Painkiller addiction is on the rise in the US. The main reason for this is the ease of which people are able to get prescription painkillers. Individuals have a very hard time stopping painkiller abuse because of the chemical changes that these drugs cause. Below are the five most common signs of painkiller addiction.
Painkiller Usage Increases
By far, the most common signs of painkiller addiction is an increased use of these types of drugs. It’s not uncommon for doctors to prescribe painkillers for people with injuries. However, it’s important for patients to follow their prescriptions exactly because many of these drugs are very addictive. Once people start taking more than their doctors prescribe, red flags should go up.
Signs of Painkiller Addiction Include Changes in Personality
Addiction is as much of a mental condition as it is a physical one. When an individual starts abusing painkillers, you’ll start to see changes in their normal behavior. This is often a sign of dependency. Look for a shift in the following:
- Mood
- Energy
- Concentration
- Irritability
As individual’s addictions get worse, these traits become more noticeable more often. It’s also easier to notice the changes in personality when they go awhile without a dose of painkillers.
Ongoing Use
Prescription labels tell patients how much and how long they should take the drugs. When they develop addictions, they often take their prescription painkillers longer than their doctors prescribe. Sometimes they may even try to cover up this fact by telling loved ones that they still feel the pain. They may also complain about doctors who refuse to write them more prescriptions for these drugs.
Defensiveness
The idea of no longer taking painkillers is often scary to those with addictions. Because of this, they can become defensive when they’re confronted about their addiction. In some cases, they aren’t aware that they have a problem yet. Other times, they know they have a problem and are afraid to face it.
In either case, people who are overly defensive when the subject of addiction comes up might have a problem. Loved ones may need to hold an intervention to help them see the damage that they’re doing to themselves and others.
Blackouts
Prescription painkillers are strong. Because of this, they have the power to make people forget events when they take too much. These are called blackouts, and they’re common with drug abuse. When individuals start forgetting events or conversations, loved ones may need to address the possibility of addiction.
Dealing with Signs of Painkiller Addiction
Painkillers are extremely addictive drugs that people shouldn’t stop taking alone. Get the help that you or a loved one deserves from 1st Step Behavioral Health. Our rehab center offers many helpful programs, including:
- Inpatient
- Outpatient
- Family therapy
- Intensive outpatient
1st Step Behavioral Health also offers holistic therapies such as massage therapy and acupuncture for effective painkiller addiction recovery. We also have a wellness center with a chiropractor who is present on select days.
Don’t let prescription painkillers rule your life or the life of a loved one. Get the help that you deserve, and find your road to recovery at 1st Step Behavioral Health. Contact (855) 425-4846 today.
