Popping painkillers is incredibly common. They’re easy to obtain, well tolerated and, when taken as intended, safe and effective. But for some people who rely on them long term, the relief they provide can become a habit that’s hard to break.

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The Rolling Stones wrote a song about it. Betty Ford launched an addiction treatment centre because of it. In the seventies and early eighties, Valium was the most widely prescribed drug in the Western world. Following concerns about its addiction potential Valium’s popularity waned, yet British doctors still issue almost 18 million prescriptions of it every year.

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Whether we realise it or not, most of us will have taken codeine at some point in our lives. Traces of codeine can be found in a number of over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Nurofen Plus and Solpadeine, as well as numerous cough medicines. It’s also available in its purest form on prescription to treat ongoing pain.

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Over the last decade, Prescription Drug Misuse (PDM), has become a growing problem, resulting in an increase in A&E visits, more treatment admissions for prescription drug addiction and an increase in overdose deaths. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) defines PDM as “use without a prescription or in ways not intended by…

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Up to one hundred times more potent than morphine, fentanyl is a strong narcotic opioid that is frequently abused (1). Often prescribed for chronic pain due to an accident, surgery or cancer, fentanyl is widely considered safe and effective when prescribed by medical professionals. It was originally used as an anaesthetic as it offers fast-acting…

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Amphetamines – more commonly referred to as ‘speed’ – are stimulants that impact the central nervous system. Like most stimulants, they’re known to provide a surge in energy and confidence and provide a euphoric ‘high’ when using. This is why they’re so popular at raves, parties and in club settings. As well as being used…

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Abuse and misuse of prescription painkillers is a growing problem. In fact, it’s estimated up to 12% of people who take strong opioids misuse them and as many as 29% develop an addiction. Known by the brand names Roxicodone®, Oxynorm® and OxyContin®, oxycodone is an opioid usually prescribed for severe or chronic pain following an accident, surgery or for advanced cancer. As well as delivering effective pain-relief, it also provides a euphoric effect, which can put users at high risk of developing an oxycodone addiction.   Dependence…

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Codeine withdrawal symptoms - like withdrawal symptoms from most drugs - can be a pretty nasty experience. Withdrawal symptoms are the effects felt by a substance-dependent individual after a prolonged period without the substance in their system. It’s their body’s response to not getting what it needs to function as a result of the dependency…

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During the coronavirus pandemic there has been a surge in people turning to the internet and street dealers for prescription drugs to treat anxiety and insomnia. Some of the illicit prescription drugs are of extremely high strength and toxicity, leading to a number of hospitalisations and even deaths.  The drugs causing the most concern are…

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