Prescription painkillers are designed to reduce sensitivity to pain and can be crucial to those who need them. However, they can also create a state of euphoria that their users may come to crave.
As beneficial as painkillers can be when recovering from an injury or surgery, they have a great potential for misuse and users can develop a strong dependency in a short amount of time.
The rise of painkiller addiction could be due to an increasing number of prescriptions that are written. The drugs impact the brain the same as heroin and morphine. If your loved one has been prescribed opioids, it’s normal to worry that he or she could start using them differently than they were intended.
Warning Signs
Look out for these eight warning signs that a friend or family member is abusing painkillers.
- They think a lot about their medication. One of the first signs of abuse is becoming preoccupied with the next dose and if the supply will be enough.
- Taking different amounts than what the doctor originally prescribed.
- Not taking the drug for the reason it was prescribed.
- Doctor shopping or going to more than one doctor for the same prescription.
- Getting painkillers from other sources.
- Using painkillers for a long period of time. It is time to get your loved one help if they are still using painkillers after their pain has gone away.
- Appearing angry if someone brings up their painkiller use. If they seem defensive when approached about this topic, they may have a problem.
- They do not act like themselves. He or she might not be taking care of themselves in terms of personal hygiene and appearance. They also could be moody, ignoring their responsibilities or exhibiting changes in sleep patterns.
Finding Other Sources
If your loved one cannot get painkillers from a doctor, he or she may be looking for them from other sources:
– Ordering online
– Stealing leftovers from other people’s medicine cabinets
– Stealing from a sick friend or relative
– Buying other people’s prescriptions
– Stealing prescription pads from doctors’ offices
– Hurting themselves to get a new prescription
Physical Symptoms
Not all signs come in the form of behavioral symptoms. You may notice physical changes in your loved one, as well. These signs can include:
- Constipation
- Euphoria
- Nausea
- Slowed breathing
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Poor coordination
- Slurred speech
- Seizures
- Pinpoint pupils
Your Loved One Can Get Treatment at Footprints Beachside Recovery
Because these drugs are incredibly addictive, abuse is on the rise. Many people even suffer from co-occurring disorders such as depression and anxiety when they become addicted. It’s important to get help from a credible rehab center like Footprints Beachside Recovery that offers a holistic approach to treatment.
Contact us today to help your friend or family member get back to the life they had before painkiller addiction.