Legacy Healing Center Blog

An addiction to pain pills can sometimes be difficult to spot.

Identifying that a loved one is addicted to pain pills can be a difficult task, both emotionally and physically. There is a severe problem in the United States related to the abuse of pain pills and developing an addiction can be a slow process but before it’s noticed, it can turn into a full-blown addiction.

The best way to help someone you care about with their addiction is to first be able to notice the signs someone is addicted to pain pills. If you are unaware of where to look here we will provide you with a list of signs to look out for.

If you or someone you love needs help with addiction, call 954-994-2965 today to speak with a treatment specialist.

You may be concerned because you have noticed a change in behavior and mood in someone that you love and although you have noticed a change, you are unsure why.

When to Look for Signs of Addiction

Your intuition may be speaking to you, asking you to dive in a bit deeper to see if you can notice signs that this person could be addicted to pain pills. In order to see the signs, you will need to ask yourself a few questions about the individual:

• Are they at risk of becoming addicted to pain pills?

• What are the changes that have been observed?

• Do they have a prescription for a highly addictive pain killer?

Individuals who are prescribed prescription pain killers, that use them as prescribed, almost never become addicted to them because they are following the instructions.

Common Signs of Addiction to Pain Pills

When individuals stray from what has been recommended and beginning to use the medications for an extended period of time increases their risk of developing a serious addiction. Some common signs someone is addicted to pain pills may be noted in behaviors such as:

• Noticeably using opioids in a way that they were not prescribed

• Using their opioids frequently and/or ‘just in case’ pain my reappear

• Mood swings between very happy and very mad

• Noticeable changes in sleep patterns

• Using other individuals medications when they are out of theirs

• Struggles, or has struggled with depression or anxiety

• Living in stressful circumstances

On top of possible behavioral changes, other signs that someone is addicted to pain pills can stem from family history. Maybe the individual has a personal history of substance abuse or their family does.

Unfortunately, genetics do play a role in addiction and unfortunately, addiction can happen to anyone, like any other chronic disease, no matter the age, race or sex.

Other signs of an addiction to pain pills can include:

• Selling prescriptions and other things

• Stealing

• Acting high or with unusually energetic or lethargic behaviors

Consequences of Pain Pill Abuse

There is a long list of consequences related to abuse of pain pills and besides addiction, the body can develop a physical dependence. When this happens the body needs to have the drug and more of it over time.

Other consequences can cause the individual to fall behind academically or at work, have an accident in a motor vehicle, become involved in crime, engage in risky behaviors or even ruin relationships.

Because of the severity of the consequences of an addiction to pain pills, most individuals need some form of treatment to get off them. There are many options for pain pill addiction treatment that can include behavioral therapies or medications.

It can be in the setting of an inpatient treatment center if the addiction is severe or an outpatient center. No matter the treatment selected, the individual will be assessed as a whole to understand all of their needs. Once treatment has been completed there is always the option of following up with support groups that collaborate together to remain sober.

We provide a medically supervised detox process to wean you off of drugs or alcohol and teach you how to live a victorious life addiction-free. To learn more about what we offer, contact Legacy Healing Center today at 954-994-2965.