By

CBS News Staff /

CBS News/ May 1, 2012, 10:20 AM

Five signs a loved one is abusing painkillers

4. Changes in appearance

itchy, woman, blonde, in bed, stop sign, stock, 4x3 istockphoto

According to Tirado it can be difficult to tell when someone is high on opioids, but the most common physical signs include "pinpoint pupils" (pupils that stay constricted, even in dim room light); sudden itching of the arms, stomach or legs; drooping eyes; flushing of the face and neck; head nodding; intense calm; and slurred speech.

When a person is experiencing painkiller withdrawal, they may show frequent yawning, runny nose, dilated pupils, sudden trips to the bathroom (nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea), joint pain (especially in the back and legs), "flu-like" feelings, and severe insomnia.

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TGreat98 says:
Great article except for one mistake at the very end...."if you or someone you know is DEPENDENT on prescription painkillers"...should be changed to ADDICTED. Dependent and addicted are two different things. Addiction is a self-destructive behavior while dependency is just that....the body has adapted to the medication and is therefore dependent upon it. People are dependent on many different types of drugs besides narcotics...prednisone comes to mind. A person must be weaned off of that. Certain blood pressure meds and antidepressants can cause dependency but certainly not addiction. There is a difference between addiction and dependency. Nearly every person who takes narcotics, legally or illegally, is dependent on them eventually. Addicts take it to another level completely....an illegal "I don't give a *darn* I'm going to get me more pills no matter what" level. Those who use them only to control chronic pain usually don't get high and aren't addicted; they are dependent and if the time comes when/if their doctor tells them its time to stop the narcotics then they go through the process of being weaned off them and that's the end of it. Big difference between addiction and dependence.
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behavioralhealthhawaii says:
You have some of the symptoms wrong I'm afraid. The "drowsiness" comes later. Initially you will see an increase in energy and productivity. This is not true for all users but many I work with report the most seductive part of the use is the energy it gives you. Please look into this and get it right CBS.

www.behavioralhealthhawaii.com
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audemus says:
All five symptoms could very well indicate depression as well.
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