Painkiller Addiction: A Smaller Risk Than You May Think

Narcotics are the strongest class of drugs prescribed for chronic pain, and all narcotics are potentially addictive. But despite the bad rap narcotics get, only a small portion of pain sufferers are likely to become addicted. A larger percentage may become physically dependent, but the distinction is important to understand if your doctor prescribes—or if you seek—a drug in the opioid class.

True addiction has a strong aspect of mental dependency and may run in families.

"Addiction really involves a psychological component," says Roger Chou, MD, an associate professor of medicine at Oregon Health and Science University. "Somebody gets very focused on getting opioids. They often experience a high or euphoria when they take the drug and they crave it."

While there are instances where a chronic pain patient will experience a high, these are uncommon. Experienced doctors will increase the dose slowly to avoid triggering this side effect.

How do you know whether you're prone to addiction?

• A personal or family history of alcohol or drug abuse raises a red flag. It's now believed that addiction has a genetic component and can be triggered by psychological or social conditions.
• Any major psychiatric illness—including mood disorders, such as depression, and anxiety disorders—may increase the chance of getting hooked.

Any good doctor will carefully review your history and then monitor your use of the drug. It's also something a spouse or caregiver should watch for when a loved one begins a narcotic regime.