Would you be able to tell that your loved one is abusing opioids? You want to say yes. But are you sure? Statistics prove that about 32 percent of Americans don’t recognize painkiller addiction signs.
Researchers Uncover Startling Trends Pointing to a Lack of Awareness
Michigan State University wanted to find out how many people could pick out a character with painkiller addiction signs. They gave respondents a fictional scenario. Thirty-two percent of participants couldn’t identify the person dealing with opioid abuse.
Breaking it down even further, men had the most challenging time pinpointing prescription drug misuse. Only 56 percent were able to notice it, which didn’t compare well to 76 percent of women. Rural respondents had the highest identification rate while those in urban environments were at the low end of the spectrum. Those over the age of 55 were able to determine abuse signs with more accuracy than young adults.
What are Painkiller Addiction Signs?
How can you tell if a loved one is painkiller addiction signs? One of the telltale signs is the use of higher-than-prescribed doses. Your friend or family member may be arguing that the doctors don’t understand her or his needs. That’s why she or he has to increase the dose without a script.
This decision leads to finishing a course of medication sooner than the doctor intended. Your friend may need more pain pills sooner than the physician will order. She or he now go to multiple doctors to get prescriptions. Some call this doctor shopping because the patient only looks for someone to prescribe not for medical help.
Your loved one’s moods change rapidly. When on the pills, she or he is mellow and good-natured. As the effects wear off, aggression, anger, or sadness appear. She or he makes poor decisions and misspends money on drugs rather than bills.
Overcoming a Pain Pill Addiction is Possible with Help
Addiction isn’t something that you can fix yourself. If your loved one is showing painkiller addiction signs, he or she needs help. It starts with detox for withdrawal symptoms in a safe setting. Pharmacological support helps with pain, discomfort, and the physical aspects of stopping the use of the medications.
Rehab comes next. After the body can function without the pain pills, the mind needs to relearn how to do so, too. Typical painkiller addiction treatment may include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy that encourages the recognition of dysfunction in areas of thinking or acting
- Psychotherapy, which helps with finding ways to overcome the dysfunction
- Group therapy as a means of addiction education and peer feedback
- Relapse prevention therapy for the time after discharge from rehab
- Nutritional counseling, which helps with embracing a healthier lifestyle
People dealing with painkiller addictions also benefit from a chronic pain recovery program. You find this at Kemah Palms Recovery®. Don’t overlook painkiller addiction signs in loved ones or yourself! Call 855-568-0218 today to get immediate help.