If you are abusing prescription painkillers, there is a possibility you are already addicted to them. Call 800-934-1582(Who Answers?) for information about safe, reliable rehab centers that can help you recover from addiction and the other consequences of substance abuse.

Are You Abusing Your Medication?

According to the National Library of Medicine, you must “always take narcotics as prescribed,” or you could experience the habit-forming effects of the drug. Whether you are

• Taking someone else’s medication.
• Taking your medication more often than prescribed.
• Taking your medication in higher doses than prescribed.
• Taking your medication via a different method than prescribed.
• Buying the drug online, from someone you know, etc.

or otherwise taking the drug in a way other than sanctioned by a medical professional, you are abusing narcotics. And because these drugs can cause such intense side effects, it is important to put an end to your abuse as soon as possible. But it may be time to ask yourself: are you already addicted?

Are You Addicted to Prescription Painkillers?

Ask yourself the questions below in order to find out if your abuse of prescription painkillers has turned into a full-blown addiction. It is important to answer the questions honestly and to consider the severity of your situation as you do so.

• Do you feel like you need to take painkillers every day to be able to function?
• When you are not taking these drugs, are you thinking about taking them?
• Have you noticed that your tolerance for the same dosage of narcotics has grown immensely?
• Have you started taking, or are you considering taking, more of the drug to combat this tolerance?
• When you are unable to get more of the drug or you are unable to use it, do you experience painful or uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms?
• Has more than one friend or family member voiced concerns about your substance abuse?
• Have you started doing illegal things to obtain more drugs (ex. Buying them, stealing prescription pads, doctor shopping, etc.)?
• Do the things, people, and activities that used to matter to you seem unimportant now?
• Have you been consistently feeling depressed, anxious, or apathetic?
• Do you only find enjoyment when you are on painkillers?
• Have you ever overdosed on these drugs?
• Have you experienced severe consequences associated with your substance abuse, be they
  • Medical?
  • Psychological?
  • Professional?
  • Personal?
  • Legal?
  • Financial?
• Despite these consequences, do you still feel unable to stop?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, especially the final one, you are likely already addicted to narcotics. According to the NLM, “Lack of control over drug abuse” is the defining symptom associated with addiction; this is because you are no longer able to stop on your own.

You will require professional addiction treatment in order to make a change.

Seek Narcotic Addiction Rehab Now

We will help you find a safe, reliable rehab program where you can begin your recovery from narcotic addiction. Call 800-934-1582(Who Answers?) to find a facility that will cater to your needs and help you make a change in your life for the better.