Prescription painkiller dependence is becoming an epidemic to our society. Addiction rates are skyrocketing and each year, thousands of people succumb to overdoses. Learn the warning signs of prescription painkiller addiction before it’s too late and learn how to get help for yourself or your loved one here.

1. Increased usage of prescription drugs. Includes taking more than the recommended dosage at once or taking more throughout the day. They will often say, “Oh I’m just taking a couple extra today because the pain is bad.”

2. Taking prescription beyond its medicinal purposes, when muscle spasms aren’t occurring, when there is no longer an injury, when pain isn’t actually present, or when patient no longer needs medication post-operation. This also includes using pain medication recreationally.

3. Withdrawal from loved ones and family members, not willing to participate in social activities, not talking to loved ones, even when present with the person. Person with appear quiet, in a daze.

4. Changes in personality which include mood swings, shifts in energy (from energetic to sluggish, happy to angry), seemingly apathetic towards normal interests.

5. Changes in appearance, including decline in personal hygiene, change in eating habits, constant cough, runny nose, red, glazed eyes. Can appear extremely tired due to change in sleeping habits.

6. The person shows bouts of sudden aggression, defensiveness, or quick temper. The person is quick to refute that there is a problem when approached by concerned loved ones or medical professionals.

7. Forgetfulness, including birthdays, meetings, scheduled events, and routine activities. This can also include regular blackouts where person has absolutely no recollection of the day’s events, including driving somewhere but not being sure how he or she got there.

8. Increased sensitivity to light and sound. Normal sensory stimulus may be overwhelming for the person and upset or anger them. Painkiller use can sometimes cause delusional thoughts and hallucinations. Person can also have little tolerance for emotional situations.

9. Complaints about the doctor or pharmacist not refilling prescriptions despite what is described as ‘persistent pain.’ The person can appear to be very anxious and angry over this, not understanding why they cannot get the relief he or she needs.

10. Impulsive behavior, including obsessive compulsive behavior, excessive spending, excessive trips to the doctor or pharmacist, nail biting, toe tapping, sleeping, etc. Person will also seem to be irritated when confronted about impulsive and compulsive behavior, and will sometimes try to deny it.

 

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Filed under: prescription drug painkillers

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Filed under: prescription drug painkillers

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