For many people, painkiller abuse happens after a drug has been prescribed for a medical reason. Often a person does not even realize that they are becoming addicted until it has already happened. When taking prescription drugs, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of painkiller abuse to make sure that you are not becoming dependent or addicted.
If you or a loved one have been taking painkillers and thinks that you or they have become addicted, an opiate treatment program might be the best course of action for recovery. At Midwest Recovery Center, we offer treatment programs for various addictions. To learn more, contact us at 833.627.0039.
Symptoms of Painkiller Abuse
Because it is not always apparent that a person is becoming addicted to painkillers, it is important to pay close attention to their behaviors while taking a prescription drug to make sure they are not showing any signs. This way, you can stop painkiller abuse before the symptoms get worse. Things to look out for could be:
Lying and Stealing
When someone starts to rely on a drug, they will find ways of getting it, even if the way they get them is less than ethical. They might go as far as lying to their doctor about false symptoms or going into a friend’s or family member’s medicine cabinet to find what they are looking for.
Mood Swings
Like with many other addictions, painkiller abuse can cause a person to have extreme mood swings, especially when they are experiencing withdrawal symptoms. They could get angry or upset over things that normally would not bother them, or they could feel a strong sense of euphoria when they have taken the drug.
Nausea and Vomiting
Especially when taken in high doses, painkillers can cause a person to feel nauseous or even go through bouts of vomiting. If they have only been taking the drug for a short amount of time, this should subside quickly; however, the longer someone takes a painkiller, the worse it will be during the withdrawal period.
Most Abused Prescription Drugs
There are a lot of drugs that doctors prescribe for their patients, and while they are necessary to help people with their physical and mental health, some of them can be very addictive. These drugs fall under the stimulant and depressant categories. Stimulants are used for ADHD and sleep disorders, while depressants are used for anxiety and seizures. Prescriptions that you hear about people taking common medical or mental issues every day can be abused if you are not careful. Some of the most commonly abused drugs are:
- Stimulants – Adderall, Ritalin, Dexedrine
- Depressants – Xanax, Valium, Klonopin
If you are taking any of these prescriptions, be sure that you speak with your doctor regularly to ensure that you are not showing any signs of dependency or addiction. Monitoring how you interact with your medications is a strong first step in reducing the risk of developing a substance use disorder.
Getting Help at Midwest Recovery Center
It is not uncommon, nor is it the fault of anyone if you are struggling with painkiller abuse. Knowing the symptoms and admitting that you need help is the first step to sobriety. There are plenty of therapy and treatment options that will get you through every step of the way.
Midwest Recovery Center provides quality care and services to our clients living with addiction. We offer painkiller, opioid, heroin, and alcohol addiction treatments. We also offer various therapy options, such as group therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you, contact our team at 833.627.0039.
