Chronic pain plagues more than one-third of the American population, and many people tend to manage it via prescription medication. But these painkillers can often lead to addiction. These drugs were intended to reduce pain and increase tolerance, yet they simultaneously usher in a sense of euphoria which people often begin to crave.
When one becomes physically dependent on a drug, their body then forms a tolerance to it, resulting in the need for higher doses of the medication to acquire the same effects. Yet when you’re actually addicted to a drug, it’s not just physical but also emotional. You continue to abuse the drug despite it creating serious problems at school and work, within family relationships, or in your social life.
With the onset of addiction, there are many obvious warning signs. Symptoms include:
- Frequent thoughts about medication – becoming preoccupied or obsessed with the thought of taking your next dose, and whether you possess enough meds or not.
- Self-altering your dosage – taking more than prescribed or advised, believing that your doctor doesn’t grasp the depth of your pain, or purposely misinterpreting and tweaking the prescription instructions to fit your ideal.
- Frequently switching doctors – going to multiple doctors for the same prescription with the intention of boosting your supply of painkillers also known as seeking out “pill mills”
- Obtaining painkillers from other sources – feelings of lacking adequate amounts of medication to ease your pain. These signs include ordering drugs online, stealing leftover or abandoned prescription drugs from other people, stealing drugs from sick friends and family, purchasing other people’s prescription drugs, stealing prescription pads from doctors’ offices, writing your own prescriptions illegally, intentional self-harm, and purchasing drugs on the street.
- History of using pain medication – Continued use of painkillers long after the pain is gone
- Defensive toward opposition to your habit – becoming irritated/defensive when approached with opposing views of your unhealthy drug intake or people encouraging you to stop or pull back your dosage.
- Changes in behavior – lack or loss of hygienic routines and practices, mood swings, impending anger issues, changes in eating habits, anxiety, constant sleeping, and neglecting responsibilities
If you identify these signs within yourself or someone you care about, even if you’re unsure it’s an addiction, the wisest next step is to seek help and obtain more information. At Asana Recovery, we comprehend the challenges that come along with striving to recover from these kinds of addictions as our daily work includes helping all who struggle most from this illness. Many believe it can be fought alone, but rehabilitation centers and programs are essential in leaving dependency behind. There may be stumbling blocks, but you can get through it if backed by the right team. Counseling and aftercare assist you in figuring out each facet that led you to addiction and help to establish mental and emotional pillars to better handle life without it.
The monitored detox and in-house residential treatment programs at Asana Recovery are conducted in an encouraging, supportive environment. We are passionate about ensuring your continuous recovery while overseeing your path to a health and happiness. We’re always within reach and available to speak to you. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn all about our alcohol and drug addiction treatment program today.
