Can I Get Addicted to Pain Medicine?

Sometimes, strong medications called opioids are needed to control pain. Opioid pain relievers are generally safe when taken for a short time as prescribed by your doctor, but they can become addictive, especially if they are misused. Regular use can lead to dependence. Never take opioids in greater amounts or more often than prescribed.

Using opioids can also increase risk for falls, dizziness, and other ailments in older adults.

Becoming addicted to prescription pain medicine can happen to anyone, including older adults. Sometimes, these treatments are the only ones available that can help. But, sometimes other treatments can and should be tried first or can be used intermittently or simultaneously. So, ask your doctor if there is another medicine or a non-medicine alternative you can try. Tell your doctor if you or a family member has a history of alcohol or drug abuse.

For more information about opioid use, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website.

Opioid addiction can be treated. If you or someone close to you needs help for a substance use disorder, talk with your doctor, or contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at 1-800-662-4357 (toll-free).