Know the Signs and Symptoms of Demerol Abuse
Demerol is a prescription painkiller used by people to support their healing journey. The challenge with this drug is the addictive potential for abuse. As one of many prescription drugs on the market, this painkiller can take over a person’s life when too much is used, inappropriately, and not for the right reasons. Learn more about the signs and symptoms of Demerol abuse in a loved one.
Signs of Abuse
A person who abuses Demerol is likely to experience similar symptoms across the board, perhaps at different times. These are just a few of those that may be experienced:
- Fatigue
- Constant itching
- Drowsiness
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Impulsiveness
- Irritability
- Doctor shopping for prescriptions
- Lying about drug use
- Stealing, lying, or cheating to get money for drugs
- Heightened mental health issues
Risk Factors
People who abuse prescription drugs are part of a growing epidemic. Opioid drug addiction is taking people’s lives by the thousands every year. Demerol is not talked about as much but that does not mean it is not dangerous. It does not have the same stigma attached at street drugs, but it is still killing people who abuse the drug. Tolerance is one reason a person may overdose. Their body is used to the drug and can handle more of it over time to get the same effect. When larger doses are taken, a person can risk their health and life due to:
- Seizures
- Heart attack
- Liver failure
- Confusion
- Difficulty breathing
Intervention and Help
Some people may notice addiction in a loved one and want to stage an intervention. This is one way to support someone by getting them the help they need. The family must express their feelings about drug use to them in a safe space. An interventionist who has training can be of good support in this way. However, not all interventions work to get a person into rehab. It may be too confrontational and they are not ready to accept the need for help. The family needs to be prepared to take the person straight away into rehab. Withdrawal may be one reason the person refuses treatment. It can be intense but rehab centers provide medically supervised detox for addiction to help taper them down and support withdrawal symptoms. Sometimes you just have to live through it for a few days to get on the other side of detox and realize the potential to live your best life is just ahead of you now in recovery. Rehab and community support will be essential to help a loved one who abuses Demerol seek long-term solutions for the help they need.
At Palmetto, we understand the struggle to get sober and clean. Our community support provides structure while trained counselors offer life skills training and therapeutic techniques to help you move past addiction. Our program provides special focus for professionals including chiropractors, nurses, doctors, lawyers, and more who need help with addiction recovery. Call us to find out more: 866-848-3001.
