Dating

Many people assume that drug addicts are people who use street drugs, that you could pick them out of a crowd and that they couldn’t possibly have anyone who was addicted to drugs in their life.  A lot of these same people have their eyes opened when they realize that they are dating a drug addict.  Many people who are addicted to drugs are not addicted to street drugs, they have jobs, and for the most part they act like everyone else.  It is only when you know the signs of drug addiction that you might notice the addictive behavior.

Some of the signs that you may notice if you are dating someone who is addicted to pain medication include but are not limited to:

? Claiming to be in great pain over minor injuries
? More reclusive behavior
? Secretive about visits to the doctor
? Seeing several different doctors for the same problem
? Packages of medications being ordered through the mail
? Changes in friends
? Slurring of speech
? Lying
? Stealing
? Changes in work habits
? Disregard for personal hygiene
? Anxiety about running out of medication

These are just some of the more common behaviors that you might notice in someone who is addicted to pain medication.  You may not notice all of these things right away and others may just take you awhile to catch onto if the person was already using when you met them.  When you do notice these behaviors you should not simply stand by and watch them continue.

You should try to bring up the issue to the person you are dating.  Let them know that you are worried about them, but don’t belittle the pain that they say they are in, because sometimes it is very real to them.  Let them know that you want to help them find a better way to manage their pain, and if they agree take steps to do this. 

Remember that you are not responsible for their addiction and that being in a relationship with an addict can be unhealthy for you.  You need to make sure that you take care of you while trying to help the person. Do all that you can to help them but at the end of the day, don’t settle for a life of living with someone who has an addiction.  It’s just not worth the frustration and often the heartbreak that often accompanies such a relationship.  It can be difficult to break off a relationship with a functional addict, but remember that drug addiction, whether it is street drugs or prescription drugs, is serious and unpredictable.