Prescription painkiller addiction has become a major issue in our country, and sometimes it’s difficult to spot the signs of dependence. Your loved one may be developing an opioid dependence, and you might not even realize it. By learning what to look for, you can help your loved one get the treatment they need.
What Is Opioid Dependence?
Due to the way the body tries to maintain balance, it’s constantly adjusting based on substances coming into the system. Whenever an individual introduces a substance regularly and in excess, the body becomes dependent. Many people develop an opioid dependence because they feel like they need the medications to survive.
Common opioid pain medications include:
- Oxycodone
- Codeine
- Fentanyl
- Hydrocodone
- Hydromorphone
- Methadone
Signs of Prescription Opioid Dependence
Prescription drug dependence is often difficult to spot, but there are definitely signs. One of the first signs of opioid dependence is when a person becomes highly irritable and anxious when he or she runs out of pills. This is the brain’s natural reaction because addiction is triggering the fight or flight response. A person may become verbally abusive to you or a pharmacist if he or she can’t get more medication.
The next sign of dependence is when the person experiences withdrawal symptoms. When a person is dependent on the drug, they’ve most likely gone through symptoms of withdrawal before. Common prescription opioid withdrawal symptoms include aches and pains, nausea, and flu-like symptoms.
Additional opioid addiction signs include:
- Constant fatigue
- Sudden financial difficulties
- Diminishing performance at work or in school
- Social withdrawal or hanging around a new circle of friends
Ashley Addiction Treatment offers hope for those struggling with opioid dependence. Professionals at our Havre de Grace, Maryland, addiction treatment facility can help your loved one overcome his or her addiction. Treatment at Ashley includes:
- 24/7 medical care, including on-site detoxification at the beginning of treatment
- Comprehensive clinical care
- Psychological and psychiatric care for individuals struggling with co-occurring mental health disorders
- Holistic care that features acupuncture, yoga, and other beneficial activities
Help your loved one take the first step to lasting change. Call Ashley Addiction Treatment today at 866-313-6307.