Warning signs for painkillers addiction U.K
Thousands of people in the U.K rely on prescription painkillers for the relief of pain and symptoms from ailments like headaches, menstrual cramps, surgery recovery or lingering pain from an injury. Nonetheless, for many, this reliance on medication can readily and unknowingly turn into physical dependence.
The fact is that the most frequently prescribed drugs such as OxyContin, Vicodin, Methadone, Darvocet, Lortab, Lorcet and Percocet, while offering relief from pain, can also cause individuals' bodies to begin "needing" the drugs in order to feel normal, and the result is the new, even more challenging situation of drug dependency. Here are ten warning indicators to seek for if you think someone you know might be experiencing a dependency on these drugs.
1. Usage Increase
Over time, it is common for individuals taking prescription drugs to become tolerant to the effects of their prescribed dose. If someone you know seems to be increasing his/her dose over time, this is an indicator that the quantity they were taking is no longer providing them relief.
2. Change in Personality
Modifications in an individual’s usual behavior can be an indicator of dependency. Modifications in energy, mood, and concentration might occur as every day responsibilities become secondary to the urge for the relief the prescription drugs provide.
3. Social Withdrawal
Someone experiencing a dependency issue might withdraw from family, friends and other social interaction.
4. Ongoing Use
Recurring consumption after a medical condition has improved will result in the individual needing extensions on his/her prescription. The individual may talk of how they are "still feeling pain" and need just a little longer on the medication in order to get better. He or she may also complain frequently about the doctors who refused to write the prescription for one reason or another.
5. Time Spent on Obtaining Prescriptions
A prescription drug addict will spend wide amount of time driving great distances and visiting multiple doctors to obtain the drugs. Look for indicators that he or she seems preoccupied with a quest for prescription drugs, demonstrating that the drug has become their top priority.
6. Change in Daily Habits and Appearance
Personal hygiene might diminish as a result of a drug addiction. Sleeping and eating habits change, and an individual might have a constant cough, runny nose and red, glazed eyes.
7. Neglects Responsibilities
A drug addict might call in sick more frequently, and neglect household chores and bills.
8. Increased Sensitivity
Common sights, sounds and emotions may become overly stimulating to the drug addict. Hallucinations, even though difficult to monitor, may happen as well.
9. Blackouts and Forgetfulness
Another clear indicator of dependence is when the drug addict often forgets events that have taken place and appears to be suffering blackouts.
10. Defensiveness
When attempting to hide a drug dependency, addicts can become very defensive if they think their secret is being discovered. They may even react to simple requests or questions by lashing out.
Prescriptions to pain medication can be secure when administered according to the physician’s instructions and are carefully monitored. However, it is important to recognize that they can also be extremely dangerous. Anyone who is prescribed pain medications should take more precautions to avoid the debilitating effects a dependency can have and look for the warning indicators.
This data has been provided with the kind permission of Clifford Bernstein M.D., of The Waismann Institute.
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