Every day, millions of Americans take prescription drugs to deal with a host of issues. Pain pills help many people, but they’re also one of the most abused licit substances. Are you worried that someone you care about has a problem with painkillers? Learn to identify common signs of pain pill abuse so that you can provide the help your loved one needs.
Signs of Pain Pill Abuse: What to Look For
You might not realize right away that someone you know abuses painkillers. Signs aren’t always visible, and many people continue working or caring for their families without detection.
Maybe you don’t notice significant behavioral changes, so other signs of pain pill abuse to look for include:
More refills/empty bottles than expected: Does it seem like your loved one is going through prescription pills more quickly than they should? Are you finding empty bottles in the trash, although they were full just days ago?
- Financial problems: As a person uses more resources to secure drugs, they’ll have less to handle their responsibilities, like paying bills.
- Theft: Along with needing money to feed their habit, someone with an addiction may resort to stealing from family members.
- Mood changes: Does it seem like your family member is up one minute and down the next? Are they always irritable or angry?
- Drowsiness: Someone with a pill addiction may nod off at any time, and they’ll tire quickly.
- Changes in sleep patterns: Excessive sleep may indicate a problem, as well as periods of frantic wakefulness.
When you’re close to someone, you can usually tell if something is “off.” Even if they tell you they don’t need drug and alcohol rehab, trust your instincts if your gut says something is wrong.
Encouraging a Loved One to Get Help
It’s never easy knowing that a loved one is going through difficulties. You want to help, but they have to recognize they need treatment.
Let them know you care about them and want to see them get well. Be supportive and encourage your loved one to enter rehab for their own sake. Avoid enabling behaviors as much as possible.
Hopefully, with the right encouragement, they’ll take the big step toward getting treatment.
Start Your Recovery in Our Healing Environment
At Steps to Recovery in Levittown, Pennsylvania, you or a loved one can start making positive changes to overcome drug and alcohol addiction. We provide Intensive Outpatient and Partial Hospitalization programs, as well as outpatient services. Our facility has developed a strong reputation for fostering integrity and honesty in our customized approach to treatment.
The addiction recovery services we offer include:
- Prescription drug addiction rehab
- Drug addiction rehab programs
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
Drug and alcohol addiction doesn’t have to be a barrier to a bright future. If you see signs of pain pill abuse, call Steps to Recovery today at 866-488-8684.
