There is an alarming increase in the use of opiates and those dying from overdoses are increasing.
Opiates are a highly addictive type of drug, and we are commonly prescribed to alleviate pain. Prescriptions pain killers such as oxycodone, codeine, hydrocodone, morphine and fentanyl are among the many known types of opiate. Heroin, an illegal street drug, is also classed as an opiate. Because opiates are prescribed to alleviate pain for legitimate reasons and because of its highly addictive nature, it is possible to become addicted to opioids unintentionally.
If you have been prescribed an opioid to cope with pain and you re worried about becoming addicted, here are some signs to look for.
Developed a Tolerance
If you are beginning to abuse your prescription, even without realising that you are doing it, you will develop a tolerance to the drug. You will gradually need larger doses of the medication to experience the same benefits.
Withdrawal Symptoms
As your tolerance for the medications grows, you will become physically dependent on the drug. If you haven’t taken your prescription, you will start feeling the unpleasant symptoms of withdrawal; fatigue, possible nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and other flu-like symptoms.
Inability to Control Use
Impaired control over your use of opioids is another symptom of addiction. As you begin to take more medication than prescribed, you may ask for more or look for other supplies. You may shop for doctors, trying to find another physician to prescribe you more of the same medication.
Strong Desire for Opioids
Continued opiate abuse creates psychological dependence, which will cause cravings for the drug. If you have a strong desire to take opioids, you have been in the throes of opiate addiction.
If you are concerned that you may have developed a dependence, you must seek support. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to explore options or talk about how this is affecting your relationship.
