Painkillers come in a number of forms. Some are derived from the poppy plant (opium) to form a kind of morphine, while others are a synthetic variation to this. Regardless of the form (known as either opioids or opiates), the painkiller blocks pain receptors in your brain from receiving signals, which allows you to live pain-free. Typically, painkillers are prescribed following some kind of surgery. However, after prolonged use (and abuse) you may become addicted to the painkiller. Because your body becomes accustomed to not feeling pain, when your body goes without the medication it can amplify the feeling of certain discomforts. If you are currently suffering from painkiller addiction there are a number of signs of painkiller addiction to watch out for.
If, however, you have a loved one you suspect is abusing painkillers, you need to know what are symptoms of a painkiller addiction. Here is everything you need to know and look out for before calling a painkiller addiction treatment center.
The Many Signs Of Painkiller Addiction
There are a number of signs of painkiller addiction. Sometimes these symptoms will vary depending on the kind of medication currently being abused. However, as most painkiller medication functions in a similar way, the symptoms are, at the very least, similar to one another. If you believe a friend might currently be abusing painkillers, you need to educate yourself and know what are symptoms of a painkiller addiction. This way, you can proceed with offering your friend or loved one help.
Some of the signs of painkiller addiction include:
- Mood swings
- Social isolation
- Stealing
- Visiting several doctors
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Constipation
- Itchy skin
- Sedation
- Pinpoint pupils
- Depression and anxiety
- Worsening moods
There are more extreme side effects and signs of painkiller addiction. These are reasons why, if you suffer from addiction you need to seek out help as soon as possible. The more extreme symptoms include:
- Seizures
- Coma
- Increased risk of cardiovascular conditions and heart attack
- Death
Withdrawal Effects
Whether you are attempting to remove the painkillers from your system or you have noticed someone who is going through a forced withdrawal (perhaps they have been unable to secure more medication), there are a number of withdrawal effects to be aware of. When looking to get clean it is a good idea to seek out a rehab center and not attempt to do this on your own. A rehab center will know what to expect and how to handle the varying withdrawal effects. In certain instances, these side effects during detox and rehab can become extreme, which is why having knowledgeable staff on hand is best.
In general, the withdrawal effects to look out for include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Diarrhea
- “Jimmy” legs (involuntary leg kicks)
- Cold flashes
- Tremors
- Lack of an appetite
- Enlarged pupils
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Quick breathing
If you are around someone who is suffering withdrawal symptoms, even if you’re not sure what they’re taking, there’s a good chance you’ll pick up on some of these symptoms. You will notice a change in their personality and overall demeanor. They will be agitated, sweat more, and you’ll notice a difference in their pupils. Much of this is due to the body attempting to regulate its chemical balance and blood flow again. The reliance on painkiller medication blocks certain chemicals and alters how the body handles certain situations. The symptoms will begin to fade away with the passing days.
Help With Painkiller Addiction
If you or a loved one currently suffers from painkiller addiction it is important for you to take the first step and seek out professional help. Painkiller addiction is an expensive habit. It is a dangerous one that can take control of your life and affect all other relationships. The process of battling through addiction begins with a detox program and then moves through rehab. So, if you have noticed signs of painkiller addiction in a loved one or already know what are symptoms of painkiller addiction and are suffering through the medication usage yourself, First Step Center is here for you every step of the way. All you need to do is pick up your phone and give the team a call today at 866.832.6398.
