The study used a mixed methods approach with both quantitative and qualitative techniques to examine relationships between anxiety and painkiller dependence. An online survey was completed by 200 participants who had experienced pain or anxiety and used painkillers in the last month. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with 12 participants who used painkillers in the last month and had concerns about their use or experienced pain or anxiety. Preliminary results from the interviews found themes of loneliness, lack of support, and dependence on painkillers emerging from participants' experiences.