Addiction to painkillers is a growing epidemic in the United States and other areas of the world. The number of people taking prescription medications without a medical need has increased over 75 percent from 2002 to the present. Additionally, over 4.6 million people have admitted to using these pills with no medical need for a period of over 30 days. Over 956,000 Americans have used painkillers for longer than 200 days straight with no medical reason. These statistics show that painkillers are highly addictive and that people have a tendency to use them for recreational purposes rather than medicinal purposes. The epidemic becomes worse because many doctors are refilling prescriptions for profit, knowing that the patients are addicted.
The best way to reduce the number of people addicted to painkillers is for friends and family members to get involved when they see signs of abuse. Intervening can possibly save lives. The following are five common signs that someone is abusing painkillers:
1. Refilling Prescriptions after Injury Subsides
The most common sign that someone is abusing painkillers is the refilling of prescriptions with no cause. The individual may have initially gotten the prescription to ease the pain of a medical procedure, tooth extraction, or some other temporary situation. If a person is continuing to see the same doctor to obtain painkillers and he or she is not showing any signs of discomfort from the original cause, then this person is most likely engaging in the
abuse of painkillers. It might be a good idea to question the person as to why the doctor continues to refill the prescriptions.
2. Constantly Borrowing Money
Someone who is abusing painkillers may have to purchase them on the street if the doctor is not refilling the prescriptions. Painkillers can cost from $5 to $20 each on the street. Depending on the strength the individual is taking, money can disappear very quickly. Anyone who tears through his or her paycheck in less than a day and constantly asks family and friends for loans is probably abusing the painkillers.
3. Neglecting Responsibilities
Neglecting responsibilities such as work, school, children, and hygiene are telltale signs that a person is abusing painkillers. Someone who has this problem will be distant and isolate himself or herself from friends or family members. He or she may completely ignore a romantic relationship because of the constant pursuit of painkillers. Work may become the last item on the priority list after payday. Additionally, hygiene may not be up to par because of the preoccupation with getting high.
4. Strange Sleeping Habits
Someone who is abusing painkillers may have strange sleeping habits, depending on how the drugs affect his or her body. Sometimes painkillers give users too much energy and they stay up until the wee hours of the morning and sleep during the day. Anyone who knows someone who has suddenly changed sleeping patterns and is exhibiting some of the other symptoms may assume that person is abusing painkillers.
5. Irritability
A person who is abusing painkillers may be in denial in regards to the usage. He or she may get angry if a friend or family member asks about the abuse. The individual may also become irritated as a sign or symptom of withdrawal.
The Best Approach
There are many more symptoms that a person abusing painkillers may exhibit. The best way to approach the suspected party is with love and friendly advice. The onlooker will want to let the person know that he or she is loved and accepted. If the person is responsive to help offerings, then the family member or friend can take steps to get that person assistance.
Source
United States National Library of Medicine: Pain Relievers
Meta: Common signs that someone is abusing painkillers are refilling prescriptions frequently, neglecting responsibilities, strange sleeping habits, and many others.
