Most people tend to think of drug addicts as unclean, uncaring individuals who would stab their own grandmothers for a "fix," but that scene has rapidly changed in the United States. More and more ordinary people who would otherwise never reach for a drug are becoming dependent on the painkillers they're prescribed following an accident or injury. It can be a very quick trip from recovering patient to recovering addict, and if this scenario sounds familiar, you need to act quickly.

Face The Facts

If you know you have a problem with painkillers, don't deny it, even temporarily. Believing you can't function without your prescriptions, being preoccupied with taking them, or worrying that your doctor will suddenly cut you off are all indications that the medicine has taken hold of you. While being consumed mentally is a warning sign of addiction, you may also have physical symptoms:

• Increased pain sensitivity
• Sweating
• Constipation
• Low libido
• Appetite changes

As the drug takes hold of you, you may notice other changes in your thinking and physical functioning, and it's important that you recognize what's happening, so you can get help.

Don't Crucify Yourself

Millions of Americans are facing the same problem as you. Rather than being the chronically homeless or frequently imprisoned types, many opioid addicts are typical moms and dads living in suburbia, who became addicted in a way similar to you. Painkillers, prescribed for excruciating circumstances by physicians, are very easy to become dependent on, no matter who you are. Addiction to any substance isn't exclusive to criminals or those leading desperate lives, it's a human condition everyone needs to be aware of and as such, isn't something you should crucify yourself for. Being hard on yourself could simply lead to covering up the problem and suffering in solitude. Accept that you're human and this can easily happen to anyone.

Reach Out For Professional Substance Abuse Help

Opioid addiction can be very challenging to overcome; however, with the right professional guidance, you can do it. Ask your doctor what options are available to you and how they might affect your mind and body. There are different forms of treatment, from traditional "cold turkey" to substitute medications you might gradually come off of, such as methadone or buprenorphine. Also, joining a support group of people just like you can be very helpful. You'll feel relieved that others understand what you're going through and take comfort in the fact that they've beat their addictions, just like you can.

Follow Through With The Program

Whatever treatment your doctor recommends, stick with it. While you may not fit the typical profile of a "drug abuser," you're still vulnerable to the vice of addiction. Try to plan your whole life right now around getting clean, and be aware of what possible side-effects you might experience during withdrawal:

• Being in a constant state of agitation
• Having anxiety
• Not being able to sleep
• A faster than usual heartbeat
• Diarrhea and vomiting
• Muscle spasms and cramps, shaking, and even physical pain in your joints and limbs

No matter how difficult withdrawal is, keep telling yourself that this is a temporary situation and that symptoms will improve.

Be True To Yourself And Those Who Love You

There are likely a few people who have witnessed your transformation from drug-free individual to painkiller addict who have wanted to reach out and help you. Maybe they even tried to help at a certain point, but were not successful. These are the people who will now help you through your battle and return to a drug-free life, so open up to them about what's going on and ask them directly for their help. That help may simply be in the form of joining you for a coffee on an afternoon you feel weak in your resistance to painkillers, or it could mean driving you to and from a treatment session or support group. No matter what, though, you need to be true to those around you and yourself about your situation and what it will take to get you living a clean and sober life.

Pain is difficult to live with, but sometimes, the medicine people are prescribed to get through that pain becomes irresistible. It sets off the dopamine reaction in the brain and before long, you have no control over your life. Stop this situation in its tracks by getting the substance abuse treatment you need and hopefully, you'll be back to your normal life soon. For more information, contact local professionals like those found at Bridgeway Recovery Services Inc.