A lot of people worry that taking painkillers can lead to addiction. If doctors prescribe the medication following a certain schedule, it should not be a problem. But if the patient takes it even without feeling physical pain, it might be a red flag.
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There are those who do get addicted to their medication in order to function well. Here are signs that tell that someone might be at risk of painkiller addiction.
They constantly think about their medication.
The first sign of addiction is when the person is preoccupied with thoughts of when the next dose will happen, and whether the supply is enough for days or weeks to come.
There is a confusion between addiction and dependency. Patients can be physically dependent on a certain drug, but it does not always follow that they are addicted to it. When people are physically dependent on medication, the body has built up a high tolerance to it, and will need a higher dosage to get the desired effect. When people are addicted to it, they keep using the drug even without the need for it.
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They take varying amounts than the dosage prescribed.
People who are addicted to medication take more than what is prescribed. There are instances when the medication is “stretched out” to last longer. If the patient is having problems controlling the intake of painkillers, it can be a problem.
They get painkillers from different sources
They stock up painkillers to help ease the pain they feel. They order drugs from other sources like online stores and black markets. Some even steal from others or hurt themselves so they can go to a hospital to get a prescription.
Painkiller addiction is a concern that needs to be addressed. Learn more about it by subscribing to this Dr. Melanie Novak, M.D., blog.
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