Warning Signs of Prescription Painkiller Dependency

Most commonly prescribed opioid painkillers (OxyContin, Vicodin, methadone, Darvocet, Lortab, Lorcet and Percocet), while offering relief from pain, can also cause individuals’ bodies to start needing the drugs in order to feel normal.

Here are 10 warning signs to watch for if you think someone you know may be developing a painkiller addiction:

• 1. Increase of one’s dose over time as a result of growing tolerant to the drug and needing more to get the same effect.
• 2. Change in personality and shifts in energy, mood and concentration as a result of everyday responsibilities becoming secondary to the need for the drug.
• 3. Social withdrawal from family and friends.
• 4. Ongoing use of painkillers after the medical condition they were meant to relieve has improved.
• 5. Spending large amounts of time obtaining prescriptions: driving great distances and visiting multiple doctors to obtain the drugs.
• 6. Change in daily habits and appearance: decline in personal hygiene, change in sleeping and eating habits, constant cough, running nose and red, glazed eyes.
• 7. Neglect of household chores and bills; calling in sick to school or work more often.
• 8. Increased sensitivity to normal sights, sounds and emotions; hallucinations.
• 9. Forgetting events that have taken place and experiencing blackouts.
• 10. Becoming defensive and lashing out in response to simple questions in an attempt to hide a drug dependency.

Updated: 2025