We often read about how to tell if we're addicted to prescription painkillers and what to do if we are addicted but rarely see ourselves as having a problem.
Few people wake up one morning suddenly addicted to prescription opiates. The process is typically more gradual and there are numerous opportunities for early intervention.
(1888PressRelease) May 21, 2012 - John Haines Executive Director of Pickerel Lake Recovery says, "We often read about how to tell if we're addicted to prescription painkillers and what to do if we are addicted but rarely see ourselves as having a problem." But what about the early signs - signs that could indicate the need to take action before we become dependent?
Haines further states, "Few people wake up one morning suddenly addicted to prescription opiates. The process is typically more gradual and there are numerous opportunities for early intervention." It is further noted that the earliest signs that your use of pain medication is beginning to cross the line into addiction are as follows:
-You're starting to use your pain medication to feel better, not just to ease pain.
-You're thinking about increasing your dose even though your doctor has not recommended it.
-You're starting to take the medication automatically, even though your pain has subsided.
-You're spending more and more time thinking about and getting medication.
-You've lost interest in non-drug pain management options.
Every year, more than 50 million prescriptions are written for opioid painkillers in Canada. Less than 20 percent of Canadians will use their medication for non-medical purposes, according to the National Institutes of Health. By staying alert to the indicators of dependency and talking to your doctor at the first warning signs, you increase the chances that you will benefit from the pain relief offered by prescription opiates without falling prey to addiction.
What is worse and we are seeing more of it is the increase of Heroin use among prescription drug users as the manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies have now changed to using a non abusive form of Oxy Contin called "Oxy-Neo" which has driven the street price of the old Oxy way up making Heroin a cheaper substitute, "Very Very dangerous", Says Haines and finally states, "With a format of awareness we will not see as many people in treatment for prescription drug dependence."