Pain pills are routinely prescribed by doctors each and every day to their patients who have been injured or who are recovering from surgery. The vast majority of these individuals benefit from these drugs that help to relieve acute pain during a short period of time.
Becoming Addicted To Pain Pills
Unfortunately, a small percentage become addicted to prescription pain pills. Often, these people have had a history of addiction or underlying mental illness which makes them more susceptible to addiction. Interestingly, one of the largest groups of individuals with an addiction to prescription pain pills consists of senior citizens. This makes sense when you consider that these drugs are commonly prescribed for chronic pain conditions like arthritis and sciatica.
Because of the risks of prescription pain pills, healthcare providers have a responsibility to closely monitor all patients who are prescribed them. Patients also need to be aware of the possibility of addiction.
Unlike other forms of addiction, prescription drug addiction symptoms can be very subtle at first. In fact, many patients don’t suspect a problem until they are using higher and higher doses. Unfortunately, the longer the problem goes on, the harder it is to treat.
Could You Have a Prescription Drug Addiction?
Are you concerned about your or a loved one’s use of prescription painkillers? The following are some of the most common physical symptoms to determine if you may need to get help:
- Cravings for the drug
- Breakthrough pain
- Taking higher doses than prescribed
- Low blood pressure
- Sweating
- Decreased coordination
- Constipation
You may also not feel like yourself. Prescription pain pill addiction can bring on severe mood swings and feelings of hostility. It can also affect your sleep and ability to make decisions.
Getting Help For an Addiction to Prescription Pain Pills
An addiction to prescription pain pills is not something to take lightly. It’s also not something to try and treat alone. Going “cold turkey” could bring on serious withdrawal symptoms.
For many, the best option is outpatient prescription drug addiction treatment which allows the individual to get the help they need while still having the flexibility to manage their daily responsibilities of family, career, or school.
Summit Behavioral Health treats clients with personalized care. We create a customized treatment plan based on each person’s individual’s needs and goals.
