Patient Information Resources


Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.
763 Larkfield Road
2nd Floor
Commack, NY 11725
Ph: (631) 462-2225
Fax: (631) 462-2240






Child Orthopedics
General
Pain Management
Spine - Cervical
Spine - General
Spine - Lumbar
Spine - Thoracic

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What is the difference between becoming addicted to pain medications and becoming used to them?

Many people who take pain medications over a long period of time develop a tolerance of them - their body becomes used to the medication and requires a higher dose to relieve the pain.

If someone needs a higher dose because the medication is no longer as effective as it once was, the only sign should be the presence of pain. Addiction, however, causes the body to crave the medication and other symptoms, other than pain, may emerge. Psychologically, a person who is addicted will do anything to get hold of the drug to relieve the need.


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