Breaking Free: A Personal Journey from Painkiller Dependency to Wellness.

6 months ago

Hey STEM family and all of Hive, I want to share a personal experience I had two years ago regarding the use of painkillers and how prolonged use can be extremely detrimental to your health. I've successfully overcome this challenge, and now I feel compelled to share my knowledge and experiences with others in the hope that it might be helpful.

Image sourced

It all began about three and a half years ago, as a young man grappling with mounting stresses from home and work. As we're all aware, stress often triggers headaches. While my initial approach involved cooling down, hydrating, and getting some sleep, the headaches persisted beyond the usual remedy. Recognizing this, I opted for a painkiller. Although it effectively relieved the headache, the underlying stresses remained unaddressed. My error was not seeking a doctor's advice; instead, I relied on painkillers as a quick escape from the discomfort.

So, I developed this unfortunate habit of relying on a painkiller called Gebedol for quick relief. It's important to note that any drug used over an extended period can have side effects, and sometimes these side effects can be quite severe. I mention this drug not to criticize it, but simply because it was my choice due to its effectiveness. If you happen to be using it, this is not intended to cast a negative light on the company. I should also mention that the package insert for this particular drug explicitly warned about the potential for headaches with prolonged use, and unfortunately, that's precisely what occurred in my case. I found myself addicted to this medication over a few months, unable to go a week without taking it.

It became a significant concern for my entire family, particularly my dad. The headaches I experienced were no longer due to stress, as the underlying issues causing stress had been resolved. Instead, they stemmed from an addiction that had developed through prolonged use of painkillers. It's worth noting that Gebedol wasn't the only drug I used, but it proved to be the most effective. Interestingly, these headaches tended to strike on specific days, notably Sundays. I should also mention that skipping breakfast or not getting adequate sleep at night intensified these headaches significantly.

Image sourced

Continuing my use of painkillers, I noticed that the initially recommended dose from the pharmacist lost its effectiveness over time. A growing urge prompted me to take a double dose, which now provided the relief that the initial single dose used to offer. It was at this point that the situation escalated into drug abuse, as I was no longer following a doctor's prescription. Subsequently, I began experiencing feelings of sluggishness and general discomfort each time I took it. It was then that I realized this had to come to an end.

Image sourced
I visited the hospital and conducted some online research regarding this issue, and here's what I discovered, which proved to be beneficial for me.

Strategies for Overcoming Painkiller Dependency and Headaches

Addressing Stress at its Core:
The solution to stress-induced headaches is not found in painkillers. Instead, focus on tackling the root cause of stress for lasting relief.
Prescription Wisdom:
Avoid self-prescription; always seek medication advice from certified health professionals for a safer and more effective approach.
Hydration and Nourishment:
Prioritize ample water intake and never skip breakfast, a crucial meal. If fasting, inform your doctor, as proper fasting can have health benefits.
Rest for Recovery:
Understand how crucial a good night's sleep is—it lets your body naturally heal and restore itself.
Move and Relax:
Doing regular exercise and taking just 30 minutes each day for meditation were vital in my getting better. Think about trying activities like yoga; they can help lessen stress and make headaches happen less often and with less intensity.
Safe Steps to Quitting:
If you want to overcome dependence on painkillers, it's important to get help from healthcare professionals. Suddenly stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms, so it's better to slowly reduce with the guidance of a professional.

Well, I genuinely hope these tips that made a difference for me will also be helpful for you. If you're someone who's started using painkillers as a quick way out, I strongly recommend stopping, especially in the early stages. The longer you use them, the harder it becomes to quit. I'm grateful that, for over a year now, I no longer depend on them, and I sincerely wish the same for you.

Thanks for reading through. I'd appreciate your questions and thoughts in the comments section. Have a wonderful day.

Willy.