The warning signs of a pill addiction may appear slowly at first. Perhaps there are a few extra empty pill bottles in the trash, or maybe someone in the family runs out of medication earlier than they should. Pill addiction claims the lives of around 23,000 people every year, devastating communities and families. As sad as these losses are, there is hope for those still struggling against their drug use. By learning to identify the warning signs of pill addiction, more people can get the treatment they need to reclaim control over their lives and regain a healthy future.
Why Are Pills Addictive?
Prescription pills, especially those containing opioids, encourage the brain to release elevated levels of dopamine, creating feelings of pleasure and well-being for the user. Sedatives and stimulants, such as Xanax and Ritalin, similarly create feelings of relaxation or energy. When the sense of well-being wears off, fatigue and feelings of depression may take its place. This creates a cycle in which the user must take increased dosages of the medication to achieve the same initial high, and must continue using regularly or suffer the effects of withdrawal. When getting high and getting more drugs becomes the main focus of daily activities, the individual in question may be addicted to pills.
Is It A Pill Addiction? Signs and Behaviors to Watch For
There are several behavioral and physiological cues that may signal a pill addiction. For example, someone suffering from an addiction to pills will likely take steps to hide it. This can include lying, hiding pill bottles, and unexplained financial problems. An addict may leave a room to use and return in a different mood or level of energy. Other signs of pill addiction include a practice called “doctor shopping,” wherein an individual visits several different doctors to obtain prescriptions and fills them at different pharmacies. They may refuse to adhere to a doctor’s directions or may not have a legal prescription at all. One of the most telltale signs of pill addiction is an inability to stop taking the drug, even if they’ve expressed a desire to stop.
What to Do If Someone Is Addicted to Pills
If you or someone you love may be suffering from a pill addiction, signs of distress should never be ignored. Talk to them when they’re sober and receptive, and make sure that you’ve done your research on the types of programs available to treat addiction. BetterAddictionCare has several guides and resources to help you get started. Above all, remember to be kind and compassionate. Addiction can change the way a normally loving person thinks and reacts. If you need help, don’t be afraid to speak with a counselor or doctor.
Once the individual has agreed to seek treatment, BetterAddictionCare will help you find an accredited, cost-effective rehabilitation center. We are proud to include some of the country’s top facilities in our nationwide recovery network, and our customized pre-screening assessment can help sort through those facilities to find the best program match for you or a loved one. Our team of highly trained Client Care Specialists can help coordinate any transportation and public or private insurance requirements, and the facilities in our network offer medically-assisted detox, designed to keep clients safe and comfortable as they go through the first stages of addiction recovery.
Pill addiction may be an unpleasant diversion from the road, but it doesn’t have to mean the end of the journey. Call today or fill out our contact form to start healing and get sober with the care and dedication of a professional rehab recovery team.
