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5 Signs of Painkiller Addiction

Woman struggling with the signs of a painkiller addiction

The opioid epidemic is reaching an all-time high. Painkillers, which are often prescribed to treat chronic pain, can be incredibly addictive. When seeking a painkiller addiction treatment program in Ohio, Midwest Center at Youngstown is here to support you at every step of the healing process. In our addiction treatment center, you’ll find high-quality care from a dedicated team.

Call our team at 844.544.0502 to learn about the next steps in conquering your painkiller addiction and resuming control over your future. It’s time to begin the road to recovery from painkiller addiction.

Five Signs of Painkiller Addiction

Many individuals who develop a dependence on opioids were initially prescribed legal painkillers such as Vicodin, Percocet, or Lortab to assist with routine pain management. Unfortunately, if taken for too long, in too large of a dose, or beyond the needs of the treated affliction, they may develop a tolerance to the recommended dose.

Here are five signs to look for to gauge whether you or a loved one might require help: 

  1. Painkiller use is accompanied by wide mood swings. Extreme highs and lows suggest that individuals using painkillers may be experiencing the initial stages of withdrawal when they attempt to abstain from use. Be on the lookout for dramatic shifts between anxious, irritable, or nervous behavior, followed by periods of lethargy and deep relaxation.
  2. Presentation of physical withdrawal symptoms. Physical indicators such as nausea, vomiting, insomnia, increased blood pressure and pulse, dilated pupils, unhealthy weight and appetite changes, muscular tremors, and cravings may appear.
  3. Changes in personality, demeanor, or appearance. One sure sign of a growing dependence is when the individual’s use of a controlled substance encroaches on other areas of their life. Often, drug use will take priority over other interests or personal goals. This may include their personal hygiene, ability to perform at work or school, and conduct within close personal relationships. 
  4. Denial that the problem has escalated. When developing a dependence, the brain will prioritize accessing additional drugs above all else. They may even justify self-medicating with larger and larger doses to be “only temporary.”
  5. Attempting to obtain illicit drugs without their primary care provider’s knowledge.  Some individuals may attempt to procure extra doses of their prescription medication, hoard pills, or even resort to dangerous alternatives such as taking heroin, lying, or stealing other people’s prescription medications to conceal their increasing reliance on opioids and opiates. 

How Does Painkiller Addiction Treatment Work?

First, individuals being treated for a substance use addiction will generally undergo a medically supervised detox. For several weeks, the client will experience the withdrawal symptoms described above, sometimes reaching an acute level of intensity. However, this stage can be made considerably easier through complementary therapies administered under professional medical care.

Following detox, clients will enter an immersive period of behavioral therapy, group counseling, and other supports to identify and address the true underlying causes of their substance use. These will continue through the individual’s successful transition back to regular life. Aftercare services can also help those in recovery continue their progress. Lasting, sustainable sobriety is possible—reach out today to learn more.

Painkiller Addiction Treatment at Midwest Center at Youngstown 

Some individuals delay seeking out painkiller addiction treatment, afraid of the social stigma surrounding opioid or opiate use, or continue to harness the belief that they should be able to heal themselves. Regardless of how the problem began, Midwest Center at Youngstown is here for you. Our dedicated team will help you safely detox from painkillers and find alternate ways to manage your physical and emotional pain. Contact our team at 844.544.0502 to learn more about obtaining the help you need and deserve.