Painkiller Addiction: Signs & Symptoms

For many of us, painkillers are a lifeline. They help us to get through the day and reclaim a sense of normalcy when we are injured, have fallen ill, or are otherwise struggling with physical pain.

However, despite being so common and widely used by millions across the globe, painkillers are just as addictive as other drugs if taken frequently and in high doses.

Whether it’s opiates like codeine, sleeping pills, or combinations like paracetamol and codeine (co-codamol), you can very easily become addicted to these substances just like any other drug if they are misused over time.

At New Leaf Recovery, we’ve seen first-hand how easy it is for well-intentioned pain management to slowly develop into drug dependence and addiction—often without the user even realising it.

It doesn’t always start with strong prescription drugs either. Often, it’s the familiar over-the-counter medications that we’ve trusted for years. The truth is, anyone can get addicted to painkillers, and so there is no shame in admitting to having a problem and reaching out for support.

In this blog, we’ll break down painkiller addiction by both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drug addictions. We’ll highlight which medications are most commonly misused within these two categories, and how you can spot the signs and symptoms of painkillers addiction if you fear you might have become dependent on them.

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Over-the-Counter (OTC) Painkiller Addiction Symptoms

Many people make the mistake of thinking that because a drug is readily available over-the-counter, they must be safe and therefore non-addictive. This is far from the case however.

Many OTC painkillers, such as those that contain codeine, are highly addictive if taken frequently and above the recommended dosage. Over time, this can lead to both physical and psychological dependence, eventually spiralling into fully-fledged addiction.

Because of their readily available nature however, many people underestimate the effects of OTC drugs. This leads many to abuse or misuse OTC medications, either by taking more of them, or taking them at higher doses, in the belief that they will do them no harm. The famous rapper and songwriter Eminem once developed a painkiller addiction as a result of holding such beliefs, and had to enter rehab in order to overcome his addiction.

Consistently relying on painkillers for their sedative effects can therefore be a very slippery slope. Despite having the best of intentions, it can lead many to develop an addiction to OTC medications, in the same way as one can get addicted to other drugs with a worse reputation, such as cocaine and cannabis.

One of the most common forms of OTC painkillers that people can get addicted to is codeine-based Analgesics.

Codeine-Based OTC Analgesics

Codeine is an opioid that is often combined with paracetamol or ibuprofen in over-the-counter analgesics. The combination of paracetamol and codeine for example is called co-codamol.

Whilst intended for short-term pain relief, the euphoric and sedative effects of codeine can make co-codamol and other OTC Analgesics highly addictive if misused over time.

If you fear you might have become dependent on OTC painkillers like co-codamol, it’s important to be able to recognise the signs and symptoms so you know when to seek help.

Co-Codamol Addiction Signs & Symptoms:

Increasing the dosage beyond the recommended amount to achieve the same effects.

You have visited multiple pharmacies to acquire more of the medication (what is known as “pharmacy hopping”).

Hiding medication use from family and friends.

Obsessive thoughts about obtaining and using codeine-based painkillers.

Neglecting work and personal life responsibilities.

You regularly experience inexplicable mood swings, irritability, or heightened feelings of anxiety.

You have experienced physical symptoms like pinpoint pupils, constipation, dizziness, or slurred speech.

Disruption to your sleep patterns and persistent fatigue.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to reach out for support, otherwise you might be at risk of letting the problem develop into a deeper issue.

Once addicted to painkillers, it can be very hard to break the addiction cycle, and it can put the individual at risk of a range of range of dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

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Withdrawal Symptoms of OTC Painkiller Addiction

Withdrawal from OTC codeine-based medications can be extremely uncomfortable and distressing for those that have developed a dependency or addiction.

That’s why it is crucial to seek professional support if you have attempted to quit codeine-based medications but have failed to do so, and you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

Severe anxiety and restlessness.

Muscle aches and body pains.

Excessive sweating.

Nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal upset.

Insomnia and disrupted sleep cycles.

Mood instability and heightened irritability.

Because of their highly distressing nature, these withdrawal symptoms significantly increase the risk of relapse, i.e. returning to use the substance again to stave off these distressing symptoms.

Without professional and medical support, this can make breaking the cycle of addiction incredibly difficult, and not to mention highly dangerous. Persistent vomiting and dehydration for example can pose serious health risks if not managed medically.

It’s therefore vital to seek help for painkiller dependency or addiction, rather than attempting to recover alone.

Call New Leaf Recovery on 0300 999 0330

Prescription Painkiller Addiction Symptoms

Prescription painkillers are typically more potent than OTC medications, which is why they require a doctor’s sign-off in order to be administered. As you might expect, medications of higher strength carry a significantly higher risk of dependency.

These substances are prescribed for legitimate medical reasons, but frequent misuse can quickly spiral into physical and psychological addiction. One of the most common forms of prescription drugs that people can get addicted to is codeine.

Codeine Addiction

Signs & Symptoms

Prescription opiates, like strong doses of codeine, are painkillers commonly used to treat moderate to severe pain management.

However, the euphoric feeling they produce can easily lead an individual to start relying on the substance to stave off pain and to feel “good” or “normal”.

At this point, addiction has started to take root, which will be far more challenging to recover from than just dependency. Here’s what to look out for:

Cravings: Developing a craving to use the substance when sober to feel the same sedative or euphoric effects.

