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The pain killers in your medicine cabinet might start disappearing and things might go missing from your home. The things that go missing are most likely being sold for money to buy more pain killers. I am in seventh grade and have to do a project on pain killers. I am a strait A student but I don't know much, I just started researching hope I could help!

A few other signs:

-Check their pupils. If they are unusually constricted (pin-point) that's a good way of knowing that they're currently high on pain killers.

-If they're unusually chatty, laughing a lot, cracking jokes, and start randomly opening up and talking about things they normally wouldn't talk about. They can also seem very loving and a lot happier than normal. During the beginning stages of addiction, it gives the user energy and motivation to clean and get things done. They may become much more focused on tasks at hand, and much more interested in things that normally wouldn't be interesting or funny to them.

-Sudden financial problems. If they are suddenly complaining about not having any money or constantly asking you if you have a few bucks to spare, that's a good indication that things are starting to become dangerous.

-If they seem to be nodding off, slurring words, or not making sense. They may seem a little 'off.'

-A gradual change in behavior. This is also an indication that things are starting to spiral out of control for the user. If suddenly your friend, lover, offspring, sibling, etc. seems to start isolating themselves from activities and loved ones, this is a sign that they are either going through withdrawal, don't have enough pills to 'last them through the day,' or they just plain don't feel like it. Excuses to watch for: if they are suddenly constantly claiming they feel as though they are starting to catch a cold, or if plans were made days earlier and they were all for them, then suddenly 'something came up' is also a warning sign and a lie.

During the withdrawal stages, this is a very serious point in the addict's life. This is when they must make the choice to stay clean or just detox and 'only use occasionally.' Unfortunately, it is impossible for an addict to have 'self-control.' They will always want to push the envelope and say "screw it, I'll just do one more," or, "I'll be okay, I'll just use one more time this week." It doesnt work. It's true, once an addict, always an addict. The addict has very little self-control when it comes to pills because they are so powerful, they actually change your brain chemistry over time (thankfully though, if the user hasn't been overdoing it or using for TOO long, it is reversible). This leads to the addict relying entirely on pills to 'just get by.' Once they are broke and can no longer afford their pill of choice, they will either quit, go to heroin, or feed the addiction with other pills just to feel normal.

Signs of withdrawal/a serious addict who feels as though they "cannot quit" include:

-Decreased work ethic. Meaning, if were previously constantly on time to work and "kicking ass", then suddenly calling off work all the time, or moping around moving very slowly and in need of a bathroom break every 15 minutes, they are going through withdrawal. Also, again, try to notice their pupils. If they are unusually dilated (large), they are going through withdrawal. Also, their appearance will look absolutely wretched, because during withdrawal, the addict cannot sleep. If kept up enough, this will eventually lead to a sudden loss of job.

-Not caring about what they look like anymore. If they come into work or visit you while looking a hot mess, when they normally never do, is a good sign they are in trouble.

-Complete isolation. If they ignore you altogether without warning, especially after being so talkative and chipper, this is a warning sign.

-Sudden random increase of irritability

-Unusual defensiveness

-An "empty" look in the eyes that once seemed to "sparkle" with life

-Someone who seems to be suddenly bi-polar, going through ups and downs. This is an indication that the user can only afford drugs on certain days, or their dealer(s) cant get them their fix, so they must go through withdrawal until they can get their hands on something, anything. This symptom, however, only applies if most or all other symptoms above apply.

-If they ask you questions about pain killers or start talking about 'someone they know' who does pain killers. This may be an indication that they are subtly trying to call out for help, especially if they seem to have been experiencing the signs and symptoms stated above.

-Noticeable weight-loss (Again, only applies if most or all other symptoms apply).

One thing to take in account: If the user is addicted to opiates ONLY, there is no risk of death during opiate withdrawal, unless the user has a serious heart/medical condition. However, if they have been using Xanax, Ativan, Valium, or any other benzos for an extended period of time and they're addicted to benzos as well, that is when things become serious. Benzo withdrawal can lead to seizures or death.

If you suspect someone you know is addicted to pain killers, PLEASE confront them before it's too late. There are Methadone clinics, as well as a pill called Suboxone, which is actually recommended over Methadone, as Suboxone is easier to get off of than Methadone. However, Methadone clinics may be more suitable financially, since Suboxone is still a relatively new drug, and there are no generic versions available. A prescription for Suboxone is very pricey, even with insurance, and only certain pharmacies may carry it. Please assure them that you are there for them and want to help. If the addict sees that you are going to support them and still love them, they will be much more willing to comply, get help, and get clean :)

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