Painkiller Addiction Signs May Not Be Obvious

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a person looking at their medicing wondering if they show painkiller addiction signs

There were over 250 million prescriptions were written for prescription painkillers in 2012. The current opioid epidemic claims the lives of countless Americans every year. Painkiller addictions are affecting every corner of the country. It is important to know how to recognize the signs of addiction to protect yourself and loved ones from potential drug addictions. 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. Take time to learn about how to recognize the signs and when to reach out to a painkiller addiction treatment program.

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.

Some individuals are better at hiding their addiction than others. It is possible they will do everything in the power to hide their addiction. It is important to stay vigilant and aware of any changes in their behavior. They can only hide for so long.

Overcoming a Pain Pill Addiction is Possible with Help From Kemah Palms

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:

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 [Direct] today to get immediate help.