How to Recognize the Signs of Pain Killer Addiction

When a person is in pain, there is nothing like pain killers to make it easier to function again. Unfortunately, pain killers don't solve the problem, so eventually the prescription runs out and the pain returns. Because pain killers are physically and mentally addictive, people who are dependent on them will do just about anything to get their hands on them again. Follow these steps to see if you think you might be addicted to pain killers.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Be honest with yourself. If you have been taking pain killers and think that you might have a problem, you probably do.
2. Ask get yourself if it annoys you if your friends or family make comments about your drug use. Being defensive is a sign that you might have a problem.
3. Determine if you feel guilty about your use of pain killers. This is another sign that you might be addicted or moving toward addiction.
4. Think about whether you have ever used pain killers at a higher dose than prescribed. Have you used them to perk up in the morning or go to sleep at night? These are all signs of growing tolerance to the effects of the medication, which can lead to addiction.
5. See your doctor if you think you might be addicted to pain killers. There are a number of things that can be done to help you, depending on how far you have progressed. Things are not going to get better by themselves, so it's important that you are honest with yourself and take steps to correct the problem.