Physical signs of addiction to pain medication,
signs and symptoms of addiction to pain medication Addiction to pain medication is a serious problem. In 2023, over 11 million people in the U.S. misused prescription pain pills, according to the CDC. This can lead to addiction, where people can't stop taking the drugs even if it hurts them. Recent studies show that opioid overdose deaths went up by 25% from 2022 to 2023. About 20% of people on pain pills for a long time start misusing them. Knowing how to spot addiction and what to do next is very important. In this write-up, we will discuss signs of addiction to pain medication and how to get help. Signs and Symptoms of Addiction to Pain Medication It’s time to share some alarming symptoms the body might be showing. After going through the details, carefully analyse any of your friends or family taking regular pills and having similar signs. At that moment, you need to convince them of a consultation so they can get individualized addiction treatment in the initial stages. Increased Tolerance One of the physical signs of addiction to pain medication is needing to take more of the medication to feel the same effect. This can happen with opioids like OxyContin and Vicodin. Over time, the body gets used to the drug, and you need more to get the pain relief you once felt with a smaller dose. A study published in the Journal of Pain found that nearly 30% of patients using opioids develop increased tolerance within a year. Withdrawal Symptoms Another sign is feeling sick when you stop taking the medication. This is known as withdrawal. Symptoms can include sweating, shaking, nausea, and feeling very anxious. For example, someone addicted to morphine might experience these signs if they miss a dose. Research in Addiction Science & Clinical Practice shows that withdrawing from opioids can be very difficult and is often a barrier to quitting. Taking More Medication Than Prescribed If someone is taking higher doses than what their doctor prescribed, it could be a sign of addiction. This is common with medications like Percocet and codeine. People might start taking extra doses because their pain isn’t controlled or they’re chasing a high. According to a study in Pain Medicine, about 22% of chronic pain patients end up taking more than their prescribed doses. Frequent Mood Swings Addiction can also affect a person’s mood. It is one of the physical signs of addiction to pain medication. People may become irritable, anxious, or even depressed. For instance, someone using fentanyl might suddenly get very angry or sad for no clear reason. Research from The American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that mood swings are often linked to chronic opioid use. Changes in Sleep Patterns People addicted to pain medication might find it hard to sleep or sleep too much. Insomnia or excessive sleepiness is common. Those using drugs like hydrocodone might experience this issue. A study in The Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that opioid use can heavily disrupt normal sleep patterns. Neglecting Responsibilities Another sign is ignoring daily tasks and responsibilities. This can include missing work, avoiding social activities, or not taking care of family duties. Someone addicted to tramadol may start to neglect these aspects of their life. According to a report from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, addiction often leads to poor job performance and strained relationships. Loss of Interest in Activities Another way to find out physical signs of addiction to pain medication is when people often lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. Hobbies, sports, and even spending time with family and friends may no longer matter. For example, someone addicted to methadone might stop participating in their favourite activities. A study in Drug and Alcohol Dependence shows that a lack of interest in regular activities is a common sign of addiction. Secretive Behaviour Addicted individuals might become very secretive about their actions. They could hide pills, lie about their usage, or avoid answering questions about their habits. This is often seen with those addicted to drugs like oxycodone. Research from Psychological Medicine indicates that secretive behaviour is a major red flag in addiction cases. Physical Changes There are some clear-cut major Physical signs of addiction to pain medication, like weight loss, poor hygiene, or unusual fatigue are also common. Someone using high doses of morphine might start to neglect their appearance or health. The Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment notes that these physical changes are often visible signs of a deeper problem. Preoccupation with Obtaining and Using Medication Finally, people addicted to pain medication may constantly think about how to get or use their drugs. This could dominate their thoughts and actions. For instance, someone addicted to hydromorphone might spend a lot of time figuring out how to get more pills. According to a study in Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, preoccupation with the drug is a core symptom of addiction. How to Get Help to Overcome Pain Medication Addiction? Feeling trapped by pain medication addiction can be incredibly overwhelming, but it's important to remember that real help is available, and you can turn your life around. One place you can count on for this help is the Addiction Treatment Center of New England(ATCNE). Understanding Your Situation Pain medication addiction often starts because of a real need to manage pain but can quickly become something more harmful. It's not just a physical issue—it also affects your mind and emotions. Admitting you need help is the first powerful step toward change. Why You Need Professional Help Trying to beat addiction by yourself can be really tough. Professional help makes a big difference, and that's where ATCNE comes in. Since 1980, we've been helping people just like you in Brighton, MA, with services personalised to each person's needs. What ATCNE Can Do for You ATCNE offers a caring approach that combines medication with personal support to help you every step of the way:
Caring People Ready to Help The staff at ATCNE are kind and understanding. People who have been treated there often talk about how supportive everyone is. One person even said, "Counselling and my methadone do keep me clean and not thinking about using drugs ever." Taking the First Step Choosing to get help is a brave and important decision. At ATCNE, experts know how tough this process can be and are ready to help you with kindness and professionalism. Reach Out Today You don’t need to face this alone. Contact ATCNE to find out how we can help you start a new chapter in your life. To set up your first appointment, visit our website for more details about ATCNE. Asking for help can be the first step to breaking free from addiction!
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