Almost everyone will experience some type of pain at some point in their life. Whether it is physical or emotional, the need for relief can be overwhelming. When you are experiencing chronic pain, it may seem like the only option that provides any relief is a prescription medication. The problem with this thought process is that many people take these medications for too long and develop a dependency on them for everyday functioning. If you think you might be developing an addiction to prescription pain pills, there are warning signs to look out for to make sure you get help before things get worse!
You Might Be In Denial
If you are addicted to painkillers, it is likely that you will be in denial about the problem. You may not want to admit that there is even a problem in the first place. People that are suffering from an addiction will often try to convince themselves that they can stop whenever they want. However, this is just a symptom of the problem and it should be clear if you recognize some of these other warning signs for what they really mean.
You Possibly Have A Gateway Event
Most people that suffer from a pain pill addiction will have experienced what is called a gateway event. This can be anything from an injury to surgery, but it usually involves some type of procedure where you have prescribed medications for the first time. Opiates such as oxycodone and hydrocodone are often prescribed to manage pain after surgery. When you take these medications for the first time, your body can develop a dependency on them very quickly.
Tolerance Signs Are Increasing
When you take painkillers frequently, your body will build a tolerance for them quickly. This means that the amount of medication you take each time has to be increased in order to feel any effects at all. You may start out with just one or two pills every day before work and find yourself up to four or five after only a few months. If this is happening, it should be clear that there is an issue here that needs attention immediately!
Might Begin Asking For More Prescriptions
If you find yourself asking for more prescriptions than what is reasonable, it should be clear that there may be a problem. It is natural to occasionally ask your doctor or dentist for refills on medications before they run out due to an upcoming vacation or appointment. However, if this begins happening every month and seems excessive, it could mean that something else is going on behind the scenes.
Not Taking The Medications As Prescribed
When you are addicted to painkillers, people will start abusing them in different ways. One way this happens is when people take more than the prescribed amount or take them for longer periods of time. Many people will even begin taking them in ways other than prescribed by the doctor, such as crushing and snorting or injecting with a needle. If this sounds like something you have done before, there should be little doubt about whether treatment plans need to be put into action immediately!
Suffering From Mood Swings
Mood swings are a very common sign of prescription pain pill addiction. When you begin taking these medications, they can cause your serotonin levels to rise and fall dramatically which will affect the way you feel from one moment to the next. This is why many people who suffer from an addiction to painkillers will experience a very wide range of dramatic emotions that can be difficult for them and those around them.
Experience Withdrawal
If you’re dependent on prescription painkillers, when you try to stop taking them you will likely experience withdrawal symptoms. This means that your body has become so used to having the medication in its system that it now depends on it to function normally. When you don’t take the pills, your body may go into shock and this can be very dangerous. Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and sweating.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing any of these signs, it is important that you get help immediately. Addiction to painkillers can be very dangerous and it is important to seek professional treatment in order to overcome the addiction safely and effectively. There are many different types of treatment plans available, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help!