Red Flags: Signs You’re Becoming Dependent on Post-Surgical Pain Meds

Recovering from surgery often involves managing pain, and prescription painkillers can be a vital part of this process. Opioids are the pain management method prescribed after 8 in 10 surgeries today. However, it’s alarmingly easy for necessary pain management to slide into opioid addiction. If you’re recovering from surgery and have started to notice some concerning changes in your drug use, you’re not alone.

At AMATA, a renowned medication-assisted treatment facility in Corona, CA, we understand the fine line between effective pain relief and drug dependency. Many patients feel frustrated and hopeless when they realize they might have a problem. We’re here to give you hope and provide a path forward. Recognizing and acknowledging the problem is always the first step, and this blog can help you do that.

Key Indicators of Pain Medication Dependency

Although each person may have a unique post-surgery journey, the path of addiction usually has very clear markers. Some of the signs that you may be dependent on pain medication are:

• Increased Tolerance: Finding that your usual dose no longer provides relief can lead to taking more than prescribed, a significant red flag.
• Preoccupation with Medication: Constantly thinking about your next dose or feeling anxious when your supply runs low indicates a psychological reliance.
• Using Medication for Non-Pain Reasons: Are you taking your pain medication only when in pain, or is it serving other purposes, too? Taking painkillers to alleviate stress and anxiety or to experience euphoria is a concerning behavior.
• Secrecy and Isolation: Does it feel like your loved ones don’t understand, leading you to hide your medication use? Withdrawing from social activities or hiding medication use can indicate a problem.
• Mood Swings and Behavioral Changes: Experiencing uncharacteristic mood swings, irritability, or changes in sleep patterns may be linked to medication misuse. This is far more likely to happen when you start using pain medicine for non-pain issues.
• Neglecting Responsibilities: Allowing medication use to interfere with work, school, or family obligations is a serious sign of dependency.
• Withdrawal Symptoms: When you don’t take the medication, do you feel awful? Experiencing physical symptoms like nausea, sweating, or shaking when not taking the medication points to physical dependence.

Steps to Take if You Recognize These Signs

If you recognize these signs, it’s time to reach out for support from the experts. At AMATA, we understand what you’re going through, and our team has extensive experience in safe, proven addiction recovery methods. We can help you have a comfortable recovery.

Pain Medication Dependency Treatment in Corona, CA

AMATA offers comprehensive treatment programs in Corona, CA. Contact our compassionate experts today at 888-682-6282 to schedule your consultation.