure, and military sexual trauma.

For these reasons, veterans taking opioids to treat long-term symptoms should be very wary of painkiller addiction. Let’s examine some of the ways that veterans can stay safe from pain medication addiction.

How to Avoid Opioid Dependence and Painkiller Addiction

When taking prescription opioids for long-term symptoms, there are a few steps that veterans can take to minimize the risk of dependence. These allow veterans to safely use prescription opioids to treat pain while avoiding painkiller addiction issues, so they should be closely followed for as long as an individual takes these medications.

1. Do Not Take Extra Doses: Often, opioid dependence starts when someone takes more opioids than what they’re prescribed. This makes the body require more opioids to treat pain, which leads to taking more and more opioids. While individuals sometimes find that their medications lose efficacy over time, it’s important to only increase your dosage under the supervision of a medical professional.
2. Take Opioids Only as Prescribed: The way that people take opioids can greatly impact how they affect the body. For this reason, prescription painkillers should only be taken in the way printed on the pill bottle. So if the directions are to swallow opioids orally, then they should not be chewed, crushed, dissolved, or taken in any other manner without a doctor’s approval.
3. Talk to Your Provider: If you experience any issues at all with your medications, you should promptly discuss them with your health care provider. Changes in side effects, how you take the medication, and how the medication works for you are all important and should be coordinated with a professional’s guidance. These are highly addictive drugs, so there is no shame in double checking and making sure you’re staying safe while taking them.

Taking these steps is a highly effective way to minimize your risk of developing a painkiller addiction. However, they are not foolproof. Because opioid addiction and dependence are so powerful, addiction is still possible even while taking these steps. For that reason, it’s important to familiarize yourself with veteran opioid addiction treatment options in your area.

Opioid Addiction Treatment Options in DeLand, Florida

When veterans develop addiction, it is often due, at least partially, to underlying factors related to their service. And while some veterans have found success in civilian treatment programs, many veterans find that they work best with other military personnel. That’s why at Heroes’ Mile, our military veteran staff members make all the difference for the people that we help.

By employing addiction treatment programs in an environment that’s filled with veterans in treatment and veterans in the care staff, we allow for open, honest discussions of military issues with people who really understand. Whether it’s initially getting off of opioids in our veteran detox program, or learning addiction coping skills in our veteran rehabilitation program, or transitioning back to regular life in an outpatient program, we’re here for you every step of the way. That’s why we offer free alumni services, so that we can provide ongoing support throughout your recovery.

 

Video

What you should know about opioids and painkillers – TED Talk

Pain is your body’s signal that something isn’t right. To help manage it, doctors often prescribe powerful opioids — but they’re not always the best option and can quickly lead to addiction. Illuminating the fine line between substance use and abuse, Dr. Jen Gunter explains what opioids do to your perception of pain, the risks they pose and the questions to ask your doctor about them.

 

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This new pain drug is being touted as a non-addictive alternative to opioids – NPR

A new kind of pain medication has been approved for sale by the Food and Drug Administration. It is being touted as an alternative to opioids. It works differently, and it is not addictive. NPR’s Yuki Noguchi is here to explain. Hi there.

 

FAQ

1. What is post-viral syndrome and how does it relate to painkiller addiction?
   Post-viral syndrome refers to a range of symptoms that persist after a viral infection, including chronic pain and fatigue. The use of painkillers to manage these symptoms can increase the risk of addiction, especially opioids.
2. Why are opioids commonly prescribed for post-viral syndrome symptoms?
   Opioids are frequently prescribed to manage chronic pain associated with post-viral syndrome. However, their prolonged use can lead to dependency and addiction due to their effect on the brain’s reward system.
3. How does opioid addiction affect individuals with post-viral syndrome?
   Opioid addiction can worsen the symptoms of post-viral syndrome, making it more difficult for individuals to manage both their physical and emotional health. It may also lead to additional health complications.
4. What are the warning signs of opioid addiction in those with post-viral syndrome?
   Warning signs include increased tolerance, cravings for opioids, inability to stop use despite negative consequences, and the need for higher doses to manage pain. Psychological symptoms like mood swings and anxiety may also indicate addiction.
5. What treatment options are available for individuals with both post-viral syndrome and painkiller addiction?
   Treatment may include a combination of medical detox, pain management alternatives, counseling, and support groups. It’s essential to address both the underlying viral condition and the addiction for effective recovery.