Demerol, also known as meperidine, is one of the opiate painkillers available for those who have severe pain. It is very similar to morphine in the way that it acts to change the way that the brain senses pain. Also like morphine, it is very easy to abuse.

If someone you know is considering taking Demerol without a prescription or is taking more than prescribed, you should know a few things about Demerol abuse.

How Demerol is Abused

Demerol comes in both a tablet and as syrup. It is designed for people to take it orally. Unfortunately, people who abuse Demerol crush the pills to snort or inject it. They might mix the liquid with other medications or with alcohol.

Both forms are very dangerous because taking more than the recommended amount can cause severe side effects, including overdose. Crushing the time-release capsules allows more than the regular dosage into your system at once. If you or someone you know abusing Demerol, call 800-934-1582(Who Answers?) , before it is too late.

Signs of Demerol Abuse

Someone who is abusing Demerol will begin to show certain signs of Demerol abuse or addiction. These signs are divided into three categories, physical, mental, and general.

Physical signs

According to the National Library of Medicine, the physical signs of Demerol abuse are:

• Acting sedated
• Deteriorating physical appearance
• Needle or track marks on skin
• Pinpoint pupils
• Slowed or labored breathing

Mental Signs

Demerol acts on opioid receptors in the brain. This can cause a variety of noticeable mental symptoms. The mental signs of Demerol abuse:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Rapid mood swings
• Anger and agitation especially when Demerol is not available
• Abusive behavior towards friends and loved ones
• Loss of emotional control
• Nervousness
• Restlessness
• Confusion
• Inability to think clearly
• Lack of attention or focus
• Inability to respond appropriately in conversation
• Overly relaxed or euphoric
• Nodding out or dazed appearance
• Obsessive behavior especially when it comes to the Demerol use

All of these signs appear when someone is actively abusing Demerol. The more that they use the more of these effects they are likely to have.

General signs

According to the Mayo Clinic, there are some general signs that someone is abusing any drug including Demerol, these signs are:

• Stealing to get the money for Demerol
• High risk behaviors such as sex for money or the Demerol
• Absence from work or school
• Tardiness to work or school
• Losing prescriptions
• Stealing prescriptions
• Stealing other people’s pain medication especially Demerol

Most people addicted to Demerol or another opiate display these signs.

Demerol Abuse Treatment

Demerol abuse treatment is essentially opioid addiction treatment. The traditional treatments for Demerol abuse are:

• Medication assisted treatment
• Medication maintenance and management
• Behavioral therapy and counseling
• 12 step treatment
• Combination treatment

There are also some alternative treatments available such as:

• Traditional Chinese medicine
• Acupuncture and acupressure
• Herbal medicine
• Holistic medicine

Many treatment centers now combine alternative and traditional treatment methods.

Finding Demerol Abuse Treatment

You can find Demerol abuse treatment by calling 800-934-1582(Who Answers?) . We can help you find the right Demerol addiction treatment program for you or someone you love.