Prescription medications played a terrible role in driving the opioid epidemic in recent years. The country continues to battle prescription drug addictions. Most people may not realize those legally prescribed painkillers are far more addictive than many people knew before taking them for legitimate reasons. These powerful drugs only mask pain and discomfort without curing anything. In an effort to provide awareness, the compassionate professionals at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida want our valued community members to know the causes and early signs of addiction. To learn more about this condition, please reach out to our team today at 866.294.5306.
What are the Common Factors and Causes of Addiction?
It’s critical to understand that no one is immune from potential painkiller addiction. Anyone who takes these potent opioids puts themselves at some level of risk. The prevalent factors that lead to addiction may include the length of time you use the drugs and the dosage. These are other common painkiller addiction risk factors to consider:
- Poverty and unemployment
- Family or personal history of drug or alcohol abuse
- Routine contact with drug users
- History of thrill-seeking behavior
- History of severe anxiety or depression
What generally happens is that people get initial relief from the pain and discomfort. Soon, they discover that taking painkillers feels pleasurable due to the release of endorphins in the brain. As your body develops a tolerance, it takes higher dosages and increased frequency to feel that sense of euphoria. Sustained use causes a state in which people think they cannot function without drugs. The brain now demands that you take medications or feel the brunt of severe withdrawal symptoms.
What are the Early Signs of Painkiller Addiction?
People who have surgeries or experience ongoing pain and discomfort should know that the primary ingredient in many powerful painkillers is Oxycodone. This narcotic agent tends to be the primary ingredient in prescription drugs such as Percocet and OxyContin and as potent as heroin. Other highly addicted prescription drugs combine hydrocodone with acetaminophen. These products are sold under names such as Vicodin and Demerol, among others. Some refer to these medications as a drug store heroin. However, if you have a prescription for one of these or another painkiller, it’s in your best interest to be vigilant about the following telltale signs of addiction:
- Neglecting home, work, or educational responsibilities
- Increasing dosages above the prescribed amount
- Changes to your daily routines
- Disheveled appearance and diminished hygiene
- Short-term memory dysfunction
- Confusion or blackouts
- Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness
- Constipation
- Mood swings ranging from euphoria to depression
- Changes in personality
It’s also essential to recognize early signs of withdrawal. Because opioids can be very tricky to the brain, legitimate prescription holders tend to up the dosage to meet perceived rising pain. What commonly occurs is that the brain, and not the body, creates a feeling of discomfort. In this scenario, people feel like they need to take higher doses with more frequency. It may be difficult to recognize at the moment, but that ranks among the first signs of painkiller addiction. Withdrawal symptoms may include agitation, insomnia, sweating, flu-like aches, and body pains, among others.
Contact Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida Today
If you are taking prescription painkillers or dabbled in street drugs, recognizing the early stages of addiction can prove invaluable. No one wants to feel compelled to take potent opioids to feel good. And no one wants to suffer through withdrawal symptoms alone. Early warning signs are an excellent reason to take steps to get treatment and care. Don’t wait until painkiller addiction controls your life. Call Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida at 866.294.5306, or contact us online and get the treatment you deserve.
