Symptoms of Someone Addicted to Painkillers

Throughout the US, people are becoming more addicted to prescription painkillers than ever. The sad part is that these are controlled substances and are being abused by people of all ages. Younger addicts use painkillers for recreational purposes rather than using them for their actual purpose of relieving pain. Painkillers come in different brands, generic and non-generic. They also are different in strength, the stronger the pill the more relief, however the stronger the addiction. Painkillers are easily prescribed for multiple reasons. Everyday people get into car accidents, fall, or find themselves accidentally hurt. These people are prone to fall into the addiction of painkillers. They go to the doctor or hospital and they are prescribed painkillers. The pills temporarily relieve the pain which requires a consistent diet of painkillers to constantly relieve the pain. Once the painkillers have become consistent, the immunity of the pill comes into play. People then become immune to the feeling and need a higher dose or milligram to relieve their pain.

Some of the warning signs for painkiller addiction are listed below:

• Changes in personality, such as increased/decreased energy levels and mood swings
• Forgetful and careless
• Change in appearance, such as weight loss/gain, flu-like withdrawal symptoms, glazed eyes, and sleep pattern changes
• Socially withdrawn from family and friends
• Becomes easily defensive and confrontational

 

Common Statistics of Painkiller Addiction

People addicted to painkillers often find themselves worried about not having their fix. They will plan out their doses according to the amount of pills they have left. There are many statistics to prove that the younger generations are becoming easily addicted to painkillers. Below is a list of common statistics of painkiller usage.

• The most common abused drug is a painkiller.
• Approximately 1 out of 4 teenagers will abuse painkillers before they graduate high school.
• People between the ages of 18 and 34 show the highest rate of addiction to painkillers.
• The most common drug related deaths are results of painkiller abuse.
• Women are more likely to abuse painkillers than men because it is more socially acceptable than illegal drugs.
• Women are more likely to abuse painkillers as a release of their problems.
• Men are more likely to use painkillers as a way to feel good.
• In the last year, over 2 million people ages 12 and up have started to use painkillers.
• Teens who abuse painkillers are more likely to show delinquent behavior and are more likely to become depressed.
• About 55% of abusers get their painkillers through family members and friends.
• People in relationships are more likely to abuse painkillers if their significant other is an abuser.
• Only 4% of abusers get their painkillers from a street source, such as a drug dealer or stranger.

Concluding these facts and statistics, painkillers are a legal danger that affects people internationally. It is never easy giving up something that brings pleasure; however, if this pleasurable substance is addictive and dangerous to one's body, it shouldn't be so easily obtained. Doctors should start reconsidering their prescriptions when writing them out. If these controlled substances were more controlled, these facts and statistics would change for the better, as would the lives of the abusers that have such easy access to their substance.

Source:

MedlinePlus: Pain Relievers