Signs That Someone Has an Addiction to Painkillers
Signs That Someone Has an Addiction to Painkillers
Unlike the use of many illegal drugs, an addiction to painkillers can go unnoticed for years on end. Many of those that develop an addiction to painkillers feel as if they are in full control of their life. The truth is that they could be doing irreversible damage to their body and mind. With painkiller addictions on the rise, everyone should be aware of some of the signs of these addictions. We need to know what we can do to break free from the cycle of substance abuse.
The Rise of Prescription Medication Abuse
The Signs of a Painkiller Addiction
One of the reasons that these addictions are so hard to identify is the fact that physicians prescribe these drugs. Even those that use painkillers exactly as the prescription reads can develop a physical dependency without realizing it. Individuals that develop an addiction to painkillers often have a distinct change in their personality when they are no longer using their medication.
- Dilated pupils
- Slurred speech
- Restless sleep
- Constipation
- Impaired coordination
- Changes in mood
- Irritability
- Depression
- Isolation and social withdrawal
Those that are addicted will often become angry, depressed, or physically sick when they do not have access to painkillers or other similar drugs. Others will increase how much medication they are taking or continue to seek out painkillers even after their prescription has run out.
When to Find Help for an Addiction to Painkillers
There is no single reason that people develop addictions to their medication. Some have issues with past abuse while others have a family history of addictions. Whatever the reason might be, it is vital to seek out help as soon as possible.
Anyone that is struggling with their painkillers or spends their time obsessing over how and when they will use next needs professional assistance. Addicts should never try this alone as the detox and withdrawal period can be especially overwhelming and even dangerous in some situations.
A rehab specialist can help an addict throughout this process with services such as professional detox, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient support. Even after an addict is no longer physically dependent on their medication, they still need to work through the catalysts that caused their addiction in the first place. This is why so many people immediately transition from their detox program into an inpatient program for 30 to 90 days. These treatment programs explore the root causes of the addiction. They also provide an addict with the life skills that they need to avoid relapsing.
To learn more about inpatient addiction treatment programs that we offer at A Forever Recovery, call one of our informed representatives. They can answer any questions you may have about our programs or our facility. Make that call now.
- drugabuse.gov – Prescription Drug Misuse
