Approximately 30 percent of U.S. adults live with chronic pain, and many manage the pain with prescription medication. While narcotic painkillers reduce the feeling of pain, they are also designed to create an euphoric effect \u2014 a feeling that some come to crave. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are taking prescription pain medication exactly as prescribed by a licensed professional, you are less likely to become addicted to the medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some people can misuse the prescription painkillers and become addicted to them however, and these are the signs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. You think about the medication often.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the first signs that you\u2019re becoming dependent on pain medication is that you\u2019re constantly thinking about when you can take the medication next and if you have enough supply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. You take more than your doctor\u2019s prescribed.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You are taking more medication \u2014 or the medication more often \u2014 than your doctor has prescribed. Perhaps you feel that your doctor does not understand your level of pain or that he or she meant you can take it when you need to. This is a warning sign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. You are doctor hopping.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you go to more than one doctor for the same prescription, that\u2019s a red flag. If you switch doctors to find the prescription or see multiple doctors to get a larger supply, there\u2019s reason for concern. If you\u2019re seeing a doctor with a reputation of running a \u201cpill mill\u201d or being dishonest with your physician that you lost your medication, it\u2019s time to seek help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. You acquire the medication through various sources.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you feel like you do not have a large enough supply, and you are seeking other avenues to get the medication, these actions may signal addiction:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 Purchasing drugs on the internet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 Taking drugs from a sick friend or relative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 Buying other people\u2019s prescription medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 Stealing prescription pads from a doctor\u2019s office to write your own prescription.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 Hurting yourself so you can go to the emergency room to get a new prescription.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 Buying drugs on the street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. You\u2019ve been taking prescription pain medication for a while.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You began taking pain medication because something hurt, but now you are still using painkillers because you like the way it makes you feel. It\u2019s time to seek help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n