Prescription pain medications are intended to help people manage pain safely, but they also carry a high risk for misuse and addiction. When a loved one begins abusing pain medication, it can be difficult to recognize the signs, especially if they were initially prescribed the medication for a legitimate reason. ALANA Recovery understands how challenging it can be to identify and address substance misuse in a loved one. Our prescription drug addiction treatment program provides support, education, and recovery solutions for people struggling with pain medication misuse. If you’re worried about someone close to you, here are three critical signs to watch for.
3 Warning Signs of Pain Medication Misuse
1. Changes in Behavior and Mood
One of the earliest warning signs of pain medication misuse is noticeable changes in a person’s behavior or mood. Since prescription opioids and other commonly misused prescription medications affect brain chemistry, they can significantly alter how a person feels, thinks, and interacts with others.
Behavioral changes to look for:
- Increased secrecy or defensiveness – They may avoid answering questions about their medication use or become irritated when asked.
- Shifts in social circles – They may withdraw from family and longtime friends or begin spending time with new acquaintances who encourage drug use.
- Neglecting responsibilities – Missing work, skipping school, or avoiding household duties can be a sign of misusing prescription medication.
- Frequent “lost” prescriptions – A loved one may claim to misplace their medication frequently and seek early refills.
Mood swings can also indicate an issue, with individuals fluctuating between extreme euphoria when under the influence and irritability or depression when the medication wears off.
2. Physical Symptoms of Pain Medication Misuse
When someone is abusing pain medication, their body often shows warning signs. While many opioids and other commonly misused prescription medications can be beneficial when taken as directed, misuse can cause noticeable physical side effects.
Physical signs to watch for:
- Drowsiness or sedation – Your loved one may appear excessively tired, have difficulty staying awake, or frequently “nod off.”
- Pinpoint pupils – Opioid pain medications can cause pupils to shrink to an unusually small size.
- Slowed breathing or respiratory distress – Shallow breathing or frequent shortness of breath can indicate high doses of opioids in the system.
- Unexplained weight loss – A decrease in appetite and neglecting nutrition are common side effects of pain medication misuse.
If your loved one exhibits any of these physical symptoms, addressing the situation before it worsens is important.
3. Increased Need for Medication and Doctor Shopping
Another major sign of misusing prescription medication is an increased reliance on painkillers, often leading to “doctor shopping.” Individuals may seek additional prescriptions or higher doses as tolerance builds to maintain the same effects.
Red flags for doctor shopping:
- Visiting multiple doctors or urgent care centers to obtain extra prescriptions.
- Exaggerating symptoms to receive higher doses.
- Requesting early refills before the medication should run out.
- Expressing anxiety or desperation when unable to access pain medication.
These behaviors indicate a growing dependency and an urgent need for professional help.
How ALANA Recovery Supports Overcoming Pain Medication Misuse
If you’re worried that your loved one may be struggling with pain medication misuse, acting early can make all the difference. At ALANA Recovery, we’re here to support both the physical and emotional challenges that come with prescription drug addiction.
We offer personalized treatment options to help your loved one on their path to recovery. Our detox provides a secure and supportive withdrawal process, while individual and group therapy sessions focus on uncovering and addressing the root causes of their addiction. Through evidence-based techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), we help build healthier coping skills. Plus, our relapse prevention planning provides the tools needed to stay on track for long-term success.
ALANA Recovery provides support so that you or your loved one will never navigate the journey of addiction recovery alone.
Reach Out to ALANA Recovery Today
If you or someone you care about is abusing pain medication, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. Don’t wait for the situation to escalate—reach out to ALANA Recovery today. We’re here to provide compassionate care and personalized solutions for prescription drug addiction. Contact us online or call 770.759.7474 now to learn more about our treatment options and how we can support you on your path to recovery.