Last updated : December 23, 2024
Painkillers are both powerful and valuable tools in the field of medicine. Without them, many of our modern procedures would be impossible, as the subjects would find themselves unable to deal with the lingering pain from what might be a vital, life-saving procedure. However, like any tool, painkillers can be abused, and quite often are. In 2007, 2.5 million Americans first used a prescription painkiller for recreation; by contrast, 2.1 million first smoked marijuana the same year. In addition, painkillers result in more deaths each year than heroin and cocaine combined. If you’re concerned that a friend or loved one may be abusing painkillers, you probably want to know what warning signs you should look for. This article will list some of the most common signs of painkiller abuse.
Vomiting: Obviously, vomiting is such a common symptom of so many things that, in and of itself, the only thing it conclusively proves is, well, vomiting. However, if you notice vomiting in combination with other symptoms on this list, you might want to consider painkiller abuse as the cause.
Contracted pupils: The pupils of our eyes expand and contract to let in varying amounts of light, depending on the ambient light in the area. Painkiller abuse causes the pupils of the abuser to contract to pinpoints – so small as to be barely visible. There are very few sicknesses that can cause contracted pupils, so it is a much more reliable sign than vomiting.
Blackouts: Painkiller abusers will often have memory blackouts or fugues, a state in which they are seemingly conscious and lucid but which they have no memory of after the fact. Confusion or apparent memory loss may point towards prescription painkiller abuse.
Cold, sweaty skin: This symptom generally occurs only in the event of an overdose, and is accompanied by uncontrollable trembling, trouble breathing, and confusion. If the overdose is severe enough, the abuser may pass into a coma as well.
These are all direct signs of abuse – they are caused by the effect the drugs have on the abuser’s body. Painkiller addiction has secondary signs as well, which are caused by the addict’s need to get more of the drug and willingness to go to great lengths to get it.
Usage: Of course, painkillers are prescribed all the time, and most patients will not abuse their prescriptions. However, there are a few things to look for on the subject. If the dosage gradually goes up and up over time, and especially if the patient continues to take medication after their condition has improved, abuse is probably occurring. In addition, abusers may drive long distances and visit numerous doctors and pharmacies in order to obtain as many pills as possible. Long, unexplained weekly or monthly trips can be considered a warning sign.
Change in habits: As with vomiting, there is a long, long list of conditions that can cause someone to drastically change their lifestyle; however, it can be an early warning sign and, regardless of the cause, should spark interest and concern. Lifestyle changes in painkiller abusers most commonly include decreased hygiene, ignoring household chores and responsibilities, neglecting work or school, and changes in sleeping or eating habits.
Painkiller abuse causes serious problems for the abusers and for their friends and family. If you suspect someone you care about is abusing painkillers, confront them or call their doctor. Addiction is a disease, and like any other, it can be cured with the proper treatment – but it must be diagnosed first.
