For anyone concerned someone they know may be addicted to opioids, these ten warning signs from the Foundation for a Drug-Free World can help you decide if it’s something you should look into further.
(republished from the Utica, New York, Observer-Dispatch)
When pain pills become a problem
Prescription painkillers can relieve pain, but the body can, over time, start to depend on them. Here are 10 warning signs of dependency from the Foundation for a Drug-Free World:
1. Dosage increases as tolerance increases and more medication is needed for the same effect.
2. Personality changes with shifts in energy, mood and concentration.
3. Social withdrawal from family and friends.
4. Use that continues after the medical condition for which they were taken improves.
5. Large amounts of time spent on getting prescriptions, such as by driving long distances or seeing multiple doctors.
6. Changes in habits and appearance, such as less attention to personal hygiene; changes in sleeping and eating habits; and a constant cough, runny nose and red eyes.
7. Neglecting responsibilities, such as chores, bill paying and calling sick to work.
8. Greater sensitivity so that sights, sounds and emotions become too much
9. Blackouts and forgetfulness.
10. Defensiveness over simple questions over fear of discovery
The Foundation for a Drug-Free World is a nonprofit public benefit corporation that empowers youth and adults with factual information about drugs so they can make informed decisions to live drug-free. It is one of the humanitarian campaigns supported by Scientologists and the Church of Scientology.
Through its worldwide network of volunteers and partnerships, the Foundation for a Drug-Free World has distributed more than 80 million drug education booklets since 2006.
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