Most all individuals can empathize with the suffering that may occur from some sort of injury at one time or another in our lives. Some cases may be worse than that of others, but most seem to have some understanding of what is like to incur sever pain and the recovery process it all entails. Those who have not, can consider themselves the minority, and lucky few.
In recovering from broken bones, sprained ankles, tendinitis, or even something as serious as a devastating car crash; we are often given a healthy supply of pain medications by our physicians, to ease the suffering. In taking these prescription medications safely and as per our doctors recommendations, we may heal just fine. Although, there are cases in which an individual may become addicted to the feeling of a lesser pain, or a relaxed state of body. With this, there may be a chance of drug addiction after incurring an injury.
How do I know if my loved one is becoming addicted to their pain medications and/or prescription meds?
It is often the case that an individual who is becoming addicted to pain meds or prescription drugs, will over-exaggerate their pain level. They will immediately ask for the pain pills instead of finding other ways in which to minimize their pain. These ways may include: readjusting themselves in bed, readjusting their injured body part, loosening a bandage, etc. When this is the case, unfortunately you may be serving pills to a loved one who is becoming addicted to their prescription.
Another sign that your friend or family member may be becoming addicted, is when your loved one seems to be recovering in a healthy and complete manner, but are still falling into the habit of reaching for the prescription drugs. You may test your theory by taking the prescription away from the patient’s bedside, so that they must ask each time they are in need of their pills. This is a good way in which to monitor their drug use, and perhaps, abuse.
Yet another sign of possible addiction, is if the dosage continues to run out, before the refill is due; or before another bottle of the prescription is necessary. Monitor your friend or family member’s pill intake each day. If the pills are quickly disappearing, there may be an issue at hand.
Prescription medication must be taken with care, and is not prescribed to be a consistent way to avoid the issue at hand – an injury. When an individual is injured, a certain amount of pain should be expected. The meds are there to ease that pain, not numb the patient completely.
If you or somebody you care for is suffering from a potential addiction to prescription or pain medications, it is often best to speak directly with the professionals. A drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in your area may have the answers to questions you have been pondering. Rehabilitation programs are everywhere, and professionals within those centers and programs are ready and willing to be of service.
About the Author: Robert Shryoc is the Director of Development at the Stonegate Center, a Texas treatment center. The Texas drug rehab community serves people entangled in the physical, mental, social and spiritual bonds of chemical dependency. For more information about the residential treatment facility please visit http://www.stonegatecenter.com
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