Painkiller overuse worsens mental health and young people are at risk

Regular use of painkillers may lead to an unintentional over-reliance on pain medication in adult life, scientists believe. — CHRISTIN KLOSE/dpa

THE LONG-TERM use of painkillers in children and young people could be linked to poor mental health and addiction in later life, a study suggests.

Researchers said treating chronic pain in those under the age of 25 is essential, but warned the regular use of painkillers could lead to over-reliance.