10 Signs of Dependency on Prescription Painkillers

 

Many people all over the US and the world in general depend on prescription painkillers for pain relief for ailments such as headaches and menstrual cramps. The problem is that too much reliance on these may lead to an addiction to pain meds. The following are 10 signs to watch out for if you believe that someone is developing dependence.

First, the individual will develop and increase in the usage of the painkillers since the patient’s body starts to get tolerant of the drug’s effects thereby making them need even more.
Noticeable change in the user’s personality. The user will experience shifts in their behavior and temperament since their major goal is to get a ‘fix’ of the drugs.

Social withdrawal whereby the user will not be interested in any form of interaction with family, friends or society in general will inform you of possible abuse. Continued usage of the painkillers even long after their medical condition has improved.  Increase in the time the user spends looking for pain medication prescriptions for drugs such as OxyContin and Oxycodone.

Change in the changes in the appearance and dressing of the user. The user may start neglecting their personal hygiene due to the addiction to drugs. Neglect of personal responsibilities is another sign. The individual will start neglecting their personal obligations and responsibilities.

Forgetfulness and blackouts. The user may start forgetting even very basic details about their lives.
Defensiveness. This is whereby the user starts getting defensive once they realize that their addiction is getting discovered.

Lastly is the increased sensitivity whereby normal sights and sounds may tend to be too stimulating to the user and they may even suffer from hallucinations. In conclusion, those are the main signs to look out for if you suspect someone of abusing painkillers or has an addiction to pain meds.