Every person addicted to controlled substances has a unique story about how they began to misuse drugs. For instance, some people experimented with party drugs just for fun or gained access to prescriptions originally meant to alleviate pain then began using those substances every day. Spotting narcotics addiction signs can determine if a person needs help quitting the use of drugs.
What are narcotics?
This category of drugs includes both opioids and analgesics often prescribed to relieve moderate or severe pain. Examples of narcotics pain medications include codene, Oxycontin, morphine or fentanyl as well as heroin or opium.
Doctors usually administer narcotics for short-term pain relief. However, some patients start to show signs of becoming addicted and use the medication more than just for reducing pain.
Narcotics Addiction Signs
A primary reason why patients misuse narcotics is the fact that these types of drugs provide users with an euphoric “high.” This often begins a pattern of risky behavior that could result in the development of an addiction.
Narcotics addiction signs include the following:
- Increased tolerance to the substance – After prolonged narcotics use, a person typically needs an increased amount of a substance to achieve desired results. For instance, maybe the need for only one or two pills resulted in a “high” at first. However, that same individual might now require four or five pills to experience euphoria.
- Preoccupation with obtaining drugs – When the thoughts of finding ways to get drugs takes up most of a person’s day, that might be a sign of an addiction. Constantly looking for the next party were supplies might be prevalent could also qualify as addictive behavior.
- Acquiring substances without prescribed authorization – For instance, a person might find a supply of narcotics from a family member, neighbor, co-worker or friend. It could be the same as what was originally prescribed by the doctor or a new one.
- Withdrawals when trying to abstain from use – Some people experience intense cravings that do not seem to disappear until taking more drugs. Other people might have the shakes and have headaches after a period of abstinence. They also could become nauseous, anxious and irritable when not using.
How to Get Help When Addicted
If you believe you possess the signs of being addicted to narcotics, please contact us to schedule an assessment. After an initial evaluation, we will present you with a variety of treatment options during which time you could be placed in one of our residential or outpatient programs.
In the process, you will also receive help during the detoxification phase. In addition, you could participate in our extended care program. You could also apply to be a resident of one of our sober living homes where we would further help you maintain long-term sobriety.
