Demerol abuse can happen even when someone takes this opioid as prescribed. Many people don’t realize they can get addicted to the medication. Regular use can lead to tolerance, meaning you need more of the drug to feel its effects. It can also cause physical dependence, where your body feels bad if you stop taking it or take less.
Addiction to Demerol happens when someone starts to do harmful things to keep using the drug. Once addicted, it can be hard to stop, even if you want to. Quitting Demerol can cause withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and nausea, making it easy to relapse just to feel better. A treatment program with medical detox can help people stop using Demerol and get sober.
Read on to find out how to spot the signs of Demerol abuse and how to get effective treatment for opioid addiction.
Physical Signs of Demerol Abuse
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Recognizing the physical signs of Demerol abuse can help you understand if someone is struggling with addiction to opioids. Here are some signs to look for:
Drowsiness or sedation
The person might seem sleepy a lot, even during the day.
Small pupils
Their pupils may be smaller than usual, even in low light, making their eyes look unusual.
Slurred speech
They may not speak clearly, with their words sounding slurred or slow, making it hard to understand them.
Nausea and vomiting
Feeling sick to their stomach or throwing up frequently can lead to dehydration and other health problems.
Constipation
Having trouble going to the bathroom regularly can cause stomach pain and discomfort.
Itching
Scratching or itching, even without a rash or other skin condition, often leads to red or irritated skin.
Slow breathing
Breathing more slowly than usual can be dangerous and sometimes life-threatening if it becomes too severe.
Weight loss
Losing weight without trying, possibly due to poor eating habits, nausea, or loss of appetite.
Poor coordination
Having trouble with balance or coordination, making it hard to walk or move normally, and leading to frequent falls or accidents.
Changes in appearance
Looking unkempt or not caring about personal hygiene, such as not bathing, brushing teeth, or changing clothes regularly.
If you notice these signs in someone, talk to them and suggest they get help. A doctor or addiction specialist can provide the support and treatment needed to overcome Demerol abuse and start the path to recovery.
Demerol Abuse Symptoms
Recognizing Demerol abuse signs and symptoms can help you intervene if a loved one needs help. Common symptoms of
- Taking more than intended: Using Demerol in larger amounts or longer than planned.
- Wanting to cut down but can’t: Trying to stop or reduce use but not being able to.
- Spending a lot of time: Spending a lot of time getting Demerol, using it, or recovering from its effects.
- Cravings: Having strong urges to use Demerol.
- Problems at school, work, or home: Being unable to keep up at home, work, or school because of Demerol use.
- Continuing to use despite problems: Using Demerol even when it causes problems with family, friends, or work.
- Giving up activities: Stopping activities you used to enjoy because of Demerol use.
- Using in dangerous situations: Using Demerol in situations where it’s unsafe, like driving.
- Knowing it’s harmful but continuing: Knowing that Demerol is causing problems but continuing to use it.
- Tolerance: Needing more Demerol to get the same effect as before.
- Withdrawal: Feeling sick or having other unpleasant symptoms when not using Demerol.
If you or someone you know is showing these symptoms, ask for help. Talking to a doctor can be the first step toward getting better.
Treatment for Demerol Abuse
Treating Demerol abuse involves several important steps to help someone stop using this prescription painkiller safely:
Medical detox
The first step is to remove Demerol from the person’s body. This is done under medical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms, which can include sweating, chills, nausea, and muscle aches.
Behavioral therapy
Counseling helps the person understand their addiction and learn new ways to cope without drugs. Therapists might use CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) to change unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors.
Support groups
Joining support groups like NA (Narcotics Anonymous) can provide encouragement and advice from others who have faced similar challenges. These groups offer ongoing support and a sense of community.
Medications
Doctors might prescribe medications to help with withdrawal symptoms or to treat any co-occurring mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
Healthy lifestyle
Encouraging a healthy lifestyle is important. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and enough sleep can help improve overall well-being and reduce cravings for Demerol.
Aftercare
After the initial treatment, ongoing support helps prevent relapse. This can include continued therapy, support group meetings, and regular check-ins with a healthcare provider.
By following these steps, people can work towards overcoming Demerol abuse and achieving a healthier, drug-free life.
Call Addiction Hotline for Help with Prescription Drug Addiction
If you feel you need prescription drug rehab but you don’t know how to get started, call Addiction Hotline any time. All addictions are treatable, but they usually worsen over time if untreated.
Speak with a trained professional in complete confidence and they can answer your questions on addiction and recovery.
If you’re ready to detox from prescription drugs, hotline staff can refer you to detox centers in California. Staff can also connect you with inpatient rehabs, outpatient treatment centers, and addiction support groups to help you stay sober long-term.
For 24/7 help for addiction, call our recovery specialists today at 855-701-0479.
