Eventually, through chronic use, people can develop a psychological dependence where they are almost connected to the medication emotionally. It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and the specific signs of paracetamol addiction can vary significantly between individuals. If you suspect that you or someone you know may be addicted to paracetamol or ibuprofen, we recommend that you seek professional help from a healthcare provider or addiction specialist. Ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) approved by the U.S.

Dosage and Side Effects of Ibuprofen

However, reliance on these types of medications may actually increase pain. This article explores the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of ibuprofen addiction. Over 11% of ibuprofen users take over the prescribed dosage and have the potential to become dependent on the medication, says Angeleena Francis, LMHC, Vice President of Operations at AMFM Healthcare. If you regularly take NSAIDs to control inflammation and swelling, you can expect it to return again.

The Hidden Dangers: Unmasking the Risks of Ibuprofen Addiction

The symptoms can manifest in various ways, affecting both physical health and behavior. Physically, individuals may experience persistent stomach pain, nausea, or even gastrointestinal bleeding. Headaches, ironically, can become more frequent or severe – a phenomenon known as rebound headaches, where the body’s pain response is heightened due to medication overuse. Left untreated, a severe ibuprofen addiction can lead to serious, long-term health conditions, such as a heart attack or stroke. It can also cause holes or ulcers to form in an individual’s stomach or intestine, as well as lead to liver or kidney damage. That said, severe poisoning or death from an ibuprofen overdose is very uncommon.

Addiction Treatment Programs Can Help with Ibuprofen Abuse

• There’s also the potential for dangerous drug interactions that could have serious consequences.
• Finding the right support for substance misuse or chronic pain management can be crucial.
• RS was principal investigator of the study and obtained funding to support all research operations.
• However, the ease of access to ibuprofen and its seemingly harmless nature can lead to misuse.
• When it comes to managing long-term pain conditions, such as arthritis or recurring back issues, the use of ibuprofen should be approached with caution.

Some people may develop a psychological dependence if they rely on it excessively for pain relief. This can result in them taking Ibuprofen to alleviate an anxiety disorder, even when it may not be necessary to control pain, or in larger doses than recommended. He is an author and editor for Springer, UpToDate, the American Society of Addiction Medicine, the BMJ and the Massachusetts Medical Society (royalties and/or honoraria).

All 3 of these medications had been documented on the patient’s medication list since at least 2012. No other pain medications (e.g. opioids or other analgesics), heroin addiction or medications known to have addictive potential, were identified in the medical record. The prescription for ibuprofen was to take 600mg by mouth every six hours as needed. The participant was a 58-year-old, Black female of Haitian descent, living with HIV. The participant’s responses to questions designed to assess each specific DSM-IV and DSM-5 substance use disorder criterion are detailed in Table 1. In total, she met 4 out of 11 substance use disorder criteria related to her use of ibuprofen, which met the threshold for DSM-5 moderate substance use disorder (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

While you can’t get addicted to ibuprofen, it is possible to misuse it or develop a form of dependence, particularly psychological reliance. This often happens when people take more than the recommended dose or use it more frequently than advised, believing it will provide better or faster relief. Ibuprofen is a trusted tool in modern medicine—but like any drug, it’s not without risks. While it does not cause a high and is not addictive in the same way as opioids or stimulants, misusing it can still lead to serious physical harm and psychological dependence. “If you’re using ibuprofen daily or over a long period, it’s worth consulting a healthcare provider to explore safer options,” Dr. Lyons says. Anderson also adds that people with severe asthma should not take ibuprofen long-term, as it could worsen their symptoms.

Some people become oddly preoccupied with making sure they never run out, keeping bottles stashed in their car, desk, and multiple rooms at home. One notable case from 2017 described a 58-year-old HIV-positive woman who met four DSM-5 criteria for substance use disorder related to ibuprofen. Physical dependence happens when your body adapts to a drug’s presence and requires it to function normally, leading to withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. Psychological dependence involves compulsive drug-seeking behavior and continued use despite negative consequences. Our programs work for any kind of substance can you get addicted to ibuprofen issue, whether it’s street drugs or stuff from the pharmacy. We’ve got Intensive Outpatient and regular Outpatient options that won’t wreck your work schedule.

The short answer is no, but it’s important to remember that moderation is key. These might include herbal remedies, acupuncture, massage therapy, or even simple lifestyle changes like regular exercise and stress reduction techniques. By understanding how different factors contribute to your discomfort and how medications interact with those factors, you’ll be better equipped to find an effective solution. Ibuprofen, when used responsibly, is a safe and effective way to manage pain. Physical dependence and addiction are terms you’ll often see used interchangeably, but they are distinct concepts. It is crucial to steer clear of the improper use of ibuprofen to avoid these medical problems.

How It Works in the Body

However, it is not recommended to be taken on a daily basis for more than 30 days due to the side effects of COX inhibition on other organ systems. Yes, misusing prescription drugs like opioid painkillers can absolutely lead to addiction. When taken differently than prescribed – whether in higher doses, more frequently, or through alternate methods – these powerful substances create a high by flooding the brain’s reward system with dopamine. Prolonged misuse of Ibuprofen can lead to serious health risks, such as gastrointestinal issues, stomach ulcers, and kidney damage. Recognising Ibuprofen addiction involves understanding behavioural, physical, and psychological indicators.

A substance as seemingly ordinary as everyday pain medication might not seem like such a threat. If you’re struggling with ibuprofen dependency or addiction, contact us at River Rock Treatment today. We’ll help you find the right treatment solutions for lasting recovery and connect you with additional resources if needed. These health impacts can develop gradually, making them particularly dangerous as symptoms might not be immediately apparent. A study by the American Heart Association revealed that regular ibuprofen users face a 20% higher risk of developing heart conditions compared to non-users.

What Are the Side Effects of Ibuprofen?

It can also sometimes be delivered intravenously – although generally only at a hospital and under direct medical supervision. It can also be found as an ingredient in some cold and flu remedies, or combined with other painkillers. Brand names include Nurofen, Brufen, Calprofen, Fenbid, Ibugel and Ibuleve. That said, there has been one rare case study documenting moderate substance abuse disorder after continuously taking more ibuprofen than prescribed. Beyond this, Dr. Alan says that there’s “no data to say that ibuprofen causes physical or mental addiction.” Dr. Scioli agrees. “I have not seen or heard of a patient complain about addiction or dependency on ibuprofen,” says Adam Scioli, MD, chief medical officer and program director at Caron Treatment Centers.