Addiction recovery, Dual diagnosis

Signs You May Be Struggling with Prescription Opioids

Prescription opioids are often prescribed to help manage pain after surgery or for people dealing with chronic issues like arthritis or fibromyalgia. They work by binding to the opioid receptors in your brain, blocking pain and helping you feel more comfortable.

The problem is, they’re highly addictive. And if you were prescribed them for a legitimate medical reason, it’s easy to get caught off guard when you start to crave them. What begins as a way to manage pain turns into a crutch and before you know it, you’re struggling to imagine life without them.

If you’re wondering if you might be struggling with prescription opioids, congratulations are in order. Simply acknowledging this is a huge step in the right direction. Let’s get into the signs you might be addicted and why it happens in the first place. Then we’ll talk about how you can get the help you need and deserve.

The Thin Line Between Use and Misuse

Prescription opioids like oxycodone, hydrocodone and morphine are powerful medications that work by blocking pain signals to the brain. They’re effective in managing pain in the short term, especially after surgery or an injury.

The problem is, they also release a flood of dopamine in your brain, giving you a feeling of euphoria. And that’s when trouble starts. You might think you’re just being responsible and taking extra pills when the pain lingers longer than it should. Or maybe you’re using them when you don’t even have pain because you just love the way they make you feel. Either way, it’s misuse. And before you know it, you’re hooked.

9 Signs You Might Be Struggling With Prescription Opioids

How do you know if you’re struggling with opioids? Here are a few red flags to consider:

1. Taking More Than Prescribed

Are you crushing your pills or taking more than you were prescribed? If so, this is a huge sign you might be struggling. One or two extra pills might not seem like a big deal but before you know it, it becomes a habit. If you’re finishing your prescription early or doctor shopping for more, it’s time to reevaluate.

2. Craving Them

Do you find yourself thinking about opioids when you wake up in the morning and before you go to bed at night? Are you preoccupied with when you can get your next fix? Cravings are a sign your body is dependent on them and it’s time to get help.

3. Hiding Your Use

Are you sneaking around to get your pills or hiding them from loved ones? If so, it’s likely you know your use is wrong and you’re trying to keep it a secret. Shame and guilt are normal feelings when you’re struggling with addiction but it’s important to remember you’re not alone.

4. Hiding Your Symptoms

Are you taking meds for other ailments like headaches or taking advantage of friends and family’s prescriptions? If so, you’re likely trying to self-medicate pain and symptoms of withdrawal. This is a dangerous game and can lead to serious health consequences, even overdose.

5. Withdrawal

Do you get the shakes, feel nauseous or experience anxiety when you don’t have your medication? These are common withdrawal symptoms that can occur when your body is dependent on opioids. You might feel anxious or restless, have cold flashes or experience muscle and bone pain. These symptoms are uncomfortable and can be intense, making it hard to imagine a life without your medication. But you can. And you should.

6. Using for Emotional Relief

Are you taking opioids more frequently because you’re stressed, anxious or depressed rather than in pain? This is a huge sign you’re using them as a crutch. Life is hard and sometimes you just need a break from it all. But opioids will only mask your emotions for so long. Eventually, you’ll forget what it’s like to feel true happiness and joy. And when those pills wear off, you’ll be right back where you started with a heap of feelings you’d rather avoid.

7. Doctor Shopping

Are you seeing multiple doctors for the same reason? If so, this is a huge warning sign. You might convince yourself you just want to make sure you don’t run out of medication but seeking out different doctors for extra pills is a huge red flag. It’s a risky behavior that can lead to serious consequences, including losing your prescription and even facing criminal charges.

8. Losing Time or Energy

Are you calling in sick to work or canceling plans with friends and family because you’re tired or in pain? This is a sign your opioid use is affecting your daily life. Over time, misuse can cause you to lose interest in hobbies and activities you once loved. You might feel fatigued more often than not or experience flu-like symptoms that make it hard to get out of bed.

9. Hiding Your Symptoms

Are you hiding how much you’re taking or stashing pills from loved ones? If so, you’re likely aware that your use is wrong and trying to keep it a secret. Shame and guilt are normal feelings when you’re struggling with addiction but it’s important to remember you’re not alone.

Why Is It So Hard to Stop?

Opioids change the way your brain works. Over time, your body adjusts to having them by altering the production of natural painkillers. This is called tolerance and it’s a sneaky thing. You might not even notice it until you can’t get high on enough pills to feel the same effect.

When you try to stop or cut down, your brain and body freak out. You might experience flu-like symptoms, anxiety, depression or even seizures. It’s a scary and uncomfortable process that can make you feel like you’ll never be able to quit. But you can. And you should.

The Ripple Effect of Opioid Misuse

Your struggle with opioids doesn’t just affect you; it can impact everyone and everything in your life. Loved ones might feel helpless and frustrated trying to understand what you’re going through. You might be spending money on extras or lying to friends and family about where you are and what you’re doing. Your physical health is at risk, too, with long-term use causing respiratory issues, liver damage and increased risk of overdose.

If you see the way opioid misuse is affecting these areas of your life, it’s time to seek help. You deserve so much more than just surviving. You deserve to thrive.

Taking the First Step

Deciding to get help is the hardest part. It can feel overwhelming but you don’t have to do it alone. Here’s how you can begin:

Confide in Someone You Trust: A good friend, family member or therapist can help you feel heard and understood. You don’t have to have all the answers; just knowing you’re willing to talk about your feelings is a huge step.
Talk to a Professional: A doctor or addiction specialist can help you figure out where to go from here. They can assess your situation and recommend treatment options that are right for you.
Go Through Medically Supervised Detox: If you’re physically dependent on opioids, detoxing under the care of a medical team is the first step toward recovery. It’s not fun but it is necessary to get you clean and ready for treatment.
Enroll in a Treatment Program: A program like Jaywalker can help you overcome the struggles of opioid addiction. We create a safe, supportive environment for you to focus on your recovery.

What to Expect in Treatment

Recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all; it’s about finding what works for you. Here’s what you might experience in treatment:

Talk Therapy

One-on-one or group counseling can help you identify why you turned to opioids in the first place and learn new ways to handle stress and emotions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common and effective approach.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medications like buprenorphine or methadone can help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. They’re often used in conjunction with therapy to increase your chances of long-term success.

Peer Support

Surrounding yourself with others who understand what you’re going through can be a game-changer. Peer support groups like 12-step programs offer camaraderie and accountability.

Learning to Live

Recovery isn’t just about quitting opioids; it’s about living the life you want. Treatment programs like ours offer life skills training to help you handle stress, set goals and rebuild relationships.

You’re Not Alone

Are you struggling with prescription opioids? You’re not alone. Jaywalker helps men just like you overcome addiction and find a new way. Our dual diagnosis treatment center is designed to support you every step of the way.

You can take that first step today. Reach out to Jaywalker and let’s get started on helping you take back control. You’re stronger than you think and we’re here to help you discover that strength.

Stefan Bate, MA, LAC, CCTP Chief Clinical Officer

Stefan Bate, BA, MA, LAC holds a Master's Degree in Applied Psychology from Regis University and is a Licensed Addiction Counselor in the state of Colorado. Stefan has wide-ranging experience in the field of addiction recovery including: working as a recovery coach, therapist, and program director.

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