Understanding the effects, risks, and healing process
Painkillers can provide comfort and relief for those managing pain, but for many, these medications slowly become something the body and mind start to rely on.
If you or someone you love is struggling with painkiller dependence or misuse, you’re not alone. Healing is possible, and support is available.
This guide explains how painkillers affect the brain and body, why addiction develops, and how compassionate treatment can help you move forward.
To learn more about painkiller addiction and recovery, continue reading or contact our team directly.
What painkillers are and why they become addictive
Painkillers, including oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and other prescription opioids, are designed to reduce physical pain by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain. When used as prescribed, they can be helpful during recovery from injuries, surgeries, or chronic pain.
However, these medications also activate the brain’s reward pathways. In larger doses, they may create warmth, comfort, or euphoria. Over time, the brain may associate opioids not just with pain relief, but with emotional escape or stress reduction.
That’s when painkiller dependence and addiction can begin.
Short-term side effects of painkiller use
Painkillers may cause noticeable changes within days or weeks of use. These effects can appear slowly and may be overlooked until dependence develops.
Short-term side effects can include:
- Sedation or drowsiness
- Slowed breathing
- Dizziness, nausea, or confusion
- Constipation or digestive discomfort
- Slowed coordination or reflexes
- Emotional detachment or euphoria
Short-term effects may seem manageable, but risk increases when painkillers are taken more often or in higher doses than prescribed.
How painkillers affect the body long-term
As painkiller use becomes frequent, the body adapts to the drug and begins to rely on it. This dependence can lead to long-term physical effects, including:
Liver and organ strain
Many painkillers, especially those containing acetaminophen, place stress on the liver, which may lead to toxin buildup and long-term inflammation.
Digestive complications
Because opioids slow digestive function, many people experience constipation soon after use begins.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most acute pain can be managed without longer-term opioid therapy, and these medications are generally needed for only three to seven days.
Along with increasing your risk of opioid addiction, long-term misuse may cause chronic constipation, abdominal bloating, or bowel obstruction.
Hormonal changes
Extended opioid use can reduce testosterone or estrogen levels, leading to fatigue, decreased libido, menstrual irregularities, or bone density loss.
Reduced immune and cardiovascular function
Some individuals experience weakened immunity, increased infection risk, or circulation challenges over time.
Painkillers may begin as relief, but long-term use often impacts the body in significant ways.
How painkillers affect the brain
Painkillers create strong surges of feel-good neurotransmitters — far greater than what daily life can provide. Over time, the brain adjusts by reducing its natural production of these chemicals.
This often results in:
- Difficulty feeling pleasure without the drug
- Depression or anxiety
- Emotional numbness
- Increased cravings
- Higher tolerance (needing more for the same effect)
This neurological shift is one of the main reasons stopping painkillers feel emotionally challenging, even when someone is motivated to change.
Understanding withdrawal and why stopping can be difficult
When use decreases or stops suddenly, the brain and body struggle to regain balance. Withdrawal can feel overwhelming and may include:
- Restlessness
- Irritability or anxiety
- Insomnia
- Sweating or chills
- Nausea or vomiting
- Body aches and muscle pain
Withdrawal is one of the most significant barriers to stopping painkillers alone. With professional support and medically-supervised detox, however, the process becomes safer, more manageable, and less frightening.
Why does painkiller addiction happen?
Painkiller addiction is not a failure or a lack of willpower. It often develops from a combination of biological, emotional, and environmental factors, such as:
- Long-term medical use after an injury
- High-dose prescriptions
- Chronic pain
- Trauma or stress
- Anxiety or depression
- Access to unused medication
- Increasing tolerance over time
Addiction is a response to real needs — physical or emotional. When approached with compassion, recovery becomes possible.
Treatment options for painkiller addiction
Healing begins with support, stability, and a personalized plan.
At The Raleigh House, we use a whole-person approach that addresses physical health, mental well-being, and the underlying challenges that contribute to painkiller use.
Treatment may include:
- Medical detox and stabilization
- Individual and group therapy
- Mental health support
- Trauma-informed care
- Nutritional therapy and wellness activities
- Return-to-use prevention planning
- Family education and involvement
Everyone’s healing journey is different, which is why compassionate, individualized care is essential.
Begin your recovery journey today
If painkillers have become something you rely on to get through the day, it’s okay to reach out for help. Support is available, and you deserve to feel stable, grounded, and hopeful again.
At The Raleigh House, we offer care at two trusted Colorado locations:
- The Ranch at The Raleigh House: Nestled in the peaceful Colorado countryside, The Ranch provides a serene space for those looking to recover from trauma, mental health conditions, and addiction. With nature-inspired therapies and a nurturing community, the ranch is an ideal place to find peace and heal.
- The Center for Integrative Behavioral Health: Located in the Denver Tech Center, our newest facility offers the same clinical excellence and unique healing experiences for trauma, mental health, and addiction. It’s an excellent setting as well for individuals who need physical accessibility support in a beautiful, nurturing environment.
Wherever you begin, our team will walk alongside you, helping you build the tools, strength, and confidence needed for long-term recovery. Contact us today to get started.