Mental Distraction: Always preoccupied with obtaining and using the drug.

Neglect of responsibilities: Regularly running late for work, failing to look after yourself, or letting relationships deteriorate due to drug consumption.

Mood changes: Depression, anxiety, irritability, or sudden inexplicable mood swings.

Experiencing withdrawal symptoms: Includes muscle aches and nausea when attempting to reduce or stop use completely.

If you have observed any of these symptoms either in yourself or a loved one, it’s vital to get the right medical and emotional support to see out the withdrawal phase successfully and prevent a relapse.

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Benzodiazepines Addiction

Benzodiazepines are a class of prescription painkillers often prescribed to treat conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. While effective for short-term relief, their calming and sedative effects can quickly lead individuals to develop a dependency on the drug over time.

The individual may become dependent on the sense of tranquillity and escape that they provide to function in their day-to-day lives, making it difficult to cope without them.

Regular misuse can then escalate into dependency and Benzodiazepines addiction, with severe withdrawal symptoms if not managed correctly. Here’s what to look out for:

Signs & Symptoms

Increasing dose requirements to achieve calming effects.

Feeling unable to cope with daily life without the medication.

Withdrawal symptoms such as agitation, dizziness, and sleep disturbances.

Physical signs like blurred vision and slurred speech.

Obsessive thoughts about obtaining benzodiazepines, often leading to “doctor shopping” (similar to the “pharmacy hopping” mentioned earlier).

Again, if you have observed any of these in yourself or someone you know, it’s important to seek help from qualified professionals.

Call New Leaf Recovery 24/7 on 0300 999 0330

Sleeping Pill Addiction

Sleeping pills are another form of painkiller which are commonly prescribed to help individuals manage insomnia and other sleep-related issues. While they can provide short-term relief by promoting restful sleep, prolonged or unregulated use can easily lead to dependence.

Over time, individuals may find they need higher doses to achieve the same effect, or they become unable to sleep naturally without them.

This growing reliance can develop into a sleeping pill addiction, with withdrawal symptoms that can be both physically and psychologically challenging to overcome. Click here to read about the pervasive sleeping pill issue that is plaguing modern-day footballers.

Here’s the signs and symptoms of sleeping pill addiction to look out for:

Signs & Symptoms

Upping the dosage: Needing larger doses to fall asleep.

Frequent Use: Taking sleeping pills outside of the prescribed guidelines.

Physical effects: Including dizziness, lack of coordination, and hallucinations.

Cravings: Not being able to sleep without them and therefore developing a craving for their sedative effects.

Impaired motor skills: Finding you have slower reaction times or difficulty in making decisions.

Here at New Leaf Recovery, we’re specialists at helping individuals who have a codeine, Benzodiazepine or sleeping pill addicitobn. We recognise that individuals can get just as addicted to painkillers as they can any ‘hard’ drug, such as MDMA and cocaine. So reach out for support today if you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms and are concerned about your painkiller use.

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Prescription Drug Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal from prescription painkillers can be extremely distressing and, in some cases, life-threatening for those who have developed a dependency.

Without medical supervision, the physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal can quickly escalate to dangerous levels, making self-detox a highly risky undertaking.

Often, the individual will fail to quit the substance, leading to relapse and further dependency, which can be a very difficult cycle to break.

Common withdrawal symptoms include:

Seizures: Particularly associated with benzodiazepines and certain sleeping pills, seizures are among the most serious medical emergencies linked to prescription drug withdrawal.

Anxiety and panic attacks: Emotional instability, severe agitation, and sudden panic attacks can overwhelm the individual, often leading to extreme distress.

Cardiovascular issues: A rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, and other cardiac complications can pose immediate health risks if not monitored.

Gastrointestinal distress: Persistent nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps are common and can lead to dehydration if unmanaged.

Muscle cramps and tremors: Physical withdrawal often presents as uncontrollable shaking, muscle spasms, and full-body aches.

Severe insomnia: Prolonged sleep deprivation can impair cognitive functions, heightening feelings of confusion, irritability, and emotional exhaustion.

Because of the intensity and unpredictability of these symptoms, it is absolutely vital to undergo a medically supervised detox.

Attempting to abruptly stop the use of prescription painkillers (“going cold turkey”) without professional support dramatically increases the risk of severe medical emergencies, dangerous relapse cycles, and prolonged psychological suffering.

At New Leaf Recovery, we provide a structured and fully supported environment where individuals can safely detox from prescription painkillers under constant medical care.

With round-the-clock monitoring and a range of therapeutic treatments, we help ensure that withdrawal symptoms are managed safely and effectively, giving our clients the best possible start to their recovery journey.

Find Out More About Medical Detox at New Leaf Today

Painkiller Addiction: Seek Support With New Leaf Recovery Today

If you suspect that you or a loved one may be struggling with a deeper issue with painkillers, it is crucial to seek support as early as possible.

Our comprehensive treatment programmes incorporate medically supervised detox, as well as range of evidence-based therapies designed to address the root causes of your dependency.

From Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to 1-1 and group counselling, we equip individuals with the essential tools needed to make a full and lasting recovery. Reach out to New Leaf Recovery today for the professional and medical support you need to turn over a new leaf for good.

Call New Leaf Recovery 24/7 on 0300 999 0330