A study by a team of doctors in Minnesota found people who have smoked or have a history of drug abuse are more likely to abuse painkillers.
The study tracked 300 patients given a short-term prescription of opioid painkillers and found that almost a quarter of them extended their prescriptions, according to CBS News. The study was led by Dr. W. Michael Hooten of the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.
Hooten’s team found that people with a history of smoking or drug abuse were the most likely to abuse prescriptions. They believe addiction to nicotine and other drugs may have the same effect on the brain as painkillers.
Hooten’s team also warned parents to be careful when their child has been prescribed painkillers and recognize the risks associated with the pills.
The study was published this month in Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
