Ibuprofen – Ibuprofen is taken for a very wide range of aliments like pain, fevers, inflammation, muscle soreness, headaches and PMS. It’s not unheard of for a person to take this medication on an almost ongoing basis for one reason or another. That being said, ibuprofen can quickly become the go-to choice for any ache or pain. With too much use, the individual can develop side effects including dizziness, drowsiness, swelling of the eyes, face, hand or feet, fatigue or tiredness and ringing in the ears.
Overview of Treatment Options
Numerous websites are, however, documenting cases of addiction and offering support to those people trying to withdraw from these drugs. Inpatient rehabilitation provides an immersive and structured environment, offering round-the-clock care and support. Alternatively, outpatient rehabilitation allows individuals to attend therapy sessions while residing at home, enabling them to balance recovery with daily life. Recognising these signs and understanding the potential dangers underscores the urgency of seeking professional help.
What are the symptoms of an ibuprofen overdose?
Taking way more than the bottle says, using it can you get addicted to ibuprofen for emotional problems instead of physical pain, and ignoring side effects like stomach pain. But people with chronic pain often end up taking dangerous amounts without realizing it. Throw alcohol into the mix, and your liver joins the damage party. If you or someone you know has taken more than the recommended dose, call your local poison center or your local emergency services.
Our addiction specialists will help you and your family stage an intervention and convince your loved one to seek professional help. Our innovative and solution-based techniques will help guide your loved one to the drug and alcohol rehab facility that will best meet their individual needs. At New Jersey Addiction Interventions, our goal is to provide readers with the most accurate and current information about addiction and behavioral health. Our team of licensed medical reviewers, experts in mental health and addiction medicine, is dedicated to helping readers and potential clients make well-informed choices about their treatment options.
Is Paracetamol Addictive? – Nature of Paracetamol and Ibuprofen Dependence

Usually, patients benefit most from an initial period of detox from the substance, immediately followed by inpatient or outpatient treatment or both. One in five U.S. adults (over 50 million Americans) suffer from chronic pain and taking over-the-counter pain medication is typically the first line of defense. However, reliance on these types of medications may actually increase pain. If you’re taking less than 2 grams of acetaminophen a day, I’m sure your liver is fine, unless you’re mixing a lot of alcohol with it.
Treating an Ibuprofen Addiction
- It doesn’t create a “high” or feelings of euphoria that make people crave more.
- If you’re worried about misusing it, make sure to follow the instructions on the label (if you’re getting it over the counter) or the dosage guide and directions from your doctor.
- This is particularly concerning in individuals with pre-existing kidney disease, the elderly, and those who are dehydrated.
- When someone has a moderate or severe substance use disorder, they will have withdrawal issues and develop a tolerance to a drug, per Dr. Scioli.
For those dealing with chronic pain, it’s essential to work closely with healthcare professionals to develop a comprehensive pain management plan. This might involve a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and alternative therapies. It’s like putting together a puzzle – each piece has its place, and when they all fit together, you get the full picture of health and wellness. By understanding the properties of ibuprofen, recognizing the signs of overuse, and exploring alternative pain management strategies, you can make informed decisions about your health and well-being. Remember to always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options. Let’s delve deeper into the properties of ibuprofen, explore the nuances of addiction, and understand the potential consequences of relying too heavily on this common medication.
Why do we feel pain?
- Methamphetamine Psychosis (Meth Psychosis) is a severe mental health condition that occurs as a result of methamphetamine use.
- Maybe you were using it to cope with stress, or perhaps you have underlying anxiety issues.
- Prolonged ibuprofen consumption has been linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
- The most common method our specialists use is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
- They carry the possibility of severe side effects, mainly if misused.
A Cleveland Clinic study found that about 15% of NSAID users take more than the recommended amount, which increases risks without improving pain relief. This may result in poorer job performance or overlooked deadlines. In essence, every aspect of someone’s existence could potentially be compromised by the far-reaching consequences stemming from an addiction to substances like ibuprofen. Substance abuse disorders are classified as mild, moderate, or severe, Dr. Scioli explains.
Conclusion: Ibuprofen and the Nuances of Dependence
The roots of this dependency tend towards the emotional side rather than being strictly physiological. It often occurs when individuals use ibuprofen as an emotional crutch to deal with deeper issues beyond their experience of pain. Widely used as an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever and fever reducer, ibuprofen is the most common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Unlike some other pain medications, ibuprofen is not considered habit-forming and is not classified as a controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
By addressing the root causes of dependence—be it emotional or behavioral—individuals can find healthier ways to cope with pain and reduce their reliance on medications like ibuprofen. Because it’s so common and easy to get, many assume it’s “harmless.” But when people take more than the recommended dose—or use it for non-medical reasons—serious health risks emerge. Overdosing on ibuprofen can lead to serious health issues such as gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney damage, liver stress, or even coma in extreme cases. Always follow dosage instructions and talk to a healthcare provider if you find yourself taking it regularly or in high amounts. Over-the-counter pain relievers or muscle relaxants can help with physical discomfort, and antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications can improve the symptoms of underlying mental health issues.
Evoke Wellness and Addiction Recovery
This is an ideal what is Oxford House option when it comes to treating pain in men and women who have struggled with opioid abuse in the past and cannot safely take opioid narcotic painkillers. The drug itself is classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, also known as an NSAID. However, many people gradually become used to the pain relief and bump up their doses, if whatever causes the pain has not truly resolved. Ibuprofen, such as Advil and Motrin, is the most common over-the-counter (OTC) pain and inflammation medication found in most homes. In fact, it is one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the world.

This mechanism of action provides quick relief, making ibuprofen a go-to solution for many ailments. The staff will provide 24/7 care and supervision while the body, especially the liver, clears itself from alcohol. They will also be ready and able to intervene in a severe medical emergency due to alcohol and Ibuprofen detox withdrawal.
