Recognizing opiate addiction in others is difficult but recognizing it in yourself is even more so. No one wants to admit that they are addicted to their painkillers or worse yet heroin. Unfortunately, the best way to seek treatment is if you understand that you are an addict. There are many ways to recognize that you are addicted to opiates.

Losing Control of Your Opiate Use

Losing control is not just losing emotional control, it is losing control of what you are taking. According to the National Center on Drug Abuse, some signs that you are losing control of your opiate use are:

• Calling for refills early
• Seeks opiates from other sources
• Doctor shopping
• Withdrawal symptoms when you do not have opiates
• Saying that you lose or someone stole your prescription
• Losing prescriptions

These are all signs that you have lost control of your opiate use. Most people who are losing control do not realize it until they have already slipped into these behaviors.

Cravings and Preoccupation

If you are craving your opiates, not just because you are in pain but like you cannot like without them, chances are you are an addict. Usually cravings lead to preoccupation.

Preoccupation is thinking about the drug all of the time. You feel as if you cannot live without the drug. You plan out ways to get the opiates in elaborate ways. You think of doing things that you would never have thought about doing before.

Your Relationships Suffer

You family and friends have noticed the change in you and worry. They might mention how much you are sleeping or how much of a drug you are taking. They become concerned about your habits and may even questions whether or not you are taking too much.

Fortunately there is help available. If you recognize yourself as an opiate abuse or even question if you are, chances are you need opiate addiction treatment.