Heroin users are only the beginning of the issue when it comes to those who are addicted to opiates, many people are struggling with their addiction to prescription painkillers. These painkillers may be prescribed by doctors to relieve intense pain, or they might be obtained illegally from drug dealers or even a friend. Regardless of where it came from, addiction is a great possibility and a serious problem to those who are taking these painkillers. There is no stereotype associated to those addicted to opiates, many people become addicted after a doctor innocently prescribes them a painkiller to ease any chronic or sudden unbearable pain.

It is important to understand the symptoms of opiate addiction to fully understand the problem. Soon after the addiction has started differences in mood and behavior will follow. Frequent trips to the doctor, fake illnesses or injuries, even self-inflicted wounds are all major signs that an addiction is present. Generally, the user will be very irritable and restless when they are in need of more opiates. Other things to look out for are physical appearance changes such as loss of weight, and also changes of lifestyle such as not showing up for work. Another important thing to look out for is not only signs of opiate addiction but signs of withdrawal from the drugs including but not limited to cold sweats, vomiting, and severe behavior. If these are noticed, realize the person still has an addiction and a problem but help them through these symptoms, if they can overcome the withdrawal of the drugs along with some outside help their addiction can be conquered.

Overcoming opiate addiction is not a short, easy struggle. It takes time and often many tries to quit the abuse of these painkillers. Luckily there is help out there for those willing to try to rid themselves of addiction, because no matter how much help is available if the person makes no effort towards quitting the addiction will only continue. Treatment centers, counseling, group therapy, and 12-step programs are just some of the help that is available to treat opiate addiction. Not every program works for every person, it may take numerous attempts at different options with episodes of relapse. Relapse does not mean the help is not working, it is a part of the rehabilitation process and simply means the user must not give up but continue to try to overcome their addiction, simply using a different method or trying harder.