What does painkiller addiction look like? Prescription painkiller addiction can happen to anyone. It often starts with legal, prescribed medications that are taken as directed. But over time, people develop a tolerance to the drugs, which leads to increased doses and more frequent use. Before you know it, you are addicted and struggling to quit.
If you are addicted to painkillers, don’t despair. There is help available. You can overcome your addiction and get your life back on track with the proper treatment. The painkiller addiction treatment at Promises can assist you as you detox and withdrawal from painkillers. We will also provide you with the tools and resources you need to stay clean and sober for life. Call Promises today at 844.875.5609 for more information.
5 Signs of Painkiller Addiction
You may be wondering if you have a painkiller addiction. You may ask yourself, what does painkiller addiction even look like? Here are five signs that you may have an addiction to painkillers:
1. You’re Worried You May Be Losing Control
If you are asking yourself if you have lost control over your painkiller habit, there’s a good chance you are addicted. Do you do any of the following?
- Do you always keep a small supply of pain medication on you?
- Do you sneak or hide pills?
- Have you tried to cut back or stop before but couldn’t?
- Do you continue to use painkillers even though they are causing problems in your life?
- Are you making unscheduled visits to your doctor or visiting multiple doctors to receive more than one prescription?
- Do you have a history of drug abuse?
If you answered yes to a few of these questions, you might have an addiction to painkillers. Getting professional help is the best way to overcome your addiction and get your life back on track.
2. You Don’t Feel Like Yourself Anymore
Dependency on painkillers can change your appearance, habits, and lifestyle. You may feel a shift in your mood, energy level, or ability to concentrate. You may become agitated or hostile, particularly when you don’t have access to your medication. Over time, drugs may take precedence over basic grooming and hygiene, resulting in changes to your physical appearance. Your interests become more focused on drug use than connecting with family or friends.
3. You Get Defensive Over Your Use
Your family, friends, and coworkers may start to mention their concerns about your painkiller use. When they make comments or ask questions:
- Do you get annoyed or defensive?
- Rather than deal with other people’s commentary, have you started keeping your feelings and behaviors secret or avoiding people? Keeping secrets is a hallmark of addiction.
4. You Don’t Feel Good Without Painkillers
If you’ve become physically dependent on painkillers, you may experience withdrawal symptoms if you skip a dose or the medication wears off. Symptoms may include:
- Joint and muscle pain
- Vomiting
- Headaches, anxiety, sweating, and insomnia
The pain of withdrawal, which can feel similar to the pain you were originally medicating, may lead you to take more pills than prescribed or to use other drugs to ease the symptoms.
5. Your Life Is Suffering
Are you struggling to take care of the responsibilities in daily life? Maybe your attendance or grades are suffering. Perhaps you are neglecting your spouse or children. Your finances may be falling apart. If you find your life is unraveling, it’s a sign that addiction has taken over.
Treat Your Painkiller Addiction at Promises
If you recognize the signs of painkiller addiction, treatment can help you get your life back on track. Promises offers a comprehensive approach to addiction that includes detox, individual and group therapy, and aftercare planning. Our goal is to help you overcome addiction and establish a foundation for long-term recovery. Call us today at 844.875.5609 for more information.