Patient Information Resources


Centre for Orthopaedics
Suite 10-33/34/35 Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre
38 Irrawaddy Road
Singapore, 329563, Singapore
Ph: (65) 6684 5828
Fax: (65) 6684 5829
sharon@cfo.com.sg






Ankle
Child Orthopedics
Elbow
Foot
Fractures
General
Hand
Hip
Knee
Pain Management
Shoulder
Spine - Cervical
Spine - General
Spine - Lumbar
Spine - Thoracic
Wrist

View Web RX

« Back

There is a lot of talk about getting addicted to pain medications. I take high doses of medication because I hurt my back a while ago and it hasn't healed. What are the signs of addiction?

Many people take opioids for their pain. Opioids are the medications that are regulated by the government because of the potential of their abuse. Being addicted or hooked on opioids is not the same thing as building up a tolerance to the medications, something that can happen as well.

Someone who has become drug tolerant of their medications has reached a point that the dose he or she is taking is no longer doing its job. It is not unusual for a body to become used to taking a medication and developing this tolerance. At that point, if you want the drug to be effective, you need to speak with your doctor about increasing the dosage or the number of times a day you take the drug.

Addiction is different in that if you're addicted, you feel like you need the medication rather than just wanting it for pain relief. You think about getting the medication and how to get it if you don't have any left. You think more about the actual getting of the medication than using it and the pain relief it provides. You may do things to get the medication that you might never have done otherwise.


References:

« Back





*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.


All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission.