Can you become addicted to Paracetamol?

Can you become addicted to Paracetamol?

No.

Well not it in the same way you become addicted to heroin or alcohol as the way it affects the brain is different.

That doesn’t mean that some people are not addicted to taking it in the way that they take it, repeatedly.

How does Paracetamol work?

The science is not clear but it is clear that, in itself, it is not an addictive drug.

We are addictions clinicians.

Each of us has over thirty years experience in assessing, diagnosing, prescribing for and treating people caught up in addiction.

Here we share our advice and knowledge with you so you can make an informed treatment choice.

If you need help with the question: Can you become addicted to Paracetamol? Read on.

What is an addictive drug and Can you become addicted to Paracetamol?

Actually, there is no such thing.

A drug is not addictive, it is what it does to your brain and what happens if you stop taking it that drives your compulsion to take it.

When you take certain drugs, prescription meds and alcohol it is the effect they have on receptors in the brain that set off destructive behaviour.

For example, opioids work on opioid receptors in two ways: They inhibit Noradrenaline from being released while also triggering the release of naturally occurring chemicals that block pain pathways.

After a time, your brain becomes used to the presence of opioids and will adjust the way it works to accommodate them.

This is problematic because you will need more and more of the drug to have the same effect as the amount you first started with.

If you stop or reduce too quickly, your brain will simply not be able to cope. While it scrabbles to re-adjust, incorrect chemical messaging occurs which is what causes the symptoms known as withdrawal.

If Paracetamol is not addictive, why are some people addicted to it?

Paracetamol is quite a useful pain killer.

It will reduce pain signals as well as lower body temperature.

Paracetamol is easily accessible and costs mere pennies for a box.

While there are restrictions in place to stop you buying too much in one go from one shop (to prevent deliberate overdosing) you will find it in every supermarket, corner shop, petrol station, etc.

Branded, generic, liquid, tablet, capsule: It matters not.

Paracetamol is Paracetamol.

People take it to reduce pain.

If you take it at regular intervals (at least four to six hours apart) there is no reason as to why you can not take it on a long term basis, though it is best to inform your GP.

There are those for whom long term Paracetamol use is not recommended so it is really important to speak with a doctor.

People overuse painkillers to mask pain. They don’t treat the source.

This is one of the main reasons why people overuse Paracetamol.

Often, the source of the pain has been treated by someone is worried the pain will return and continue to take Paracetamol.

Paracetamol overdose can be fatal when asking Can you become addicted to Paracetamol?

Sadly, because of the easy availability of Paracetamol, it is easy for someone who wants to take an overdose to do so.

While Paracetamol overdose is rare, left untreated it can be very dangerous and sadly, often fatal.

Many people accidentally overdose because they take it less than four to six hours apart and/or their DNA , as well as other medications and pre-existing conditions make them more prone to Paracetamol overdose.

How can I get help for Paracetamol addiction?

The first thing to look at is what is causing pain.

Start with your GP.

There may be something that can be resolved with physiotherapy, surgery or talking therapy.

If this doesn’t work then you need to consider rehab.

Addiction is a symptom of an underlying problem.

Usually, with Paracetamol it is because someone is masking pain, is afraid of pain returning or another deep seated psychological reason.

Rehab will address the reasons as to why you can not stop taking Paracetamol.

What is addiction rehab and Can you become addicted to Paracetamol?

Rehab is residential treatment that combines the four essential elements for recovery:

• Detox
• Therapy
• Relapse prevention
• Aftercare

In terms of detox, this is not a typical one as it would be for heroin or alcohol.

What is needed is a supportive detox where, if needed, medication can be provided (on a short term basis) for any heightened anxiety and or panic that results from not taking Paracetamol.

There is no substitute medication such as Methadone for heroin withdrawal.

Why does someone need therapy for Paracetamol addiction?

If you don’t understand why you overusing Paracetamol you will simply start using: Again.

Therapy is there to help you lift the lid of the difficult emotions you were suppressing.

Unresolved trauma, low mood, anxiety. There are lots of reasons why people become addicted.

All rehab centres use a group therapy model.

Some use a 12 step approach, others follow a SMART or an eclectic mix. It really doesn’t matter.

Time spent worrying about what model is used is time wasted.

You don’t need to believe in God or follow any religion to use a 12 step model.

Relapse prevention for Paracetamol addiction

When you are addicted to a substance, even one that doesn’t affect your emotional responses as alcohol or cocaine would do, when difficult situations arise you will go back to what you know: addiction.

Relapse prevention is about equipping you with the skills to regulate your emotional responses. Giving you the psychological tools to resist situations where you would have, prior to treatment, led you to use.

People relapse:FACT.

Relapse doesn’t mean that you have to fall back into full addiction.

It is an opportunity to test your new found skills and to reach out to your sober network: The group of people who have supported you so far. They could be friends, family, peers from rehab and professionals.

Aftercare for Can you become addicted to Paracetamol?

Leaving rehab is not the end of your treatment: It is merely the beginning.

From a 24/7 staffed rehab centre with clinicians, nurses, therapists and trained support staff you are now on your own.

Or are you?

Your rehab centre will check in with you, by phone, at regular intervals.

There will also be a weekly alumni support group that you can attend either in person or online.

How can Find Me a Rehab help with Can you become addicted to Paracetamol?

We are addictions clinicians.

Each of us has over thirty years experience in assessing, diagnosing, prescribing for and treating people caught up in addiction.

Over this time we have worked in nearly all the rehab centres in the UK.

As we are not tied to any particular service our advice is impartial, as well as being free and confidential.

We never charge for advice or referrals.

Our experienced addictions clinicians can help you answer the question: Can you become addicted to Paracetamol?

Get help: Today with Can you become addicted to Paracetamol?

Call, email, livechat or Whattsap one of our clinicians for free, independent and confidential advice on any aspect of detox, rehab, therapy, home detox, relapse prevention and aftercare.

We can advise you on treatment options, treatment plans, locations, costings and logistics.

Only legally registered services are signposted.

Can you become addicted to Paracetamol?

In a true scientific sense? No but that doesn’t mean you can’t.

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