By

CBS News Staff /

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

Five signs a loved one is abusing painkillers

How to help

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Tirado said it's important to keep in mind that people who suffer from opioid dependence often face barriers that can make beginning treatment seem like a daunting task. Some of the most common barriers include a fear of suffering from cravings or withdrawal, the stigma associated with addiction, lack of knowledge about available treatments, and simply being too embarrassed to ask for help.

Office-based treatment with FDA approved medications is an excellent option for patients addicted to opioids who can see a doctor regularly, says Dr. Tirado. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, such treatments include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone - both in pill form or long-acting injection. In addition to in-office management, intensive outpatient (IOP) programs, individual chemical dependency counseling and residential programs are the most common forms of treatment available for people with an addiction.

If you or someone you know is dependent on prescription painkillers, you are not alone. Visit The Partnership at Drugfree.org for resources on where to find help.

3 Comments Add a Comment
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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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