Prescription painkiller addiction is one of the largest issues in today’s media scope—but why? What is it that makes these powerful opiate pills so dangerous, and who is at risk of addiction? Recent findings indicate that weight loss surgery is tied to increased use of alcohol or drugs, with painkillers at the top of that list.
And while all surgeries that require prescription pain medication pose some type of abuse risk this one has topped the list.
Study Reveals Connection Between Substance Abuse and Weight Loss Surgery
According to findings compiled from over 150 surveys of gastric bypass patients, the risk of heightened post-surgery alcohol/drug use is prominent. Patients were analyzed at intervals of one, three, six and twenty-four months after surgery and consistent increases were seen in the consumption of illegal substances.
Experts agree this study does not suggest that all weight loss surgery patients will become alcoholics or drug addicts, but merely that the risk factors are there. Study leader, Dr. Alexis Conason of the New York Obesity Nutrition Research Center, urges individuals: “Be aware of symptoms of substance abuse if you have undergone bariatric surgery, including changes in your relationship with drugs and alcohol.”
The Role of Prescription Painkillers
Prescription painkillers are consistently given to patients recovering from surgical procedures as for weight loss. Injuries, gunshot wounds, chronic back pain, toothaches and arthritis are other examples of cases that may warrant an opioid prescription. The medical value of painkillers is considered high by patients and doctors alike, yet there are risks that must be taken into consideration.
Powerful medications like Vicodin, Percocet and Oxycontin interact with the opioid receptors of the brain to block pain. These drugs also are known to produce a mild euphoric buzz. Over even a short course of time, the brain and body can become so biophysically dependent on such pills that cessation of them will develop symptoms of withdrawal, such as:
Bodily aches and pains
Nausea/vomiting
Loss of appetite
Major weight changes
Lethargy
Depression
The opioid receptors of the human brain, upon receiving signals from a prescription painkiller, send a message that halts the production of our body’s natural “painkillers.” This is why opiate withdrawal can be so gravely uncomfortable—the overwhelming store of pain that has built up depends solely on the drug for relief.
The Phenomenon of “Addiction Swapping”
The manifestation of addiction swapping is another factor largely to blame for what we are now seeing as weight loss surgery tied to an increased use of alcohol and drugs.
Food addiction leads to a number of conditions if left untreated, including obesity, diabetes, joint pain, blood pressure and heart conditions, thyroid issues, etc. The phenomenon of food addiction itself must be treated before any number of these conditions can be expected to alleviate. Similarly, by removing one’s excess body fat resulting from years of overeating, the addiction is not cured. Weight loss surgery is merely the process of removing symptoms of a food addiction (i.e. fat.)
In this way, experts have seen it become increasingly common that those desperate for weight loss replace their addiction to food with drugs.
So what is the solution? Experts at Narcononfreedomcenter.com suggest that weight loss patients be warned about the dangers of addiction before and after surgery. In addition after surgery one should be advised on proper nutrition so that they can get in a diet as well as an exercise program.
If any signs of addiction pop up the individual should seek immediate help. For more information call 800-468-6933 now.