Last Updated on April 29, 2018 by Keisha Mclean-Green

Prescription painkillers; we all know they have strongly addictive properties, and yet they tend to fall outside of our awareness when we think about drug addiction. Regardless, they pose a serious threat to those prone to dependency. Plenty of myths about prescription painkiller addiction float around. It is important to lift the veil and discover the truth about these meds. Here are five of the most common misconceptions many have regarding prescription painkillers:

1. Painkiller Addiction is Rare; Therefore I Can Take Them However I Choose

Not true! Always be cautious when dealing with any addictive substance. Prescription medication should never be taken without proper consultation. Overdosing can be deadly, and without proper supervision by your primary caregiver, you are putting yourself in danger.

Your doctor should always inform you of any risks and benefits when taking a new prescription drug. He or she will be able to determine what is right for you. When working with a doctor, it is important to keep them apprised of your progress so adjustments can be made accordingly.

2. Pain Relief is All That Matters

While your biggest goal is to live pain-free, it’s not the only thing you want to aim for. What is most important is restoring your ability to live autonomously. It’s more than eradicating pain – it’s living your day-to-day life without being limited by overwhelming deterrents and returning to a functional life.

Painkillers can only offer temporary relief. What you must instead focus on are more permanent solutions, while using painkillers as a tool, as instructed by your doctor.

3. My Strong Will Can Overcome Addiction

Having strong willpower has nothing to do with whether or not you will fall victim to addiction. It is more closely tied to genetics. Some are more wired with addictive personalities than others. It’s important to pay close attention to your family history when determining what your risk for dependency might be.

Just remember, before you think about throwing caution to the wind, a staggering 1.7 million people in the United States over the age of 11 have fallen into prescription painkiller abuse/addiction, according to U.S. government data collected in 2007.

4. The More I Take, the Less Pain I’ll Experience

In some cases, such as with a severe injury, you might need two pills instead of one for effective pain relief. This does not, however, mean that the more you take, the stronger the relief.

Medication targeting pain works to desensitize your brain and spinal cord’s abilities to read pain signals. Over a long period of time, your body will eventually build up a tolerance, making the painkillers ineffective. In some cases, according to flspineandinjury.com they can actually work to make your pain symptoms worse. You get used to feeling less as your normal baseline and then when sober reality hits, even a painless one, becomes “painful”. It’s a true nightmare to be avoided.

5. My Doctor Will Protect Me from Addiction

Although doctors are there to help, they don’t always have the necessary training in pain management or dependence. It is thus up to patients to take an equal part in their recovery and do as much research as possible. Create a symbiotic relationship between yourself and your health care professional to help them help you find relief.

Know the facts, and be smart about your healing process. Doing so can spare you from a devastating fate!