If you take painkillers or opioids to manage chronic pain, you may think that they’re helping you cope. In reality, these drugs are potentially addictive, and prolonged use can lead to dependence. Recognizing whether or not you’re addicted to painkillers is important. This way, you can seek help from a treatment center.
Opioid addiction has many signs. If you feel like your usage of painkillers has gotten out of hand, consider reading the following points for warning signs that indicate an addiction.
You Take More Than You Should
If you’re taking painkillers, you should only take the amount your doctor tells you to. However, a person who is addicted to opioids may take doses that are much higher than necessary.
If you take more painkillers than you’re supposed to, you could experience side effects, such as nausea and vomiting. Taking painkillers regularly can also increase your risk of overdose. If you’re concerned that you’re taking more of these drugs than you should, talk to your doctor.
You Experience Withdrawal Symptoms When You Stop
If you’re addicted to opioids and stop taking them, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Muscle and joint pain
- Insomnia
- Anxiety.
If you experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking painkillers, it’s a sign that your dependence on these drugs is increasing. If you’re concerned that you’re addicted to these drugs, speak to your doctor about treatment options. Many treatment programs are available to help you stop using these drugs.
You Use Them to Cope With Stress
If you’re addicted to painkillers, you may use them to cope with everyday stress. According to the New York Academy of Sciences, using these drugs to relieve stress can create a vicious cycle.
When you take opioids for an extended period, the brain can become less sensitive to their effects. To experience the same level of relief, you’ll need to take larger and larger doses. This can lead to addiction. If you’re addicted to painkillers and use them to cope with everyday stress, you may be able to break the cycle by seeking help from a treatment center.
Your Usage Has Led to Other Problems
One of the signs of opioid addiction is that it leads to other problems, such as unemployment, a strained relationship with family and friends, legal issues, and financial difficulties. If you’re addicted to painkillers, you may use them on a daily basis, despite their potential side effects.
You may need to take higher doses to achieve the same level of pain relief. As a result, your usage may have led to other problems in your life. You may need treatment to break the cycle if this is the case. Luckily, studies have shown that treatment can help you heal from addiction.
If you take prescription painkillers, it’s important to recognize the signs of opioid addiction. Many of these drugs are potentially addictive, and prolonged use can lead to dependence. If you feel like your usage has gotten out of hand, consider reading the above for warning signs indicating an addiction. If you’re concerned that you’re addicted to these drugs, call The Guest House at (855) 483-7800 today. With the right kind of professional help, you can break the cycle and start living a healthier life.